Vein Removal

How long will my vein removal take and how much will it cost?

Problem thread veins and spider veins normally respond in 1 to 3 treatments. Please see Prices for a guide to costs.

Why is the Highland Laser Clinic Technology better than other systems?

Our laser system uses two lasers fired in quick succession. The Alexandrite laser converts haemoglobin within the problem vessel into an oxidised form known as methemoglobin. Milliseconds later the Nd:YAG laser fires. This has a very strong affinity for methemoglobin so heat energy from the laser is absorbed rapidly destroying and sealing the vessel.

Some clinics will attempt to remove veins using Q-Switch tattoo removal lasers or IPL. Some reduction may be seen in the short term from these approaches but relief is temporary and risks of skin damage are high.

Will I get full removal?

Possibly. Vessels of up to 2mm can be treated very effectively with this technology. We get great results on noses and chins. Cheeks can be more resistant but significant improvement is likely.

Due to poor results, we no longer offer vein removal on legs

Will my thread veins come back again?

Possibly. New capillaries can grow in place of removed vessels. Risk of reoccurrence is increased with sun exposure, wind burn, use of topical steroid creams, or if you engage in frequent strenuous exercise. We believe drinking alcohol as a risk factor for threadvein is over stated.

Can you remove my varicose veins?

Unfortunately not. Only vessels up to 2mm in diameter can be treated. We believe that laser is the preferable mode of treatment for facial veins, and that all leg veins should be approached with sclerotherapy or surgical interventions. We no longer attempt to treat leg veins.

Does it hurt?

Yes it does hurt a bit but is over quickly. A specialist cold air blower is used to chill your skin during treatment to make it more comfortable. Your operator also presses on your skin between every couple of shots to help dissapate heat and make it feel better.

When can I wear make-up?

We recommend that you avoid wearing make-up for 24 hours after treatment at the very least. Longer is probably better. It’s VERY important not to have ANY product of ANY kind on your skin on the day of treatment. You need to be properly cleansed of all make up, preferably in the shower so all traces are removed. We will refuse treatment for safety reasons if we see product on your face. This also applies to self tanning products.

How long does it take to heal after treatment?

Recovery takes 3 days to 3 weeks generally. The treated area will be red and swollen and some slight localised bruising may be seen. Treated vessels may turn grey or black and may be visible on your face for a week or so. Once healed the treated area may be sensitive to the sun for an additional few weeks.

When we treat telangiectasia the laser typically seals the problem blood vessels as it destroys them. Occasionally, a vessel can bleed into surrounding tissues and deposit blood within the structure of your skin. This is seen as a bruise which can take a few weeks or very rarely up to 6 months to resolve. We tend to treat fairly aggressively at Highland Laser Clinic to avoid this and have never experienced this complication with any of our clients so far, but it is a known risk factor with vein removal.

It is very important to tell us about any medications you might be taking at consultation. Some conditions such as diabetes can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising significantly. Uncontrolled hypertension or high blood pressure is also a risk factor we definitely need to know about.