Go under the laser and zap away unsightly thread veins for blemish-free summer skin

SHORT skirts and miniscule hot pants might be all the rage this summer but, for many of us, the thought of exposing our legs in public fills us with dread - especially if you suffer from embarrassing bumps and blemishes.

Thread veins (telangiectasias to give them their proper title) are the unsightly but harmless thin red lines that can appear close to the skin's surface, mainly on the face and legs.

So why do we get them? Thread veins on the face (mainly appearing around the cheeks and nose) can be caused by natural skin ageing, excessive sun or sun bed exposure, as a result of taking the pill or HRT, alcohol or acne rosacea. Those found on the legs can be associated with underlying varicose veins.

However, all is not lost as there is a relatively painless treatment that can get rid of thread veins without resorting to going under the knife. Laser Thread Vein Removal works by delivering a pulsed beam directly onto the veins. The energy from the laser is absorbed by the blood in the vein, where it converts into heat, destroying the vein walls and leaving your legs clear and blemish free (although it doesn't stop other thread veins from appearing).

I went to The Viva Clinic in Golders Green to see if they could work their magic on a group of thread veins I have had on my upper thigh since my late teens. After an initial patch test, I was ready for the full-on treatment. The sensation has been compared to the feeling of an elastic band pinging against the skin, although reactions vary according to individual pain thresholds. Although uncomfortable, it was certainly bearable, and was helped by my nurse excitedly proclaiming that she could see the veins disappearing in front of her eyes'. A cooling machine is used in conjunction with the laser treatment to help relieve discomfort.

Immediately afterwards, my skin felt swollen and tender and looked pretty bruised. This can persist for several days and, in some cases, up to 60 days. I left the clinic under strict instructions to wear support tights for three days, initially abstain from exercise and avoid going out into the sun.

Around six to eight weeks must elapse between treatments to allow the veins to break down and the skin's surface to repair itself but after only a couple of weeks, my bruising began to subside and I could see clear skin where my thread veins had been. Sometimes only one treatment is required, although in more severe cases, up to three sessions may be needed to clear the spider veins completely.

One or two darker veins still remained visible on close inspection and I needed another session to zap away the final traces of blemish before my legs were vein-free and beach perfect. AE

Prices per treatment are around £70 depending on the size of the area being treated. The Viva Clinic is located at 592 Finchley Road NW11. For more information or to book an appointment, call 0845 6528 999. www.vivamedispa.co.uk.

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