Laser, Nd:YAG or IPL for Facial Thread Veins?

Laser, Nd:YAG and IPL may all be suggested as high-tech, injection-free treatments for facial thread veins – but they are not the same thing at all. Which is best?

The two systems work in a different way.

• IPL machines are more likened to a very bright light. This light is polychromatic, not collimated, and delivers a broader spectrum of light energy, which may then be filtered to exclude certain wavelengths but still leave more than one. This is less precise than laser and therefore targets multiple colour chromophores. Therefore there is the risk of surrounding tissue receiving the IPL energy as well as the target. This is why many professionals will not recommend IPL for treating thread veins in olive or darker skin tones. 
• Laser machines emit a monochromatic, collimated (parallel) and coherent light. Thanks to this precision, lasers target a single colour chromophore; which in the case of thread vein removal is haemoglobin; leaving the surrounding tissue untouched.
• Nd:YAG is a specific type of laser which laser delivers a burst of energy using longer pulse durations. This is more controlled and gentle, yet the laser reaches the deeper layers in the skin

In all cases, the basic principle of treatment is to damage and destroy the veins, which are then broken down by the body and removed by the immune system and metabolic processes.

However, systems which achieve this result in a gentle manner leaving the surrounding tissue intact give a more agreeable result with less inflammation, reduced redness and lower risk.

This means that Nd:YAG is the treatment of choice for those professionals fortunate enough to have access to the equipment.

Nd:YAG Laser at London Vein Centre

Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ main London Vein Treatment Centres in Harley Street and Putney offer the sophisticated Harmony XL Pro Laser treatment, which uses Nd:YAG technology to target problem capillaries, vessels or veins with targeted laser energy. This damages the veins so that they shrink, shrivel up and then disappear. Laser energy also works to stimulate healing and cell renewal in the treated area for clearer-looking skin. It is a gentle and effective treatment for facial thread veins on the face.

For larger thread veins, microsclerotherapy injections are a popular option. The company also offer micro-cautery treatment.

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

Laser thread vein treatment – facial blood spot

London Vein Treatment Centre

With the addition of the Harley Street clinic in 2018, Cosmedics Skin Clinics now offer thread vein removal treatment at two London Vein Treatment Centres.

4 Disraeli Road, Putney, London, SW15 2DS

41 Harley Street, London, W1G 8QH

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