Vein Removal

How does Vein Removal work?

There are 2 options for treatment of veins;

• Laser Treatment
• Advanced Electrolysis

Laser Treatment

• The choice of Laser depends on the type, depths, colour of your veins and if they are on the face or legs.
• The key chromophore for vascular treatments is Haemoglobin
• Absorption of the laser wavelength by blood
• The blood vessel is heated up (coagulated) above 70C
• Thus heating the endothelial lining of the blood vessel wall
• And causing collagen contraction of the blood vessel
• Which is then destroyed
• Over a period of time, the blood vessel is destroyed and eliminated by phagocytosis (weeks to months).

Advanced Electrolysis

• A sterile disposable needle is inserted carefully into the vein (upstream). The electric current produces a heating effect which instantly coagulates the blood. The treated area may turn white and therefore erythema will set in. There will be slight swelling. The body’s own defence system takes over to restore the skin. The healing process will start.
• Advanced Electrolysis is a preferable treatment option for darker skin types and very superficial veins.

Who is suitable for the treatment?

• Anyone who suffers from veins whether it’s thread veins, broken veins, spider veins, blood spots on the face, legs or other body areas.

Who is not suitable for the treatment?

• Anyone with leg veins more than 1.5mm diameter varicose veins. If you have varicose veins we recommend that you see a vein surgeon.
• Anyone above a Skin Type 4 cannot be treated. Very dark skin may pigment easily.
• Tanned skin cannot be treated
• Patients who take daily Anticoagulation therapy, Ibuprofen, Herbal supplements such as Ginkgo, Ginseng or Garlic, patients may bruise easily.
• Patients who take high doses of Iron may have an increased risk of hyperpigmentation.
• Patients who take blood thinners, Aspirin, Warfin, Coumadine are contraindicated.

The following contraindications also apply:

• Hepatitis B (highly infectious, virus not easily destroyed)
• Blood disorders (Haemophilia)
• Heart conditions, especially when taking blood thinners such as warfarin.
• High blood pressure (can only treat when controlled or lowered)
• Skin diseases and allergies (fungus infections, broken skin, active eczema or psoriasis)
• Diabetic (skin is slower to heal)
• Very sensitive skin (sunburn)
• Anti-coagulant drugs
• Pregnancy (some disorders arise during pregnancy but can disappear after birth) & Breastfeeding.
• Keloid scarring (after injury there may be overgrowth of skin. Further keloids may develop after treatment).
• Epilepsy (an epileptic fit could be brought on)
• General ill health (this can affect skin healing time)

Consultation procedure

• At your consultation, the Therapists will assess your veins and measure them with a vein card. If you are a suitable candidate for the treatment, a small patch test will be performed. This will enable the therapist to see how quickly the skin reacts and how quickly the skin heals.

What steps are involved in the treatment?

• Firstly the areas to be treated will be cleansed. A picture of your veins will be taken so you can track your progress.
• The veins will be measured using a vein card to determine the diameter of each vein. This allows the Therapist to choose the most effective parameters for each of your veins.
• Each of the veins is treated individually using a very small spot size until the whole area is completed. The therapist will check to ensure clinical endpoints have been reached, veins have shrunk, disappeared or darkened in colour.
• The area is pre-cooled before, during and after the treatment using a combination of DCD or Ice cooler.
• Aloe vera gel, a specific ointment and sun protection is applied.

How long does the treatment take?

• We book the treatment in a block of 20 minutes. We treat as many veins as we can.
• A typical 20 minute session will cover an area such as cheekbones & nose or one part of the leg such as the upper leg or lower leg.

How does the treatment feel?

• You will feel a small amount of heat as the blood vessel is heated up and coagulated. The thicker & deeper the blood vessel, the more heat you will feel.
• We use a combination of DCD & Ice cooler to cool before, during & after the treatment. This alleviates any discomfort.
• Most of our clients tolerate the treatment well.

How many treatments are required?

• Anything from 1 – 6 sessions depending on the size of the area and the extent of the condition.
• Face areas normally require 1-3 treatments, 4-6 weeks between treatments.
• Sometimes one treatment is sufficient for complete removal of facial veins.
• Legs allow 8-12 weeks between treatments. Resolution of the vessel continues throughout this period.
• The thicker the blood vessel the more the treatments required.

Are there any possible side effects/Downtime?

• The area will be quite red after the treatment. They may be some associated swelling. Scabs may be formed in the treatment area and may take a full 2 weeks for the skin to completely heal.
• Please note that you can use mineral makeup or out Blemish Balm to conceal the skin whilst healing.

Is there any Aftercare/Homecare?

The healing process starts immediately, but the time of complete healing will vary.
On completion of the treatment, you can continue to apply a cold compress to the area and aftercare cream given to you by the therapist. The area should be left alone to allow for the natural healing of the skin. Scabs will form over the next 48 hours and should be left dry until they drop off on their own (over the next 10 days). Only mineral makeup can be applied after treatment and washing the area should be limited until the scabs have fallen off.

Over the next 10 days need to avoid the following:

• Extreme temperatures
• Makeup over the area unless its mineral makeup
• Harsh cleansers, toners, moisturisers
• Hot baths, swimming, exercise
• Bubble baths
• Shampoo
• Hair spray, perfume near the area treated