Treatment of leg veins using a
long pulsed Nd:YAG
Courtesy of Lynton

Thread Veins

What are thread veins?

Telangiectasias, is the correct term for thread veins, but can also be referred to as dilated capillaries or red veins. They occur on the legs in about 1 in 5 women in their 20s, rising to nearly 1 in 2 of women in their 50s. Leg veins, although small, can pose a significant cosmetic problem to many women, having an adverse affect on body image, self-esteem and confidence. Success of treatment is dependent on the size and depth of the vessel and may require a “top-up” in the future especially if a smoker or a sun worshipper.

Facial thread veins or ‘broken veins’ are fine visible capillaries appearing near the surface of the skin. They tend to become larger and more intense over time, appearing in clusters. They can be attributed to genetics, hormones, pregnancy, skin ageing and steroid use but can also be the result of over exposure to the sun and alcohol consumption.

Facial thread veins usually respond very well to IPL treatment with only 1 or 2 treatments. Leg telangiectasias can be more difficult to treat, due to the higher vascular pressures encountered and presence of underlying venous incompetence. Leg telangiectasia tend to lie deeper in the skin than facial vessels, so the more penetrating long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser is often used in preference to the IPL. Leg vessels of a blue-purple hue tend to respond best to the Nd:YAG laser, while smaller red vessels can be treated with the IPL. Best results are seen when treating leg vessels of approximately 0.5 – 2.5mm in diameter.

For treatment of thread veins, please refer to Vascular Lesions.