Thread Vein Removal – Face

Thread vein removal is also known as “Diathermy”.

There are a number of reasons why broken veins develop on the face. Blood vessels are extremely thin and are very easy to break or become damaged. Excessive sun damage may also cause broken capillaries and lead to unsightly red spots on the face.

Pregnancy and childbirth are also associated with broken blood vessels on the face, due to increased blood pressure. Some birth control pills will also cause blood vessels to break as well as some estrogen therapies.

Spider veins (AKA red veins) can occur in any area of the body. They’re most commonly found on the face and the legs. Nobody knows the exact cause of spider veins, but sometimes it can be hereditary. Spider veins are more common in women than in men.

In general, all facial broken blood vessels can be treated once you are suitable for Diathermy. Each treatment is different depending on the severity of the condition.

What Kind of Blood Vessels May be Treated?

In general, all facial broken blood vessels can be treated once you are suitable for treatment.

Why Do We Get Broken Blood Vessels on our Face?

Blood vessels are extremely thin and are very easily broken or damaged.

Simple things like scrubbing the face too hard, using the wrong facial exfoliator or even rinsing excessively with hot water can cause blood vessels to burst.

Your skin should never be “pink” or “rosy” after washing and should never feel raw after exfoliating.

Excessive sun exposure will damage the skin and will also cause capillaries to break. You’re then left with unsightly red spots on face. Pregnancy and childbirth are also associated with broken blood vessels on face, due to increased blood pressure.

Age contributes to the likelihood of getting broken blood vessels on face, because as we get older, our body becomes more prone to damage due to cell regeneration slowing down.

Poor diet and declining health all affect the body’s ability to regenerate itself, and capillaries become weaker in the process.

What is Short Wave Diathermy/Diathermic Coagulation?

Diathermic coagulation is a method to remove unsightly facial thread veins. A very fine needle is used to isolate each vein or capillary, and conducts an electrical current causing the blood in them to clot and the vessel to heal closed. This treatment does not use a laser.

Facial Thread Vein Removal – Before & After

Thread Vein Removal - Face Before Thread Vein Removal - Face After

Pre & Post Treatment Advice

  • Do not touch treated area for 4-6 hours – you may only apply a cold compress to treated area
  • Do not stretch the treated skin
  • Do not take aspirin – if you need to take a pain killer you may take paracetamol or ibuprofen – consult with your GP or pharmacist for pain reliever suitable for your needs.
  • Make-up should not be applied in the first 24 hours – ensure make-up brushes/applicators are clean thereafter
  • Avoid the use of any potentially irritating skin care in the first 48 hours – be aware of shampoos/conditions that may flow onto your face in the shower
  • Avoid hot showers or baths
  • Avoid energetic exercise and swimming for 48 hours
  • Do not pick or scratch area, in particular do not scratch any scabs that form – this may produce a scar or create a skin infection

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have broken blood vessels on your face and are not contraindicated you are suitable for diathermy. Dr Natalia Bratu will have a full consultation with you to assess you for suitability. At this consultation you will have an opportunity to discuss facial areas of concern, the results you expect post-treatment, and your pre-treatment and post-treatment care. A full medical history will be taken which is, of course, completely confidential. It is important to give full disclosure of any medication you are taking so that you will get the best results possible.

Depending on the severity of visible facial blood vessels you may need a course of treatment with a minimum of 4 weeks between treatments. Dr Natalia will advise the best plan of treatment for you.

Icing before your treatment is extremely beneficial as it numbs the area to be treated and for most patients is a suitable pain reliever. We have local anaesthetic cream available.

The sensation is of a hot needle prick. Treatment can be painful for women at certain times of their menstrual cycle when sensitivity is increased.

Immediately after the treatment, the appearance of the blood vessels will be much improved. The treated area will be red, may feel hot, and there may be some local swelling which usually subsides within 24 hours.

It is not unusual to develop small scabs at the treatment site. These should be left alone and will fall off during the course of the next 7 days. These scabs will look similar in appearance to bramble scratches.

During the next 2 weeks the treated blood vessels may appear to recover and may look more noticeable than before – this is a normal part of the healing process. Gradually they will fade again.

The success of the treatment can be judged at 4-6 weeks.