Reduce overall redness
Facial thread veins or broken red veins (telangiectasia) are small, unsightly and superficial red, purple or blue veins that occur around the nose and across the cheeks and chin. They occur when the vein dilates and become larger, so they are visible through the transparency of the skin. Vascular treatment can effectively treat these facial veins and boost your confidence in your skin.
Although facial veins and spider veins are quite common, they can cause some distress and embarrassment for those who have them.
At Skin Southwest, vascular treatments can be used to help with a number of skin concerns.
Facial vessels can be effectively treated with Intense Pulse Light (IPL). For those with spider veins on areas such as the legs, these can be treated with laser therapy. The treatment itself has minimal downtime, and 3-6 sessions are recommended to achieve the best results. This will be discussed at your initial consultation.
Facial veins may be hereditary or as a result of a variety of factors including damage from sun exposure, wind and the extremes of temperature. The overuse of steroid creams and certain autoimmune conditions may also induce thread veins. Often, the exact cause is unknown and may just be part of the natural ageing process or as a part of a skin condition called rosacea.
Light energy is applied to the skin where it is readily absorbed by blood vessels, heating them to a point where they are destroyed. Following treatment, the vessels quickly clear as they are reabsorbed by the body, leaving little or no trace of the original lesion.
Treatment is suitable for most people. Best results are obtained for those with fair skin, and there is less chance of side effects.
Treatment is mildly uncomfortable but there is no need for anaesthesia and the procedure is actually quite quick. Sensations vary but most describe it as a very quick hot pin prick.
After treatment the area may feel warm for a few hours. Rarely, some delicate skin areas such as the cheeks or décolleté can be red and slightly swollen for up to 48 hours. Though very rare, there is a chance a small blister may form and there could be temporary lightening or darkening of the skin.
Typically 3 to 5 treatments are needed for optimum results, though small lesions may clear in just a single session. Repeat treatments are spaced every 4 to 6 weeks. Prior to treatment you must first undergo a consultation where details about your medical history are obtained in order to confirm suitability. Before proceeding you will be asked to sign a consent form and undergo a test patch.
Most red skin lesions, including facial thread veins, rosacea, spider naevi, and port wine stains can be treated very successfully. Depending on the lesions, leg vessels can also respond well to treatment.
