Leg and Facial Vein Treatment in Tunbridge Wells
Laser spider and thread vein removal at rtwskin in Kent and Sussex
Thread veins (telangiectasia) are small superficial red, purple or blue veins which may appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the face and legs. Often called spider veins, they are web-like networks of fine capillaries which run close to the surface of the skin and can become more noticeable with age as the skin becomes thinner and loses collagen. There are also other factors that can make the appearance of spider veins worse. Exposure to the sun over the years, hormonal changes, hot temperature, prolonged standing, smoking and alcohol are the most common causes.
If you are conscious of your thread veins and want to get rid of them, we can help you with our laser treatments. Our latest vascular lasers can eliminate veins up to 4mm in diameter without affecting the surrounding tissue.
Cobden House Medical Centre offers three different laser systems: KTP (532nm wavelength), long pulsed Nd: YAG (1064nm wavelength) and Intense pulsed light (IPL) to ensure optimal results.
KTP (532nm wavelength) is most effective for red, superficial vessels, while the Long wavelength Nd: YAG is most effective for deep red, purple and blue vessels including haemangiomas (red spots) and arteriovenous malformations. The short wavelength Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system is used to eliminate superficial facial redness and Rosacea. This combination effect of the three lasers provides clearance of both superficial and deep vessels in fewer treatment sessions. Because we offer an extensive range of vascular lasers we can truly recommend the system that is best suited to your thread veins and skin type.
Our patients’ comfort and satisfaction are our number one priority.
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Here at rtwskin we offer a free aesthetic consultation and test patch on a small area to determine the best energy level for treating your thread veins and skin.
The consultation will begin by ascertaining whether the vein is associated with a varicose vein, especially if we’re treating veins on the legs. If there are deeper underlying varicose veins, then it will be better if a vascular surgeon will examine and treat your varicose veins first. This will prevent the thread veins from recurring. As with any cosmetic procedure, it is important that you review your expectations thoroughly before you decide to proceed. Our skin specialist will explain the results you can expect and will discuss the associated risks and alternatives to the procedure before going ahead.
Before Laser Thread veins removal:
Please avoid aspirin, retinol, vitamin E and Aloe Vera preparations for at least 10 days.
Do not use bath oils, lotions or creams on your legs for 24 hours before your treatment.
Dress in loose clothing and comfortable shoes.
Aftercare for the removal of thread veins on the legs: Try to wear support tights (min 10 denier) or support stockings for 7-10 days after the procedure. Please try to bring these to the procedure so that you can wear them immediately after treatment.
Following the treatment the skin may be cooled with the air-cooler, and sometimes ice. Aloe Vera gel can also be applied to soothe the skin and this can then be used twice a day for a couple of days.
Avoid extreme temperature for 14 days for example very hot baths, saunas, sunbeds.
Avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks.
Avoid high impact exercise for 2 weeks.
Avoid waxing for 6 weeks.
Elevate your legs as much as possible if sitting down for long periods for the first 2 weeks.
Consider delaying air travel for 3-4 weeks.
Consider wearing support hosiery long term to minimise thread vein recurrence.
Aftercare for the removal of thread veins on the face:
A sun tan blocks the laser light so avoid the sun, or use a strong sun block (SPF 30 or more) before and during the course of treatment.
Avoid very hot baths and saunas for 2 weeks.
Try to wait 4 to 6 hours before applying any makeup. Apply gently, avoid rubbing the area.
Avoid facial massage and exfoliation for 4 weeks. Be gentle with the treated area.
Avoid very hot spicy food and alcohol for 2 weeks.
Avoid cosmetic products with Fruit Acids and Retinol for 2-3 weeks.
All laser procedures will require a test patch a minimum of 24 hours prior to treatment. This is a standard requirement for safety and insurance purposes.
Short pulses of laser light energy are absorbed by the blood inside the veins, heating up the vessel wall, which collapses and then dissolves without harming surrounding tissue. Laser treatments can be very effective, but as it takes time for the veins to break down, it may be a few weeks before the results are fully apparent. A course of treatment may be recommended to achieve the best results
The procedure produces only mild discomfort. As the laser light impacts onto the surface of the skin the sensation is similar to the snap of a thin rubber band. Any discomfort is reduced by the skin being cooled with the air-cooler and ice. Aloe Vera gel can also be applied to soothe the skin and this can then be used twice a day for a couple of days
You may notice some swelling but this is temporary and fades in a few days. There is also a small risk of pigment change following treatment. A small minority of patients develop bruising and blistering which settles within a few days. Occasionally, there may be the formation of brown lines or spots at the treatment sites, due to haemosiderin (iron stored in the blood) deposition. These are also temporary
Typically only one or two treatments are required and results can be seen in 3–4 weeks. However, several treatments may be necessary dependent upon the number, colour, and size of the vessels being treated. Thread veins on the legs and dilated facial capillaries associated with Rosacea usually require several sessions. Additional treatments can be scheduled in 4 weeks intervals. Treatment time usually varies between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area to be treated