Thread Veins
Unsightly veins can be a problem for many men and women.
Thread veins, or spider veins, are small, superficial, purple or red veins seen just under the skin. They are also known by the medical term 'telangiectasia'. These tiny veins are usually seen as clusters on the face and legs. Rosacea is a skin condition that causes both redness of the face and facial telangiectasia. Varicose veins are enlarged vessels that have widened as a result of weakness in the vein wall, which stretches. They are generally visible on the legs. At The Burghley Park Clinic we offer a range of therapies to treat these particular problems.
Sclerotherapy
Injection treatment with sclerosing agents (which encourage the walls of the veins to stick together and lead to collapse of the vein) remains the gold standard for treatment of these unsightly blood vessels. As a result, veins should appear less noticeable or disappear altogether. It is a particularly effective treatment for reducing the appearance of veins on the legs - on the thighs / calfs and shins and around the knees.
Procedure
The procedure is performed whilst you are laying down. This helps the doctor achieve the best possible result as the fine needle needs to be placed inside the tiny vessels. The skin is lightly cleaned, and small amounts of sclerosant is injected into the areas likely to give best results.
Advantages
The injections cause minimal discomfort, and you can immediately return to normal activities.
Side Effects
A support stocking or tubigrip is worn for a few days after treatment. There may be slight bleeding and, later, some bruising which fades. Repeated treatments are usually necessary for gradual improvement.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL™)
Intense Pulsed Light is used to treat telangiectasia on the face, including the nose, and on the legs. It is successfully used in the treatment of rosacea. Cool gel is applied to the area to be treated, and the hand piece directs intense pulses of light that damage the thread veins without harming the surrounding skin. It feels like the snap of a rubber band. Afterwards, the skin is red and, later, there may be slight bruising. Generally, courses of treatment are required at 3-4 weekly intervals for an optimum result.
Laser therapy
Varicose veins, the deeper blue veins, respond to a different type of light therapy - laser therapy, in the form of ND:Yag. Cool gel is applied to the veins to be treated, and pulses of precise light energy are directed at the area, damaging the vein without harming the surrounding tissues. Afterwards, the skin is red and there may be some bruising. Courses of treatment are generally recommended in order to achieve the best results.