Facial Thread Veins and Thermavein Treatment

Facial thread veins are tiny visible blood vessels that sit close to the skin’s surface. They often appear around the nose, across the cheeks and sometimes on the chin. They are usually harmless, but they can become more noticeable over time and can be difficult to cover with make-up.

At Hemel Cosmetic, finer facial veins are treated using Thermavein, a thermo-coagulation treatment designed for small superficial veins. You may also see older references to Veinwave, which was the previous name associated with this type of treatment. Keeping both names on the site helps clients find the service whether they search for Thermavein or Veinwave.

This treatment is different from injection sclerotherapy. Thermavein is used for finer facial veins, while injection sclerotherapy may be used for larger suitable leg veins.

Why facial thread veins appear

Facial thread veins, also called telangiectasia, can be linked with several factors:

• natural skin ageing
• sun exposure over time
• rosacea or background facial redness
• hormonal changes
• genetics
• extremes of temperature or weather exposure

They are different from varicose veins because they affect very small superficial blood vessels in the skin rather than larger, deeper leg veins.

How Thermavein works

Thermavein uses a very fine probe and a controlled high-frequency current to target the visible vessel. The heat causes the small blood vessel wall to seal, allowing the body to gradually clear it.

This makes Thermavein suitable for very fine facial thread veins that are too small for injection treatment. The treatment may also be referred to by its older name, Veinwave, which some clients may still recognise or search for.

What to expect at an appointment

A typical appointment begins with an assessment of the veins, the pattern of redness and the surrounding skin. This helps confirm whether the visible vessels are suitable for cosmetic treatment and whether more than one session is likely to be needed.

During treatment, the practitioner works methodically across the area with short pulses. Sessions for small areas are often relatively quick.

Aftercare and healing

Straight after treatment, it is normal to have some redness and mild local irritation. Small darkened marks or tiny micro-scabs can form where the vessel has been treated. These usually settle over several days.

Protecting the area from heat, friction and sun exposure is important while the skin calms down. Daily SPF is sensible on exposed facial areas.

How many sessions are needed

This depends on the number of veins, how fine they are and whether there is background redness in the skin as well.

Some people need only a small number of focused treatments, while others benefit from staged sessions over time. Results build gradually as the treated vessels fade and are reabsorbed.

When to seek professional advice

If you have visible facial vessels that are becoming more noticeable, are linked to flushing or irritation, or are affecting confidence, it is worth getting them assessed.

A consultation can help distinguish between isolated facial thread veins and wider redness patterns that may need a different approach.

Local note

Hemel Cosmetic is based in Hemel Hempstead and sees clients from St Albans, Watford, Harpenden, Berkhamsted, Tring, Kings Langley and Apsley for facial thread vein assessment and treatment.

Concerned about visible facial thread veins? Book a consultation to see whether Thermavein treatment is suitable for you.

Sources

• Hemel Cosmetic. Thread vein treatment page describing thermo-coagulation treatment for finer veins.
• Hemel Cosmetic. Hertfordshire thread and spider vein treatment using Thermavein page.
• North Bristol NHS Trust. Facial thread veins and redness overview.
• Primary Care Dermatology Society. Telangiectases clinical guide.

Important information for UK readers 

We do not advertise prescription-only medicines to the public. References to anti-wrinkle injections are provided as general information only. Any prescription treatment is considered only after an in-person consultation with a qualified prescriber, who will assess suitability, discuss risks, benefits and alternatives, and decide whether a prescription is appropriate. Content on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It does not include product pricing or inducements. It follows CAP Code rule 12.12 and MHRA guidance on advertising prescription-only medicines. asa.org.uk+1