What Are Facial Thread Veins?
Facial thread veins (aka spider veins, broken capillaries, redness or the medical name; telangiectasia) are the tiny blood vessels under the skin that have become enlarged or dilated and thus more noticeable. If you study other people’s faces, you will know they are pretty common and are a typical sign of the ageing process. They tend to appear on the nose, cheeks and from a distance give the complexion a ‘ruddy’ glow.
What Causes Thread Veins?
There are number of factors associated with the development of facial thread veins, some which we can do something about, some which are unfortunately beyond our control:
- Ageing: As we get older the upper layer of our skin becomes thinner and thus the blood vessels beneath become more noticeable, however 20% of sufferers are in their early 20’s.
- Sun exposure: Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, and also artificial sources of harmful UV such as tanning beds. The sun weakens and dries your skin’s top layer so that it is less able to cope with issues associated with thread veins
- Rosacea: A skin condition that affects one out of 10 women – typically in their 40’s – 50’s
- Genetics: People of Celtic origin are most prone, also those who blush easily and those who are fair skinned
- Lifestyle: This condition is more common in people who have spent a lot of time outside (look at a farmer’s complexion!) Alcohol, smoking, emotional stress and a poor diet can also be contributing factors
- Medication: Prolonged use of steroid cream on the face is a factor, this is because it works by thinning the skin
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy and increased oestrogen levels can increase the occurrence of thread veins
Treatment for Facial Thread Veins
Unfortunately, there's not miracle way to prevent thread veins from appearing. Sun protection can help, so never forget to apply your SPF 30 every day and use a sun hat when in strong sun. For the fair skinned who are most susceptible to Rosacea, avoid foods which will trigger the condition, such as spicy food, caffeine and alcohol. This will in turn prevent thread veins from occurring. If you are happy to cover up, camouflage make-up can be very effective.
Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
If you are looking for more permanent solutions, here at the Royal Tunbridge Wells Skin & Laser Clinic we use Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to remove fine and larger thread veins quickly and effectively in just 2-5 treatments, leaving your skin smooth and blemish-free. Controlled doses of light energy are targeted by the laser to the veins which works by destroying the unwanted veins, which will then immediately disappear. After the treatment your face may feel as though you have a sun burn. This sensation will last a few days. Swelling and bruising may occur, but this is temporary.
As all conditions are unique, we will talk though treatment with you in a complimentary consultation. Here we will establish the exact nature of the problem and the best solution for you.
How many treatment sessions will I need?
This, as always, depends on the severity of the condition. In general, redness may need five or more treatments, and moderate thread veins respond well around two or three treatments.
How long do the results last?
This is a permanent solution; once a thread vein has been treated and has disappeared, it will not recur. The veins caused by Rosacea may re-appear after a few years, as this a progressive condition. To maintain your clear complexion, we highly recommend that you use broad spectrum sun protection to prevent new veins from forming.
To book a complimentary consultation or for further information regarding facial thread veins call the Royal Tunbridge Wells Skin & Laser Clinic on 01892 22 22 22 or visit www.skinlc.co.uk.
Labels: Ageing, IPL Nd Yag, Laser Treatment, redness, Spider Veins, telangiectasia, Thread Veins