Fine, red-purple capillaries that appear on the face or legs can both cause aesthetic discomfort and, from time to time, be a sign of an underlying cause. Thread-vein treatment aims to achieve a more even and smooth skin appearance by reducing these prominent vessels with targeted methods. For a correct result, the vessels must first be evaluated and then the method suitable for the region chosen.
Why do capillaries become prominent?
Small vessels running close to the surface of the skin can widen and become visible for various reasons. This can be due to the structure of the skin, the weakening of the vessel wall or environmental factors. The prominent vessels can be seen as fine lines or small web-like structures.
On the face, capillaries are often associated with conditions such as sun damage, a thin skin structure and rosacea. On the legs, on the other hand, factors related to circulation, standing for long periods and genetic predisposition play more of a role. For this reason facial and leg capillaries are evaluated differently.
In some cases capillaries are only an aesthetic problem, while sometimes they can be part of an underlying vascular condition. Making this distinction is important for both correct treatment and, when necessary, further evaluation.
Triggering factors
- Long-term and unprotected sun exposure.
- A thin and delicate skin structure.
- Rosacea and chronic redness.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Standing for long periods and circulation factors in the legs.
Some of these factors can be controlled; for example, sun protection can slow the increase of capillaries on the face. These triggers are also taken into account when creating the treatment plan.
Treatment options
The aim in thread-vein treatment is to eliminate the target vessel without damaging the surrounding tissue. For this, the most frequently preferred methods are laser- and light-based treatments that target the vessel. In these methods, the energy is absorbed by the target in the vessel, and the vessel is made to contract and become invisible.
Especially in fine capillaries on the face and in redness due to rosacea, broad band light (IPL/BBL) or vessel-specific laser applications can be effective. Which technology is suitable is determined according to the location, size of the vessel and the skin type.
In some vessels on the legs, on the other hand, different approaches may be needed, and the evaluation of the underlying circulation problem becomes important. For this reason, in leg capillaries, a further vascular evaluation can be planned when necessary.
Treatment is usually applied in several sessions and the results emerge gradually. The number of sessions varies according to the type and density of the vessel; while some vessels are markedly reduced in a single session, others may require additional sessions.
Success in thread-vein treatment comes from targeting the right vessel, with the right method, while protecting the surrounding tissue.
The application and healing process
Before laser- or light-based applications, the area is evaluated and the eyes are protected. During the application there may be a short-lived sensation of warmth and mild stinging. The procedure is usually short and varies according to the size of the area treated.
After the application, temporary redness, mild swelling or a colour change along the treated vessel may appear; these usually recede in a short time. During this period, protecting against the sun and following the care recommended by the physician are important for the quality of the result.
Most people return to daily life quickly after the procedure. Before an important social event, planning the application a few days in advance is comfortable so that any temporary redness can pass.
Preserving the results
Treatment reduces existing capillaries; however, it cannot completely prevent the formation of new vessels. Especially the sun is an important factor in capillaries on the face becoming prominent again. For this reason regular sun protection is the most important step in preserving the result.
If there is an underlying condition (for example rosacea), it too needs to be managed; otherwise the capillaries can recur. For this reason thread-vein treatment is most of the time addressed as part of a holistic skin-health approach.
Regular follow-up and, when necessary, maintenance sessions help preserve a more even and smooth skin appearance in the long term.
Who is it suitable for?
It is a suitable treatment area for many people bothered by prominent capillaries on their face or legs. However, factors such as skin type, the characteristics of the vessel, pregnancy and the use of medication that causes light sensitivity determine suitability.
For this reason an evaluation is definitely made before treatment; both the nature of the vessel and the possible underlying causes are taken into account. Correct evaluation determines both safety and the success of the result.
Frequently asked questions
Is the treatment painful? In laser- and light-based applications there may be a short-lived sensation of warmth and mild stinging; most people tolerate this easily. When necessary, cooling methods are used to increase comfort. The sensation passes quickly after the procedure.
How many sessions are needed? It varies according to the density, size and location of the vessel. While some fine vessels are markedly reduced in a single session, more widespread or thicker vessels may require several sessions. Certain intervals are left between sessions.
Will a scar remain after treatment? With the right parameters and appropriate technique, the risk of scarring is minimised. Temporary redness or colour change can be seen; these usually pass in a short time. For this reason it is important that the application is done in experienced hands.
Do the vessels recur? Treatment reduces existing vessels; however, when the predisposition and triggers continue, new vessels can form. Sun protection and management of the underlying condition help reduce recurrence.
Can it be done in the summer months? In light and laser treatments, the periods when the sun is less intense are generally more suitable. Although treatment is possible in the summer months, sun protection must be followed much more meticulously.
When are results seen? In some vessels, improvement can be noticed after the application; however, the final result emerges gradually with the renewal of the skin and the completion of the sessions. For this reason the process requires patience.
An important point is that thread-vein treatment provides an aesthetic improvement in existing vessels; but when the underlying predisposition continues, new vessels can form over time. That is why treatment is not a one-off procedure but a process that should be thought of together with protective measures and, when necessary, maintenance sessions.
In capillaries on the legs, on the other hand, it may be necessary to evaluate whether there is an underlying circulation problem before aesthetic treatment. This evaluation is important for both the safety of the treatment and the permanence of the result; because an overlooked vessel problem can lead to recurrences after treatment.
At the clinic of Dr. Burcu Çelen, thread-vein treatment is planned with a detailed examination in which your vessels are evaluated and a method choice suitable for the region. For a more even and smooth skin appearance, you can make an appointment.