Also known as spider veins, these are thin yet prominent veins that become visible just below the skin’s surface.
Facial redness is a common problem that affects all age groups of men and women particularly around the nose and cheek areas. The redness is most of caused by tiny thin ‘thread’ veins. These are known medically as telangiectases.
The exact cause of telangiectases is often unclear, but several factors may contribute to their development.
These include:
- Genetics
- Sun and wind exposure
- Medications that widen blood vessels
- Pregnancy
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Trauma to the skin
- Surgical incisions
- Acne
- Prolonged use of oral or topical corticosteroids
How are they treated
In clinic they can be treated with either the fab v machine which uses a tiny electric current to coagulate the vessel and close it off or for more serious or larger veins on the body an injection of sclerosant called sclerotherapy can be used.
Does it hurt?
There is a little minor discomfort with a very slight burning sensation when the needle is withdrawn, but this disappears within a few seconds.
What are the side-effects of treatment?
Most patients have no side effects. However, due to a needle being used under the skin and the electric current and heat, some marks, bleeding, bruising can be seen at the time of treatment and there may be a small scab left at the treated area for up to 2 weeks.
After treatment the area is slightly red and the final results can be seen from immediately to up to a week. The slight marks along the line of the vein may remain for up to a week or two.
