Thermavein is our newest in clinic treatment which instantly removes any vascular blemish on the face and body including thread veins, cherry angiomas, spider nevis and more. The veins will literally disappear in front of your eyes. It also has a great effect on skin tags, milia and warts.
Thermavein uses a process called thermocoagulation. An insulated probe with a 4Mhz current is applied to the skin causing the vein to empty of blood. Thermavein then seals the vein by gently heating the vein wall. The body will then naturally reabsorb the vein and break it down.
As we use such a low heat it makes it a very safe treatment with no chance of scarring. Thermavein can be used anywhere on the body including around the eyes which makes it a great treatment for the removal of skin tags as the risk of any scarring and puffiness is zero.
This treatment is used worldwide, including at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre which is the teaching hospital for Harvard Medical School. Hospitals such as Bupa, Nuffield Health and Spire Healthcare also use the machine as it has such amazing results.
What are thread veins?
Thread veins, also known as spider veins or their medical term telangiectasia, are thin veins that are close to the surface and have become enlarged making them more visible.
Why have I got them?
Thread veins are very common and there isn’t one single cause. The most common factors are sun exposure, increased pressure and oily skin. Lifestyle can also contribute to the veins.
Alcohol – causes facial flushing which can lead to broken vessels.
Rosacea skins – When the skin is red it’s usually down to an infection under the surface which causes spots and acne in some. The skin sends blood vessels to the area to try to repair which in turn makes the skin appear red and irritated.
Smoking and eating unhealthy- Avoiding these will help to reduce pressure on the veins and keep the blood flowing well.
Sun Exposure – Applying a sunscreen daily will help to protect the skin.
Trauma to the skin – Previous wounds and trauma on the skin can lead to broken veins on the surface.
Constant change in temperature – An increase in temperature causes the skin to flush which is important to cool us down but can make the blood vessels burst which results in thread veins.
The veins can appear as being blue, purple or red and are usually in either thin lines, webs or branches.
Is it safe?
Thermavein uses a very low heat to push the blood out of the vein and then seal it. The low current means it is very safe and with no risk of scarring on the skin.
How long will one treatment take?
Depending on how big the area is the treatment usually lasts between 15 to 30 minutes. If there is a large area to treat then a few sessions may be needed.
Does it hurt?
The feeling of the treatment is that of a tiny needle prick, after a treatment we instantly apply some aloe vera gel which usually takes any heat and irritation away from the skin.
Will I have any downtime after the treatment?
Straight after the treatment there may be some redness and possible raised bumps on the treated area. This will usually subside within a couple of hours.
What should I do after the treatment?
Aloe vera gel can be applied to cool and soothe the skin along with an SPF 30 or higher to protect the skin. Avoid direct sunlight for around 1 to 2 weeks. Tiny cat-like scratches may be visible on the surface of the skin during the healing process, this is the body breaking the vein wall down.
How often will I have to have the treatment?
Depending how large the area is to treat, we may need to do it over a few sessions. However, to remove one vein it will only need to be treated once.
How is this different to laser or IPL?
Thermavein was specifically designed for the removal of thread veins. It is instant, safe and permanent. Lasers and IPL can sometimes cause the skin to become photosensitive and could cause loss of pigment in the area as well.
What can Thermavein treat?
It isn’t just for veins. It can also be used to treat milia, skin tags, Campbell-de-Morgan spots (red dots or bumps), ankle thread veins, vascular blemishes, blackheads, cherry angiomas (blood spots).
I’ve got big veins on my legs, will it work on these?
If your veins are bigger, as we often find on the legs, then we can use Thermavein in conjunction with microsclerotherapy. This is an injectable treatment which works to destroy bigger veins. We can then go over with the Thermavein to ‘clean’ up the area targeting the smaller veins.
