Frequently Asked Questions

What are thread veins?

Thread veins, also known as telangiectasia or "spider veins", are fine red or purple blood vessels which run close to the surface of the skin.

Where are they commonly found on the face?

They typically occur on the nose and cheeks of men and women of all ages.

What causes thread veins?

There is usually no obvious cause for face thread veins. Contributory factors include familial tendency, ageing, loss of elasticity in skin, hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and menopause, excessive exposure sun/ wind or extreme temperatures, cortico-steroid medicines and radiotherapy.

How can facial thread veins be treated?

At Richmond Cosmetic Clinic, we offer the following treatment options:

• Short wave diathermy: Short wave diathermy is an effective method for treating thread veins and spider veins on the face with a success rate of up to 95%. After numbing the area to be treated, an electrical current is passed through the vein using a fine needle. The electrical current cauterises the blood vessel and over the course of a few weeks it disperses, and thread veins become much less noticeable. Following treatment redness and puffiness may occur in the treated area, this may take a few hours to a few days to settle. We review our clients in 4 to 6 weeks when repeat treatment may be administered.
• Laser treatment: Vascular laser is our second option for the treatment of facial thread veins. The use of lasers is indicated when short wave diathermy is not effective, or the client presents with wide spread facial thread veins. The laser light passes through the skin and is absorbed by the blood vessels without having any effect on the surrounding skin. It heats the blood within the targeted vessels to the point where it coagulates thereby causing the vessels to break down. Within several weeks following treatment the damaged veins are gradually dissolved and are removed by the body’s immune system, leaving little or no trace of the original lesions. More than one treatment session may be required. After treatment, redness and puffiness may occur in the treated area, this may take a few hours to a few days to settle. We review our clients in four to six weeks when repeat treatment may be administered.