Thread Veins
Most facial veins are caused by environmental factors such as sun and wind damage. However, there may also be a genetic predisposition to the problem. Men are often concerned that facial veins give the impression they drink excessive amounts of alcohol. Whilst alcohol does not cause the veins to appear, it can contribute to a dilated appearance.
Other triggers for facial flushing include coffee, tea, heat, exercise and emotion. Other causes can also be attributed to hereditary factors, oral contraception and the hormone therapy Orem UT.
How can thread veins be treated?
MPL® technology triggers the collapse of the veins and broken capillaries without doing any damage to the surrounding outer layers of skin. It also improves the overall appearance of the skin by evening out skin tone and encouraging the production of collagen.
MPL® uses multiple wavelengths of light to treat the dilated blood vessels in the face. The structures and blood vessels causing the capillaries to flare up absorb the precise energy level and various wavelengths of light that are emitted from the MPL® energy source.
Effectively, the light waves are absorbed by haemoglobin (the substance that gives blood the reddish, purple colour) and converted into heat. This heat causes the walls of the vein to collapse which, in turn, stops the blood flow. Once this happens, the vein is slowly absorbed into the body, disappearing from sight. With the right course of treatment, the look of facial veins and capillaries become visibly reduced (or disappear) resulting in a more rejuvenated, younger look.
SkinFirst use radio frequency in conjunction with the MPL® light, to create additional heat thus enabling the light to be emitted at a lower energy setting in cases where skin colour may dictate this to be preferable. It also works synergistically with the MPL® for a more successful outcome than IPL on its own.
Which veins can be treated?
Thread veins on all parts of your body can be treated. The most common treatments are for superficial veins in the facial, chest or leg areas. As the treatment relies on absorption of light by the haemoglobin in the blood, the most effective results are seen with light skin. The lighter the skin, the more pronounced the contrast between the vessel and the skin, making treatment easier. However, the inclusion of radio frequency in the treatments offered by SkinFirst ensure a more successful outcome with darker skin types than IPL alone.
Does it hurt?
Tolerance of pain is very individual from person to person. No anesthetics are required, and most people describe the sensation as similar to that of a rubber band snapping onto the skin, followed by a warm sensation lasting several minutes. You may find it comforting to cool the skin after the treatment; but most people find the treatment extremely tolerable and do not need to cool the skin. We do however apply aloe vera and a hydrating serum, and we ensure that you do not leave the clinic feeling too hot. We also offer a mineral make-over completely free of charge so you leave looking great. For men (or women) who do not want this option, you are welcome to relax with a drink, some refreshments and magazines, to allow any redness (if indeed there is any) to subside.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on the body site and the severity of the thread veins. MPL® treatments combined with radio frequency, can be given as often as once every three weeks in order to achieve the desired results. Depending upon the extent of the problem, several treatments may be necessary. Sometimes just one or two will suffice. At SkinFirst we pride ourselves on our good results and so hopefully you will not be disappointed. But we would of course give our opinion on your own thread veins at a consultation and set your expectations accordingly.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a common but poorly understood chronic (long-term) skin condition that mainly affects the face. Symptoms begin with episodes of flushing (when the skin turns red).
People with rosacea may experience spots and persistent redness of their skin. Small blood vessels in the skin can become visible. In the most severe cases, the skin can thicken and enlarge, usually on and around the nose.
There is no cure for rosacea, but treatments are available to control the symptoms.
How common is rosacea?
Rosacea most commonly affects fair-skinned people from northern Europe and is estimated to affect up to 1 in 10 people.
Rosacea affects twice as many women as men, although it is usually more serious in men. The symptoms usually begin between the ages of 30 and 50.
Treatment for rosacea
Rosacea treatment may take many forms from prevention to direct action. Sadly many people suffer unnecessarily for years. In early stages sufferers are often unaware that the problem is treatable, and may not seek help until the symptoms are pronounced and personally distressing. Fortunately modern techniques such as MPL® can reverse much of the damage caused by excessive blood flow, whilst knowledge of triggers can control the condition over time. MPL® is gaining more and more professional weight as a very effective mainstream rosacea treatment.
Many people use both topical and oral antibiotics which may be effective in treating the mild cases of rosacea. In more severe cases anti-biotics such as Metronidazole are prescribed to help decrease spot formation. However, it is only minimally effective on facial redness and rarely affects the broken blood vessels or flushing aspects of rosacea which is the main concern of our clients with rosacea.
In order to be effective, antibiotic treatment must be sustained. Whilst being treated, personal triggers must continue to be avoided.
Common triggers include:
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Extreme Hot & Cold Weather
- Sun
- Excessively Greasy Food
- Allergies
Oral and topical antibiotic therapy with the avoidance of all triggers is not a very satisfying strategy! MPL® is effective at removing the structurally damaged blood vessels and diminishes the constant facial redness. This effectively treats more extensive areas of the face with less pain and greater speed than the older laser methods.
Because the skin clinicians at SkinFirst have had thorough and specific training and plenty of experience in treating rosacea sufferers, and because our machines are more advanced and suitable than most other machines on the market for this type of treatment, we are able to achieve excellent clearance of broken blood vessels and chronic facial redness, as well as significantly decrease the intensity and duration of the facial flush. It is well understood that MPL® targets the red haemoglobin in the offending blood vessels of rosacea sufferers. What is less well understood is that the vessels should sometimes be targeted on different levels (using variable wavelengths) of the skin. Our technology facilitates this whereas many other machines have only one suitable setting for rosacea. So we will take into account:
- Depth of targeted blood vessels
- Area and location of vessels
- Pulse frequency and energy appropriate to target different vessel types
- Understanding of the different impact of surface vessels vs feeder vessels
Consideration of these factors and an overall understanding of the underlying condition ensures a successful outcome to this distressing condition.
What does the treatment involve?
You will be asked to keep your face as pale as possible by avoiding sun exposure before and during your course of treatment. At your first visit you can discuss the pros and cons of treatment and a patch test can be performed to check the reaction of your skin. On the first treatment the whole of the affected area will be treated, except in men where the beard area is avoided. There is a feeling of heat during the treatment and your face will be redder for a short while afterwards. We will cool your skin if it does feel warm afterwards, and we can apply complimentary mineral make-up or you can relax in our clinic until the redness subsides. A course of 4-6 treatments at 4 week intervals produces the best benefit. Improvement may continue for many weeks after the course has finished. Rosacea is a relapsing condition and this treatment can drastically improve the appearance but does not cure the underlying condition of rosacea longer term, so you will need to come back occasionally for maintenance sessions.
How does it work?
It is believed that MPL® has two actions that help in rosacea. Firstly, red thread veins absorb the light energy, which heats them. This damage encourages the body to reabsorb them, improving appearance. Secondly, the light energy and the heat energy from the additional radio frequency warms the collagen fibres in the skin. This stimulates new collagen and collagen remodelling. This improves the support of the small blood vessels which helps to delay the development of more thread veins and unwanted redness.
Many rosacea sufferers also have some thread veins, and whether you have both symptoms or just one, we welcome you into our salon in Warrington for a free consultation.
