Thread veins (also known as spider veins) are very common and often purely cosmetic, but many people delay treatment hoping they’ll fade naturally. A frequent question we’re asked at The London Vein Centre is whether thread veins can disappear on their own — or whether treatment is the only option.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Thread Veins?

Thread veins are small, visible blood vessels that sit close to the surface of the skin. They commonly appear on:

Legs
Face (nose and cheeks)
Ankles
Thighs

They are usually red, purple or blue and may appear as fine lines or web-like patterns.

Do Thread Veins Ever Go Away Naturally?

In most cases, no — thread veins do not go away on their own.

Once a vein has become permanently dilated and visible, the body does not usually reabsorb it. While some veins may temporarily look lighter due to changes in circulation, temperature, or inflammation, the vein itself remains.

Exceptions

Some pregnancy-related thread veins may fade after childbirth, but many persist.
Temporary flushing or redness is not the same as true thread veins.

If a vein has been visible for months or years, it is very unlikely to disappear without treatment.

Why Thread Veins Don’t Resolve Themselves

Thread veins form when tiny surface blood vessels lose elasticity and remain widened. Factors include:

Ageing skin and vein walls
Genetics
Hormonal changes
Sun damage (particularly on the face)
Prolonged standing or sitting
Skin trauma or inflammation

Once this structural change occurs, creams, supplements, or lifestyle changes cannot remove the vein.

Can Creams or Home Remedies Help?

There is no scientific evidence that creams, oils, supplements, or home devices can remove established thread veins.

Some products may:

Improve skin quality
Reduce redness temporarily
Support overall skin health

But they cannot close or remove visible veins.

**What Does Work for Thread Veins?**

✔ Laser Treatment (Face & Small Red Veins)

Laser energy targets the pigment in the vein, heating and collapsing it so the body can naturally clear it over time. Ideal for:

Facial thread veins
Broken capillaries
Fine red surface veins

✔ Microsclerotherapy (Leg Thread Veins)

A very fine injection seals the vein from the inside. This is considered the gold standard for leg thread veins, especially blue or purple veins.

✔ Combination Treatments

Some patients benefit from laser first, followed by microsclerotherapy, depending on vein size and depth.

Will New Thread Veins Appear in the Future?

Treating existing thread veins does not cause new ones to appear, but it does not prevent future veins forming. Genetics, hormones, and ageing mean some people are more prone than others.

This is why many patients choose:

Early treatment
Maintenance sessions if needed
Preventative skincare and sun protection

When Should You Consider Treatment?

You may want to book a consultation if:

Veins have been visible for several months or longer
They are spreading or becoming more noticeable
You feel self-conscious about their appearance
You want clear, even-looking skin

Thread vein treatment is quick, safe, and minimally invasive when performed by experienced specialists.

Book a Thread Vein Assessment

At Vein Treatment Centre, we regularly see patients whose only concern is cosmetic — and that’s perfectly valid.

Your consultation will include:

Assessment of vein type and depth
Discussion of treatment options
Expected results and number of sessions
Clear, transparent pricing

Dr Ross Perry, Medical Director at Vein Treatment Centre, explains:

“We treat many patients who are simply bothered by the cosmetic appearance of thread veins. In most cases, these veins won’t disappear on their own, but the good news is that modern treatments are quick, safe and very effective, with minimal disruption to daily life.”

London Vein Treatment Centre

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offers spider vein and thread vein removal treatment at a choice of 4 London Vein Treatment Centres using medically proven techniques.

All thread vein treatments are carried out by skilled and experienced doctors.

For more information, please complete the form to the right hand side or call 020 7386 0464.

Can Thread Veins Go Away on Their Own?