What’s The Difference Between Varicose and Thread Veins?

New Video

Expert Vein Doctor Explains Varicose vs Thread Veins

Dr Ross Perry, GP and founder of The London Vein Centre, has created a short new video to explain the difference between varicose and thread veins. 

Many patients are not sure whether they have varicose veins or just thread veins.

It is important to diagnose vein problems correctly in order to arrange the most appropriate treatment.

Varicose veins tend to look different to thread veins

Dr Ross Perry explains:

“Varicose veins are often the big, bulgy blue veins that you see in people on the lower parts of the legs.

“Thread veins tend to be much thinner, reddy purpley veins, which are often on the surface of the skin.”

Varicose veins are deeper than thread veins

“The major difference between the two veins is the depth of where they are.

“Varicose veins are often a problem with the underlying veins, which are your deeper veins and the valves that are with those; and often what happens is the valves mean that the blood doesn’t flow back to the heart as well as it should do.

“As a result of this you get pooling of the blood and stretching of the veins. This then causes them to ache and swell. Those are the varicose veins that can then often potentially have a knock-on effect on causing thread veins further up in the skin; but not always.”

How to get the best diagnosis of vein problems

“So unfortunately, trying to decide whether or not somebody’s got varicose veins and thread veins often requires an ultrasound scan; which not only is able to determine whether or not somebody has deep underlying problems that could potentially cause varicose veins and ultimately to thread veins higher up; or whether or not the varicose veins themselves are in fact not working properly and causing symptoms such as aching in the lower legs.

“This is a very simple procedure that is done in-house with our vascular surgeon and so they were able to tell you and give you the results there and then.”

London Vein Treatment Centre

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for varicose veins, thread veins and other vascular conditions using the latest techniques. All consultations and treatments are carried out with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons. Advanced ‘day case’ varicose vein treatment is available at specially equipped London Vein Treatment Centre locations:

• 4 Disraeli Road, Putney, London, SW15 2DS
• 41 Harley Street, London, W1G 8QH

Thread vein treatment is additionally available at:

• The Smart Clinics, 30 Thurloe Place, South Kensington, London, SW7 2JE
• City Walk in Clinic, Ground floor, Renown House, 33–34 Bury Street, London, EC3A 5AR

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