Facial Thread Vein Treatments
Target broken capillaries and redness with advanced light or heat-based treatments designed to visibly reduce facial thread veins and restore skin clarity.
At Dr. Jenny Clinic, we offer a tailored approach combining Lumecca IPL and electrocautery to safely reduce unwanted vessels and restore clearer, more even-toned skin.
Facial thread veins, also known as telangiectasia, spider veins or broken capillaries, are small, visible blood vessels that appear just beneath the surface of the skin. They most commonly affect the:
- Nose
- Cheeks
- Chin
These fine red or purple lines can develop as a result of:
- Sun exposure
- Ageing and thinning skin
- Genetics
- Rosacea or skin inflammation
- Hormonal changes or steroid use
Although harmless, facial thread veins can affect confidence, especially when widespread or visible in high-exposure areas.
At Dr. Jenny Clinic, we offer precise, effective removal of facial thread veins using electrosurgery (thermocoagulation) and/or Lumecca Peak IPL.
The best treatment for you will depend on the type, distribution and density of the veins.
Electrosurgery (Thermocoagulation)
- A very fine probe delivers a tiny electrical current directly into the vessel
- This causes the thread vein to seal and collapse, with minimal damage to surrounding skin
- Ideal for isolated or visible branches of thread veins, particularly those around the nose and cheeks
This treatment is quick, highly targeted and well tolerated.
Lumecca IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
For fine, widespread or more diffuse redness, Lumecca Peak IPL may be more suitable.
- This advanced light-based treatment targets superficial blood vessels and pigmentation
- It works by heating and collapsing vessels across larger areas in one session
- Especially effective for patients with rosacea, sun damage or generalised facial flushing
Find out more about Lumecca IPL here.
We will recommend which of the treatment options are best suited to your particular clinical presentation or advise on whether a combination of the two is required.
You will undergo a full medical consultation before proceeding to determine the most suitable treatment regimen for you.
If you are receiving Lumecca treatment, during your initial visit, we will carry out a patch test (required at least 24 hours in advance) to ensure suitability and optimal safety.
Your consultation fee is fully redeemable against the price of your first treatment session.
For the treatment itself:
Lumecca IPL:
- No anaesthetic is required as it is a very well-tolerated treatment.
- A cooling gel is applied and protective goggles are worn
- The Lumecca device delivers light pulses that feel like a mild elastic snap against the skin
- The procedure takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on the area
- Immediately after treatment, you may experience some redness and warmth in the treated area: this usually settles within a few hours, though sensitive skin may remain pink for up to 48 hours.
Electrocautery:
- A topical numbing cream is applied to the spider veins we are targeting
- We then deliver a targeted electical current directly to the vessel.
- You might experience some heat or stinging but this is over within seconds.
- Following that, Vaseline ointment will be applied to the area.
Aftercare is an important part of achieving the best results:
Following electrosurgery
- The treated area may be slightly red or warm for a few hours
- A small scab or pinpoint crust may form along the length of the treated vessel and fall off naturally.
- We advise using Vaseline over this area until the scabbing peels away.
Following Lumecca IPL
- There is mild redness and warmth, which typically subside within an hour, however we advise it is best to anticipate 24-48 hours of redness especially if you have more sensitive skin.
- The treatment areas may form small bruises or visible blood spots (known as purpura or petichiae) before clearing over 10-14 days
- Mild swelling or sensitivity can occur, particularly with higher settings
After both treatments:
- Avoid exercise for 24 hours after treatment
- Avoid excessive heat for 24 hours after treatment
- Avoid rubbing the area for 24 hours after treatment
- Avoid use of make-up until the following day
- Use high factor SPF on any exposed treated areas throughout your treatment course and for 4 weeks after last treatment. Remember to reapply regularly and to also incorporate other sun-protective measures such as wearing hats or seeking shade.
- Aim for gentle, soothing skin care ingredients in the first 48 hours and avoid harsh or active skin care products while the skin is still inflamed.
You will receive tailored advice and aftercare tips during your consultation.
FAQs
Our treatment prices are £250 for electrocautery and £350 for Lumecca Peak IPL.
Please visit our full Price List for further information.
Yes, with these treatments we can treat both generalised redness (such as flushing or rosacea) and specific visible thread veins (such as those found in the chin, cheeks and side of the nose).
Lumecca IPL is ideal for diffuse redness and background vascular pigment, while electrocautery precisely targets individual broken vessels.
In many cases, we combine both for the most effective, personalised result.
If you suffer with both we would recommend starting with Lumecca first and then only if there are any residual, stubborn areas of discrete facial veins after your Lumecca course is complete these can then be treated with electrocautery.
The number of sessions varies depending on the extent and severity of the thread veins.
These may require 1-3 sessions to fully clear and due to the vascular nature of this condition, we do advise that vascularity can sometimes re-occur.
Maintenance treatments may be required every 1-2 years to stop the progression of any recurrent vein.