Thread veins, spider veins, or “telangiectasia” are small, dilated blood vessels that become visible close to the skin’s surface, presenting as fine red, blue or purple lines. Commonly occurring on the face (cheeks, nose, chin) and legs, these superficial veins result from weakened vessel walls and poor vascular function, leading to chronic dilation and reduced ability to contract.
Common causes of thread veins include:
- Genetic predisposition: a family history of vascular concerns
- Sun exposure: UV damage which weakens capillary walls
- Hormonal changes: pregnancy, menopause, and contraceptive use
- Lifestyle factors: alcohol, smoking, excessive heat exposure
- Skin conditions: thread veins are often associated with rosacea and chronic inflammation
- Pressure-related causes: prolonged standing, high-impact exercise, or trauma to the area
Because thread veins occur in superficial blood capillaries, they do not serve a significant circulatory function, meaning they are treatable using non-invasive removal methods. The most effective of these treatments includes IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and Vascular Lasers. Light energy is absorbed by oxyhaemoglobin in the blood, which heats then collapses the vessel, allowing it to be reabsorbed naturally by the body.
New thread veins can develop over time due to genetic and lifestyle factors, so ongoing maintenance and prevention (SPF protection, avoiding extreme temperature changes etc) are essential for long-term results.
A common condition that tends to crop up with age, thread veins (or spider veins) are those small red or purple lines that appear on cheeks, nose, chin and legs. As we get older, they can get darker and become more visible. While perfectly harmless, they can cause skin to look uneven or flushed, which is why so many people decide to have them treated.
Luckily, treatment is easy, effective and completely safe. Using our advanced IPL and laser therapies we target each tiny, broken capillary with enough light energy to heat and collapse the vein, which the body the naturally clears away. For larger thread veins, which usually occur on the legs, we may recommend sclerotherapy, an injectable treatment that gradually fades visible veins.
Treatments are quick, minimally invasive, and require no downtime from your daily routine. They leave your skin looking clearer, brighter, and more even-toned. With the right care, including SPF protection and gentle skincare, we can help you maintain long-lasting results that keep your skin looking healthy, refreshed, and blemish free.
Tailored to Your Needs
Is my skin type suitable for this treatment?
This treatment is suitable for anyone with any skin type.
How will I feel during the treatment?
If you choose IPL treatment this is a gentle treatment with no downtime and less side effects than medication. The IPL treatment feels warm and like an elastic band flicking on the skin.
If you choose laser treatment then this is also tolerated well, simply mildly uncomfortable.
How will I look immediately after?
If you choose IPL treatment this is a gentle treatment with no downtime and less side effects than medication. The IPL treatment feels warm and like an elastic band flicking on the skin.
If you choose laser treatment then this is also tolerated well, simply mildly uncomfortable.
When will I see the full results?
There will be some instant retraction of vessels, these will continue to fade over several weeks after treatment.
Will I need more than one treatment?
This will depend on the size of the area concerned and the designed end result, usually more than one treatment is needed.
What would prevent me from having this treatment?
The following conditions would restrict you from having this treatment; pacemaker; defibrillator; pregnant or nursing; cancer; epilepsy, auto immune disease, lupus, AIDS and diabetes. Medication restrictions include roacutane; anti-coagulants; steroids; tetracyclines or St John’s Wort.
You CAN NOT have this treatment if;
- you have any synthetic fillers, gold threads, plastic threads or fat implants
- Mesotherapy, light peels, laser or IPL within 2 weeks of the treatment date
- Natural fillers, fractional or microneedling within 4 weeks of the treatment date
- Cryolipolysis within 3 months of the treatment date
Thread veins Prices
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IPL Facial Thread Veins - Minor Area £80
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IPL Facial Thread Veins - Nose £200
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IPL Facial Thread Veins - Nose & Cheeks £230
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IPL Facial Thread Veins - Full Face £260
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Spider Nevi | Cherry Angioma £160
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Leg Veins (from) £185
I’m so grateful to have found lovely Emma! My skin is looking the best it ever has. Emma is so generous with her knowledge and time and so friendly - I always look forward to her treatments. I can’t speak highly enough of her and her work.
Amazing caring and professional service. Emma is very talented, skilful and knowledgeable. I 100% recommend this clinic and I will be definitely back. Finally found the service and the person I can fully trust with my skincare.
Love coming to Emma, she’s so welcoming and knowledgeable about all her treatments. The salon is such a treat to go to and has a luxurious spa feel. My skin always looks amazing after my appointments with Emma, I can’t wait to go back.
Get in touch
NU BEAU
The Pump House
4 Erringham Farm, Mill Hill
Shoreham-by-Sea
BN43 5FA