Vein Problems and the Ageing Process

Vein problems unfortunately become more common with age.

Dr Ross Perry, founder of the London Vein Centre, explains how facial and varicose veins occur, what factors are involved as well as age, and how the problem can be treated.

How do facial thread veins occur?

“Facial spider veins are relatively common and are caused by genetics, too much alcohol, sun exposure and rosacea. As we age, the skin becomes thinner and blood vessels become visible.

How can facial/spider veins be treated?

“The most effective treatments for spider veins are lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies which work by focusing on colour contrast between the vein and the surrounding skin. The light energy works to seek and destroy the problematic veins, leaving clearer skin. Blood simply diverts through other, healthier and less visible veins.”

Where do we get varicose veins?

“Varicose veins happen most often on your calves or inside of your legs and bulge above the skin’s surface, where they have a characteristic blue/purple colour and lumpy/twisted appearance.

“Although varicose veins can occur in any part of your body, you’ll usually find them in your lower body, legs, or feet.”

Why are they more common with age?

“Varicose veins are more common in older adults, because of the lifetime of wear and tear on the valves.”

Varicose veins are simply due to veins that have become inefficient over time. As well as age, other factors include genetic predisposition, weight, alcohol consumption and lifestyle/activity.

How can varicose veins be treated?

“These days laser treatment for varicose veins means the old version of surgical ‘stripping’ or pulling out of the veins is rarely performed. Micro or minimally invasive surgery has now superseded all the previous forms of vein surgery. In some cases, micro surgery is carried out in some cases at the same time as the endovenous laser treatment to help remove small areas that are simply too bulky to melt away. This procedure is known as phlebectomy and can also be used on its own for smaller veins if indicated.”

London Vein Treatment Centre

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.