VISIBLE VEINS

WHAT ARE VISIBLE VEINS?

Visible veins on the surface of the skin are also known as spider veins, thread veins or venous flares. Visible veins commonly affect around 80% of adults which sees thin, red or purple strands forming close to the surface of the skin. 

An irregularity that mainly appears on the feet, around the ankles and behind the knees, visible veins are not often found to be harmful but can cause an aesthetic concern for the affected person. This is more likely when visible veins appear on the face which can be a common symptom of Rosacea.  

WHAT CAUSES VISIBLE VEINS?

Visible veins can appear in a cluster, or as a lone strand. They form as small blood vessels in the superficial layers of the skin (the top layers) become dilated. Stress or injury to the skin is the most likely cause of visible veins. This weakens the valves in the blood vessels which can disrupt normal blood flow, causing a small amount to flow backwards and accumulate in the vein. As pressure builds, the vein can swell and over time, will become visible through the skin. 

Visible veins are frequently experienced by people who spend long times sitting or standing, with excess weight and genetics also contributing. When visible veins on the face are a symptom of rosacea, it is likely that inflammation has caused the veins to swell.

HOW CAN I TREAT VISIBLE VEINS?

At The Facebible we use ‘Clearvein’, a treatment that safely and effectively removes the appearance of spider veins. A handheld device passes a laser over the surface of the affected area, delivering pulses of light energy to the visible vein. The laser is absorbed by the concerning vein, turning light energy to heat which causes the vein to collapse. The flow of blood is then redirected to a healthier vein and the visible vessel will cease to exist.