ThermaVein uses a process called thermocoagulation. A very fine probe is placed onto the vessel and a controlled high-frequency current is delivered, producing heat within the vessel and causing it to close. The treated vessel is then gradually broken down and cleared naturally by the body. Because treatment is delivered very precisely, individual small vessels can be targeted while limiting treatment of the surrounding skin.

Depending on assessment, ThermaVein may be suitable for:

• Facial thread veins and telangiectasia 
• Small red vessels around the nose 
• Visible vessels on the cheeks and chin 
• Cherry angiomas / Campbell de Morgan spots 
• Selected small vascular blemishes 

ThermaVein can also be used for some non-vascular superficial skin blemishes, although these need to be assessed individually before treatment.

Consultation
Dr Jackie will assess the vessels or blemishes you would like treated and confirm that ThermaVein is appropriate. Not every red mark or visible vessel should simply be treated cosmetically, so any lesion where the diagnosis is uncertain will need appropriate assessment first.

Treatment
The fine ThermaVein probe is applied along the vessel or directly to the vascular blemish.

You may feel brief heat, tingling or a stinging sensation as individual areas are treated.

Treatment time depends on the number and extent of vessels being treated.

Immediately afterwards
Treated vessels may appear reduced immediately, although the area itself can look red or slightly swollen following treatment. Tiny crusts or areas of dryness can subsequently develop as the skin heals.

Results
The final result is better assessed once the skin has completely settled over the following weeks. Some vessels respond well to a single treatment, while more extensive areas may require further treatment. 

A successfully treated vessel may remain closed, but ThermaVein cannot prevent new vessels developing in the future. Factors such as genetics, sun exposure, rosacea, ageing and the natural tendency to develop facial telangiectasia remain. Occasional further treatment may be useful if new vessels develop over time.

ThermaVein can be used for carefully selected very small superficial vessels on the body, but visible leg veins require more caution. Larger or more extensive leg veins may be associated with underlying venous disease and are generally better assessed by an appropriate vascular service rather than treated simply as a cosmetic surface problem.

Dr Jackie can advise whether a particular vessel appears suitable for ThermaVein or whether further assessment would be more appropriate.

These treatments work differently. 

ThermaVein uses a fine probe to deliver thermocoagulation directly to an individual vessel.

Vascular laser and IPL use light energy absorbed by targets within the skin and can be useful for different patterns and extents of vascular redness.

One isn't universally better or safer than the other. For small, discrete facial vessels, particularly around the nose, the precision of ThermaVein can make it a useful treatment option. More widespread redness or extensive vascular change may be better suited to another treatment modality.

ThermaVein can treat individual visible vessels associated with rosacea, but it does not treat the underlying condition itself. If you have more generalised facial redness, flushing or inflammatory rosacea, your wider skin condition should be considered rather than simply treating individual vessels. Appropriate skincare and other management may therefore form part of your overall plan.

 • Doctor-led assessment

 • Precise treatment

 • Appropriate lesion selection

 • Natural-looking results

The important part of treating a vascular blemish isn't simply making a red mark disappear. Dr Jackie will first assess what the lesion is, whether it is appropriate to treat and whether ThermaVein is the right modality. Where another form of assessment or treatment would be more appropriate, this will be discussed with you.

Up to 3 small blemishes — £75

Single facial area — £225   For example, nose, cheeks or chin

Extensive facial treatment — £400

Leg treatment — from £400,   following assessment