Everything to know about ThermaVein, the red vein removal treament

Here, salon owner, award-winning beauty therapist, trainer, and exclusive brand distributor Susan Fox of Eden Beauty explains how the treatment – which doesn’t use laser, IPL or injections – can rid you of red veins for good.

What are vascular blemishes and red thread veins?

The term vascular blemishes covers a wide variety of different skin conditions; everything from telangiectasia (thread veins), spider nevus and cherry angiomas and even rosacea. The most common are telangiectasia, or as many people call them, broken capillaries. Although “broken capillaries” is a commonly used term, it is completely incorrect as capillaries do not break. Vascular blemishes are caused by the permeability of dilated capillaries. Weakening of the capillary walls can occur for many reasons, including lifestyle factors such as smoking, trauma to the area, medication, illness, sun exposure and extreme temperatures. Thinning skin as we age also makes blemishes more visible, as well as genetic factors – Celtic skin is fine and prone to vascular blemishes. It can be difficult to totally prevent telangiectasia in skin prone to it, but you can take steps to reduce the chances of them developing by always wearing SPF and avoiding extremes of temperatures like saunas and steam rooms. Be gentle with your skin by avoiding harsh scrubs and over-exfoliating. Using a vitamin C serum can also help, as it strengthens the capillary walls and taking a vitamin C supplement is also a good idea.

How can ThermaVein remove vascular blemishes and red thread veins?

ThermaVein is a brilliant way of treating a wide variety of vascular blemishes. A small probe is tapped onto the skin along the length of the capillary. This emits a very low level of energy that heats the proteins in the capillary walls. A slight pressure is then applied, which sticks the capillary walls together, thus killing the vein.

How many sessions of ThermaVein are typically required?

The vein literally disappears in the 1st session, which usually takes 30 minutes. The cost of treatment is €200 and this includes a follow-up visit four weeks after the initial treatment. At the follow-up session, we will re-treat any larger veins that require further attention, ensuring that the client is happy with the results. For clients with a larger area to be treated, such as blemishes on the legs, three or more sessions may be required.

Is ThermaVein suitable for everyone?

ThermaVein is suitable for most people, however, we do not treat clients with a chronic illness, very poor healing, cold sores or if you are pregnant. Inflamed active rosacea is contraindicated, but once the flushing has been treated with IPL for example, rosacea clients can have a ThermaVein treatment. You will be asked to complete a consultation form prior to your treatment to ensure you are a suitable candidate for ThermaVein.

How long do results last?

Once a vein is treated it dies, so it is removed permanently. However, if you are prone to telangiectasia, you may develop new ones over time, but this typically takes years. For blemishes such as spider naevi or cherry angiomas, once it is treated, it is gone permanently.

Is there any downtime?

Downtime on the face is minimal. You will be very red on the day of the treatment, but this settles quickly. Some people experience redness and slight oedema the next day, but this is rare, and make-up can be worn as usual. The legs are more complicated for a variety of reasons and more downtime is needed. Immediately after the treatment, your therapist will administer aloe vera and give you some to apply at home. You should avoid heat and active skincare for 24 hours. A vitamin C serum or hyaluronic acid is ideal for home care, as it will help to strengthen capillaries, or Casmara Age Defence Moisturiser, €45, is also ideal as it contains both prebiotics and probiotics that repair the barrier function of the skin and aid healing.

ThermaVein Wave Treatment, including check-up, €200, edenbeautygroup.com.

Photography by Catwalkpix.