By Vein Treatment Centre – Specialists in Thread & Spider Vein Removal

As we age, our bodies change in many ways — and our veins are no exception. Thread veins (also called spider veins) and other visible veins often appear or worsen with age, but it can be hard to know what’s normal and when to seek treatment.

At Vein Treatment Centre , we specialise in safe, effective thread vein and facial vein treatments for all ages.

How Ageing Affects Veins

1. Vein Walls Become Thinner

Veins are made of a layer of connective tissue and smooth muscle.
With age, this tissue can weaken, causing veins to stretch and become more visible.

2. Loss of Skin Elasticity

Thinner, less elastic skin means veins show through more easily.
Even small veins that were previously hidden may become noticeable.

3. Changes in Blood Flow

Circulation efficiency decreases slightly with age.
Veins may dilate to accommodate minor circulatory changes, leading to visible thread veins.

4. Sun Damage and Environmental Factors

Years of sun exposure can weaken skin and capillary walls.
Facial veins, in particular, may appear on cheeks and nose.

5. Hormonal Changes

Menopause and other hormonal shifts can make veins more noticeable.
Oestrogen helps maintain vein and skin health; lower levels can increase visible veins.

What’s Normal vs What’s Concerning

Feature	Normal Age-Related Changes	When to Seek Treatment
Appearance	Fine, red or purple lines, mostly cosmetic	Rapidly appearing, spreading, or painful veins
Location	Common on face, cheeks, legs	Clusters on unusual areas or asymmetrical patterns
Symptoms	Usually painless	Aching, heaviness, swelling, or discomfort
Progression	Slow and gradual	Rapid growth over weeks/months

Tip: Visible veins that are purely cosmetic and painless are usually safe. However, any new or suddenly worsening veins should be assessed by a specialist.

Treatment Options for Age-Related Veins

At Vein Treatment Centre , we offer non-surgical, minimally invasive treatments suitable for adults including older adults. Options include:

✔ Laser & IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Targets fine facial veins and broken capillaries.
Minimal downtime and highly precise.

✔ Microsclerotherapy (for leg thread veins)

Tiny injection closes the vein, which gradually fades.
Ideal for blue or larger surface veins.

✔ Combination Treatments

A combination of laser and microsclerotherapy may also be considered for best results.
Tailored to the patient’s age, skin type, and vein pattern.

Dr Ross Perry says:

“Many patients come to us simply because they want to get rid of thread veins for cosmetic reasons. Our treatments are quick, safe, and highly effective, helping patients feel more confident in their skin.”

Preventing New Veins with Age

While some veins are inevitable with age, you can reduce new ones forming by:

Protecting skin from sun exposure (SPF 30+ daily)
Staying active and improving circulation
Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting
Maintaining a healthy weight
Using gentle skincare products to avoid trauma to capillaries

Book Your Vein Assessment

Ageing doesn’t mean you have to accept visible veins. Early treatment can:

Restore smoother, clearer skin
Prevent veins from worsening
Improve confidence and comfort

Vein Treatment Centre offers expert consultations for thread vein and facial vein removal. Our team will assess your veins, recommend the most effective treatment, and create a personalised plan.

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.

How Ageing Affects Your Veins: What’s Normal, What’s Not