Thread vein treatment · By area
Leg thread vein removal
Treatment for fine surface thread veins on the thighs, calves and ankles — assessed first for any underlying venous problem, because treating the surface while something deeper remains gives a short-lived result.
At a glance
- Treats
- Fine surface veins on the thighs, behind the knees, calves and ankles
- Price
- £175 for 15 minutes, £300 for 30 minutes
- Sessions usually needed
- Three to four, sometimes more
- Assessed first
- Standing and lying down, for signs of venous insufficiency
- Afterwards
- Compression hosiery is often advised
- Results visible
- Six to twelve weeks after each session
- Who provides it
- Kim Armstrong, Registered Nurse and Independent Prescriber
The condition
What leg thread veins are
Small, widened surface vessels visible through the skin as fine red, purple or blue lines, often in a web or fan pattern on the thighs, behind the knees, on the calves or around the ankles.
Larger blue-green vessels sitting slightly deeper are called reticular veins, and these often feed the surface network — which is one of the reasons treating what is visible without looking underneath tends to disappoint.
They are common and harmless. Unlike facial thread veins, they can be a surface sign of what is happening in the deeper venous system, which is why assessment comes before treatment rather than alongside it.
Not the same condition
Thread veins and varicose veins
Distinguishing the two decides whether surface treatment is worth doing at all.
| Thread veins | Varicose veins | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Fine and flat, at the surface | Larger, raised, bulging or rope-like |
| Symptoms | Usually none | Aching, heaviness, swelling, itching, cramping |
| Skin changes | No | Sometimes, including discolouration, eczema or ulceration |
| Underlying cause | Sometimes venous insufficiency | Valve failure in the deeper veins |
| NHS treatment | Not usually available | Possible where symptoms are present |
| Treating surface veins alone | Reasonable, if nothing deeper is found | Unlikely to give a lasting result |
If you have both, the deeper problem is addressed first. Where Kim finds signs of venous insufficiency or varicose veins, she will advise vascular assessment before any surface treatment. That may mean seeing your GP, and in some cases NHS assessment will be available to you.
Causes
What causes them
Which of these apply to you affects both the number of sessions likely and how well the result holds.
- Genetics
- The most common single factor.
- Prolonged standing
- Affecting people in occupations such as teaching, nursing, hairdressing, retail and hospitality.
- Pregnancy
- Through increased blood volume and pressure on the pelvic veins.
- Hormonal changes
- Including the contraceptive pill, HRT and menopause.
- Weight
- Which increases pressure on the leg veins.
- Age
- As vessel walls and supporting tissue weaken.
- Previous injury to the leg
- Surgical or accidental.
- Underlying venous insufficiency
- The one that changes the plan, which is why it is looked for first.
Treating visible surface veins while an underlying venous problem remains untreated gives a disappointing and short-lived result. The pressure that created them has not changed.
Kim Armstrong · Registered Nurse and Independent Prescriber
Assessment
What happens before anything is treated
Kim examines your legs standing as well as lying down, because the appearance changes with position and a lying-down-only assessment misses what matters.
She will ask about aching, heaviness, swelling, night cramps and itching, look for skin changes suggesting a longstanding venous problem, and take a full medical, medication and family history including pregnancy history and hormonal treatments.
Where vascular assessment is indicated, she will say so and advise you to arrange it before any surface treatment goes ahead.
Before you book
Is this right for you?
It may be suitable if
- You have fine surface thread veins with no signs of underlying venous disease
- You are in good general health
- Your expectations are realistic about improvement rather than clearance
- You can wear compression hosiery if advised, and avoid sun exposure on the area
It may not be suitable if
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have varicose veins or untreated venous insufficiency
- You have a history of deep vein thrombosis or a clotting disorder
- You take certain anticoagulants
- You have a skin infection or ulceration in the area
- You have significantly reduced mobility
This list is not exhaustive, and suitability is confirmed at consultation.
