Are you embarrassed by red vessels on your face?

You no longer have to worry about your facial thread veins. Those thin vessels (called telangiectasias) around your nose or on your cheeks are small blood vessels near the surface of the skin, often formed as a result of sun-exposure. They sometimes occur in an area of more general redness. In addition to small veins, some of us have small red spots on the skin. Sometimes, these are small, raised and almost circular in appearance – and are often called cherry spots or ruby spots. These start to form in our twenties, and more appear as we age. Others, called spider veins, have a circular centre, with small veins branching out. Both of these are easily treated with our Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser.  During your consultation it will be determined which approach best fits your needs.

How does the treatment work? 

With the Nd:YAG 1064nm laser approach, we use precisely calculated pulses of laser energy, exactly directed to the vessel being treated. This causes the blood inside the vessel to heat up; causing the wall of the vessel to collapse. The vessel is reabsorbed naturally by your white blood cells. The skin surrounding the vessel is not affected by the treatment.

Which veins can be treated? 

The most common treatments are for superficial veins in the face. Treatments are most efficient in patients with light skin who are not suntanned at the time of the treatment. If your skin is less tanned, the contrast between the blood vessels and background colour of the skin is greater, making treatment easier. However, we use pre-programmed settings for different skin types that deliver the correct energy output for your complexion.

How long does the treatment take? 

Several vessels can be targeted in one flash of light. The treatment time depends on the area to be covered and the number of distinct vessels to be treated. A single session typically lasts 10-20 minutes.

Do I need to take special precautions before and after treatment? 

The light used is completely safe, visible light. It is, however, important to avoid tanning (sun, solarium or self-tanning products) before and during the treatment period. Otherwise your tanned skin will absorb more light, which makes treatment less effective and less comfortable. It is also a good idea to avoid smoking in the 4 hours prior to treatment. Generally, no special care is necessary after treatment, but people with sensitive skin may benefit from applying a cold compress (a cold damp cloth) to the face immediately after treatment. After treatment, you should avoid sun exposure for 30 days, even if there is no sign of inflammation in the treated area. Use sun protection (minimum SPF 30) if sun exposure cannot be avoided.

How many treatments do I need? 

The number of treatments depends on location and number of your thread veins. Clinical studies have confirmed that 1-3 treatments usually are needed, and these are timed about one month apart.

Does the treatment hurt? 

No anaesthetics are required, and many patients describe the treatment as practically pain-free, like a flick from a rubber band followed by a sensation similar to the feeling of gentle warmth after a day on the beach.

How can I be sure the treatment is safe and effective? 

Clinical trials documenting treatment’s safety and effectiveness were carried out by leading doctors prior to the launch of the treatment, and these were published in respected, referenced medical journals.