Thread vein treatment · By area
Facial thread vein removal
Treatment for visible thread veins and broken capillaries on the cheeks, around the nose and on the chin, assessed and carried out by Kim Armstrong, Registered Nurse and Independent Prescriber.
At a glance
- Treats
- Discrete visible vessels on the cheeks, nose, chin and temples
- Price
- £175 for 15 minutes, £300 for 30 minutes
- Sessions usually needed
- One to three
- Anaesthetic
- Not normally needed
- Downtime
- None in most cases. Pink for a few hours
- Results visible
- Two to eight weeks after each session
- Before an event
- Allow at least four weeks, preferably six
The condition
What facial thread veins are
Facial thread veins, known clinically as telangiectasia and often called broken capillaries, are small blood vessels that have become permanently widened and visible just beneath the surface of the skin. They appear as fine red or purple lines, sometimes branching into a web pattern.
They are harmless. Many patients find them difficult to live with because they sit on the face, show through make-up, and become more noticeable with heat, exercise or alcohol.
Genetics is the most common single factor. Beyond that: sun exposure accumulated over many years, rosacea, hormonal change including pregnancy and menopause, extremes of temperature, alcohol, long-term topical steroid use on facial skin, injury, and ageing as the skin thins and existing vessels become more visible.
Areas
Where they appear
Which area is affected changes how many sessions are likely and how conservatively the area is treated.
- Cheeks
- Most commonly, and often as a diffuse network rather than single lines.
- Around the nostrils and the sides of the nose
- Often the first area affected, and the one patients notice first.
- Chin
- Less extensive, and usually straightforward to treat.
- Forehead and temples
- Less common.
- Around the eyes
- Treated with particular care, and not always suitable.
Distinguishing the two
Thread veins, or rosacea?
The two overlap, and telling them apart changes what treatment is appropriate and in what order.
| Thread veins alone | Rosacea | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Discrete visible vessels | Diffuse background redness, often with visible vessels |
| Flushing | Vessels more obvious when flushed | Recurrent flushing is a core feature |
| Bumps or pustules | No | Sometimes |
| Sensitivity or stinging | Not typically | Common |
| Approach | Treat the vessels | Manage the rosacea first, then consider treating remaining vessels |
If Kim thinks rosacea is contributing to your visible vessels, she will explain this at your consultation. Treating the vessels without managing the underlying rosacea gives a result that tends not to last, and rosacea has its own effective management — often starting with medical skincare.
Before you book
Is this right for you?
It may be suitable if
- You have discrete visible facial thread veins you would like treated
- You are in good general health
- You understand the aim is improvement rather than guaranteed complete clearance
- You are able to avoid sun exposure and follow the aftercare advice
It may not be suitable if
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have an active skin infection or inflammation in the area
- You have had recent significant sun exposure, or used self-tan on the area
- You have a bleeding disorder or take certain anticoagulants
- You have a history of abnormal scarring or pigment problems
- Uncontrolled rosacea is the dominant problem
This list is not exhaustive, and suitability is confirmed at consultation.
What happens at your appointment
- 01
Consultation
Kim examines your skin in good light, takes a full medical history, reviews your medicines and considers whether rosacea or another condition is contributing. A patch test may be arranged.
- 02
Treatment
The session lasts 15 or 30 minutes. Most people describe quick, sharp scratches or a hot pinprick. Anaesthetic is not normally needed.
- 03
Afterwards
You can return to your usual activities. Your face will be pink for a few hours.
- 04
Review
An appointment to assess how the area has responded and discuss whether a further session would help.
What to expect
Results and number of sessions
Small, isolated facial thread veins are sometimes resolved in a single 15 minute session. More extensive ones commonly need two to three, spaced several weeks apart.
Most people see a visible difference between two and eight weeks after each session, and the final result is judged after the full course rather than after the first appointment.
The treated vessels often look darker before they fade. This is expected and does not indicate that treatment has been unsuccessful — but it is the reason to allow at least four weeks, preferably six, before any event you are treating for.
Aftercare
Aftercare for facial skin
Facial skin is more visible than the legs and, around the nose and eyes, more delicate. This list is what protects the result.
- SPF 50, daily
- On the treated area, without exception.
- Make-up
- Avoid on the area for the period Kim advises, usually the same or the following day. Mineral make-up is gentler on skin that is still settling.
- Heat
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and hot yoga.
- Exercise
- Avoid anything vigorous for 24 to 48 hours.
- Self-tan and sunbeds
- Avoid entirely while the area settles.
- Actives
- Pause retinoids, strong acids and exfoliants until advised otherwise.
- Scabs
- Do not pick any small scabs that form.
- Alcohol
- Avoid for the first 24 hours, as it dilates blood vessels.
Risks and side effects
Kim treats conservatively and will generally recommend a further session rather than treating an area too aggressively in one visit.
Common
Redness, mild swelling, small marks and temporary darkening of the treated vein.
Less common
Temporary lightening or darkening of the skin, carrying a higher risk in darker skin tones and after sun exposure. Small blisters. Matting, where fine new vessels appear near the treated area.
Rare
Scarring, infection and persistent pigment change.
Prices
What it costs
15 minute session
Smaller or single areas, such as a few vessels beside the nose or one cheek.
£175
30 minute session
Larger or multiple areas treated in one visit.
£300
Consultation
Suitability assessment, deducted off the cost of your treatment.
£15
Most patients need more than one session, and you are given an estimate of the total at consultation. How our prices compare across the UK.
Before you decide
Common questions
Can facial thread veins be removed permanently?
A vessel that has been successfully treated does not return. Treatment does not prevent new vessels from forming, and the underlying causes usually remain. Many patients have a further session every one to two years.
Is it painful?
Most people describe quick, sharp scratches or a hot pinprick rather than pain. Facial skin is more sensitive than the legs, particularly around the nose. Sessions are short and can be paced to suit you.
Will it work on the veins around my nose?
Vessels around the nose are among the most commonly treated areas and often respond well. They can also be more persistent than elsewhere, so more than one session is common.
Can I wear make-up afterwards?
Not immediately. You will be given a specific time to wait, usually the same day or the following day. Mineral make-up is gentler on skin that is still settling.
How long before an event should I have treatment?
Allow at least four weeks, and preferably six. The treated veins look darker before they fade, so treatment close to an event may not give the result you want on the day.
Do you treat facial thread veins in Marbella?
Yes. Year-round UV exposure makes aftercare more demanding there, and this is discussed at consultation.
I have rosacea. Can I still have this treatment?
Often yes, though the rosacea should be managed first. Kim will assess this and advise on the appropriate order.
Next step
Book a consultation.
Your consultation confirms whether treatment is suitable, how many sessions you are likely to need and what the total cost will be. It is carried out by Kim Armstrong personally.
Or call +44 (0) 7706 077888email kim@thearmstrongclinic.com