Your appointment
What happens, in order
- 1
Consultation and vascular assessment
Legs examined standing and lying down, symptoms and history taken, and vascular assessment advised where it is indicated.
- 2
Treatment
The session lasts 15 or 30 minutes. Leg veins are generally less sensitive than facial veins and most people find the sensation manageable.
- 3
Compression
Support hosiery is often advised afterwards for a specified period. Where it is recommended it affects the result, and should be worn as advised rather than when convenient.
- 4
Review
An appointment to assess how you have responded and plan the next session. Results are judged at six to twelve weeks rather than two — legs respond more slowly because gravity and venous pressure work against treatment, the vessels are often deeper, and there are usually more of them.
Aftercare
Aftercare, including compression
On the legs this list is not optional advice — it is part of what determines the result.
- Compression hosiery
- Worn for the period advised. Kim will tell you which type and for how long.
- Movement
- Walk regularly. Movement helps.
- Standing
- Avoid prolonged standing where you can.
- Heat
- Avoid hot baths, saunas and steam rooms for the period advised.
- Exercise
- Avoid anything vigorous for the first 24 to 48 hours.
- Sun
- Apply SPF to any exposed treated area, and avoid sunbeds and self-tan.
- Travel
- Discuss any plans at your consultation. Long-haul flights are usually best avoided immediately after treatment.
- Scabs
- Do not pick any small scabs that form.
Risks and side effects
Legs carry a higher rate of pigmentation and matting than facial treatment. That is one reason treatment here is conservative and follows full assessment.
Common
Bruising, more common on the legs than the face, along with redness, small raised marks, temporary darkening of the treated vein and mild aching.
Less common
Brown pigmentation along the treated vein, usually fading over several months but occasionally persisting. Matting, where fine new vessels appear near the treated site. Small blisters.
Rare
Ulceration at the treatment site, persistent pigment change, scarring, allergic reaction and deep vein thrombosis.
Prices
What it costs
15 minute session
Smaller or single areas.
£175
30 minute session
Larger or multiple areas treated in one visit.
£300
Consultation
Suitability and vascular assessment, deducted off the cost of your treatment.
£15
Because leg veins usually need more sessions than facial veins, you will be given an estimate of the total cost at your consultation rather than a per-session price alone. How our prices compare across the UK.
Before you decide
Common questions
How many sessions do leg thread veins need?
Usually three to four, and sometimes more where the area is extensive, spaced several weeks apart. This is more than facial veins typically require, and results appear more slowly.
Will the NHS treat my leg thread veins?
Not usually, as thread veins are considered a cosmetic concern. The NHS may assess and treat varicose veins where they cause symptoms such as aching, swelling, skin changes or ulceration. If Kim thinks this applies to you, she will advise you to see your GP.
Do I have to wear compression stockings?
Where they are advised, yes. They affect the result and reduce the risk of complications. Kim will tell you which type to wear and for how long.
Why do legs bruise more than the face?
Leg vessels sit beneath thicker skin and are subject to higher venous pressure, so bruising is more common. It settles over a few weeks.
What is matting?
Matting is the appearance of fine new vessels near a treated area. It is more common on the legs than the face, usually settles over several months and can be treated.
Can I fly after treatment?
Discuss any travel plans at your consultation. Long-haul flights soon after leg vein treatment are usually best avoided.
Can I have treatment in the summer?
Yes, though it requires strict sun protection on the treated area, as pigment change is a risk. Many patients prefer autumn or winter.
I stand all day at work. Will the veins come back?
Treated vessels do not return, but prolonged standing is a risk factor for new ones forming. Compression hosiery at work, regular movement and elevation where possible all help, and this can be discussed at your consultation.
Next step
Legs are assessed before they are treated.
Your consultation identifies anything deeper first, so that surface treatment is only recommended where it is actually likely to hold.
Or call +44 (0) 7706 077888email kim@thearmstrongclinic.com