Laser Thread Vein Removal Treatments in Canterbury, Kent
Treatments for Thread Veins on the Face & Rosacea
What are thread veins?
Thread veins (red, spider or broken veins) are the small veins which can appear on any part of the body. They can appear as single veins, either widely dispersed or as a collection of broken veins close together. They can also appear as a collection of blood vessels arising from a single point; these are known as spider Naevi.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition that affects parts of the face. Symptoms can include facial flushing and redness, thread veins, acne like spots, thickening of the skin, and eye problems such as dry eyes and sore eyelids. Not all symptoms occur in all cases. symptoms are usually just on the central parts of the face - on the cheeks, forehead, nose, around the mouth and chin. Skin on other parts of the head is sometimes affected. Rarely, skin on the arms or back is affected.
Rosacea affects about 1 in 10 people in the UK, usually in middle age. Many cases are mild.
It is sometimes called 'acne rosacea' as it can look similar to acne. However, it is a different condition to acne.
How do the laser/IPLs work?
Laser/IPLs work by producing powerful light. If the wavelength of the system is matched to a target colour (such as the red cells in blood), the energy of the laser/IPL is absorbed specifically by that target and minimally by the surrounding tissues. The laser/IPLs deliver a series of focused energy pulses generating heat for very short periods of time; this closes down the thread veins, without perforating them. The collapsed veins are gradually dissolved and removed by the body’s immune system over several weeks following the treatment.
What is laser/IPL treatment like?
The laser/IPL is fired in short bursts at the thread veins. This feels like a hot pin-prick on the skin. During treatment the skin is cooled, which reduces this stinging sensation and a cooling gel is applied afterwards.
What can I expect after laser/IPL treatment?
Depending on the type of light treatment used, some mild stinging or burning may be noticed during the procedure, and the area treated may feel hot for 15 minutes or so after treatment.
Most patients will experience skin redness over the treated area which will fade over the next hour or so. Larger vessels treated with lasers will be immediately less visible than before the treatment. Fine facial veins can simply disappear at the time of treatment. There may be some redness and swelling or light crusting. This usually subsides within a few days.
How many treatments will I need and how often?
The number of treatments needed, will depend on the site and the extent of the affected area. Small veins on the face normally disperse just after 1-2 laser treatments at 6 week intervals. IPL may take 4 sessions at 2 week intervals.
Lasers work well on superficial spider veins whereas, intense pulsed light devices target a number of cosmetic concerns such as brown pigmentation and small blood vessels simultaneously. Patients see gradual but very noticeable improvements with complexion blending and brightening achieving photo rejuvenation of the skin. At the Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic, we are able to offer both treatment modalities in order to achieve the optimal result. The appropriate use of either lasers or IPL will be assessed at the consultation.
How much does it cost?
Initial consultation:
With Dr Mark Hudson-Peacock, Consultant Dermatologist, £195
With Dr Alice Hudson-Peacock, Specialty Doctor in Dermatology, free (patch test if appropriate £100)
Treatment price for laser: £250 - £300 1st laser session
£150 - £200 subsequent sessions
For IPL: £300 per session, £1000 for a series of 4 sessions.
To talk to one of our friendly team, please call on 01227 472288
