Thread Veins Glasgow

In most cases, spider veins are treated with an Nd:YAG laser system. There is a cooling tip on the hand-held device during the treatment to minimise discomfort.

Nd:YAG lasers pierce the skin and penetrate the superficial blood vessels. In response to laser energy, the blood inside the vessel coagulates, collapsing and sealing. During the next few weeks, the scavenging cells in the body will remove all the blood. With newer laser treatments, a precise dose of energy can be delivered to each blood vessel without damaging nearby structures.

During treatment you may feel a slight discomfort as the laser fires. The integrated cooling helps to minimise discomfort while also preventing excess heating of the surface of the skin.

The laser treatment does not require any major preparations. During the week prior to the procedure, you should refrain from sun exposure, taking aspirin, drinking alcohol, and smoking.

Don’t apply any creams or lotions to the treatment area on the day of the treatment.

Before laser therapy, every patient is evaluated. There are no symptoms associated with spider veins, and they are simply cosmetic in nature. Patients with symptoms are further evaluated to determine whether they have varicose veins. Varicose veins larger than 5 cm cannot be treated with laser therapy due to their small size.

Treatments need to be spaced about four to six weeks apart when multiple treatments are required. To achieve optimal results, additional sessions may be required.

An appearance of reddish, cat-scratch skin will appear above the veins. This usually disappears within a day or two.

Laser therapy can cause scarring and pigment changes, but these are rare complications. Because the skin is cooled during treatment, there is minimal risk and no pain during the procedure.

After only one treatment, noticeable results are evident. Two to six treatments may be required depending on the number and size of veins. Vascular problems are most likely to require extra treatment for those with a tendency to them.

There may be a slight bump on your skin shortly after the procedure; it should disappear within hours. There may also be redness and bruises in the area after the procedure.

Keeping away from the sun is strongly recommended following laser therapy.

All normal activities should be resumed as soon as possible for patients.

Spider veins can be treated with lasers, but the results are not immediate. In the course of laser therapy, the dark blue vessels under the skin will gradually turn into light red ones. Over time, they will disappear.

The purpose of this medical treatment is to destroy the vessel by injecting a foreign substance into it.

Telangiectasias (thread-veins) and their associated reticular veins are highly responsive to this treatment.

It is noteworthy that telangiectasias and reticular veins are estimated to be present in over 80% of the population and that their presence is indicative of greater venous problems.

Additionally, sclerosing has been reported to reduce symptoms by 85%, in addition to providing excellent cosmetic results. Among the symptoms, unfortunately, are:

• Discomfort
• Aching
• Cramps
• Fatigue
• Heaviness

Your medical history will be reviewed carefully and we will take note of any risk factors:

• A worsening of symptoms during pregnancy or during menstruation
• Stationary lifestyle
• Previous trauma
• History of hormonal therapy

Your doctor will examine you at your assessment appointment utilising ultrasound and a Veinlite® to help visualize the vasculature under your skin. Your options will be discussed with you after the assessment.

Of course, you may take a more conservative approach.

This will include:

• Stay active and avoid standing
• When possible, sit with your legs elevated
• If you’re considering compression stockings, consider ‘Class 2’

Anyone considering microsclerotherapy should be aware of the following before undergoing the procedure:

• Advice on aftercare is provided in a leaflet
• It is essential to wear compression stockings during treatment – without them, it may not be successful
• It is imperative to follow up your visit after two weeks since sometimes a coagulum will form that must be removed to avoid abnormal discolouration of the skin.
• The severity of the condition may dictate the number of treatments required – we usually recommend three
• It may be better to use lasers on some vessels (particularly small ones)