If you’ve noticed small, red, or purple-like veins on your legs or face that look like little spider webs, then you could have thread veins. Most women will experience thread veins in their life, but they’re most common in people in their 40s or older.



Let’s explore what this type of vein is, how they develop and what treatments can be used to reduce or remove thread veins.

Thread veins, commonly known as spider veins, are small but prominent veins that appear just below the surface of the skin. They get the name ‘spider vein’ by the way they branch out looking like a small spider. These veins remain under the surface and won’t bulge from the skin like a varicose vein would.



Thread veins can appear anywhere on the body, but they’re more often found on the legs and face. Whilst not painful, those suffering with thread veins state that they’re unsightly and would opt from removal, where possible.

In addition, you may experience throbbing, aching, or itching around the vein or a rash. If you’re concerned, contact your GP, but thread veins are usually harmless.

Thread veins are caused by the blood vessels in the skin becoming more dilated. This happens when the muscular wall of the vessels relaxes and widens or become more open.



Those that suffer with thread veins tend to sit or stand for long periods of time, and this adds a pressure to the capillaries, but age can also play a factor in visible thread veins, as well as pregnancy and hormonal change, sunlight or even an injury.

Some believe that you’re predisposed to having thread veins and that lifestyle can help bring them out more quickly. But there are some things you can do to prevent, delay, or minimise their appearance.

• Moving more: being more active and manipulating blood flow can help the muscles in your legs work against the development of thread veins.

• Wear compression socks: by applying constant pressure to your legs, you’ll lessen swelling and encourage better blood flow.

• Avoid sitting cross legged: sitting for long periods of time, especially crossed legged, can contribute to the presence of thread veins. This is because it adds pressure to the capillaries increasing their appearance.

In addition, there are other factors that are fundamental to putting more pressure on the capillaries, and they include obesity, smoking and alcohol. Leading a generally healthy lifestyle is the best way to avoid developing these types of broken vessels.

The most effective treatment for the removal of thread veins is laser therapy, also known as photothermolysis. This type of treatment can reduce the appearance in just a few appointments with no damage to the surrounding skin and no downtime.

Photothermolysis, or laser therapy, is a precise technique that uses a wavelength of light and heat, that essentially destroys the tissue. It effectively targets the haemoglobin in the blood and then the blood coagulates which subsequently breaks down and then disappears.

Laser treatment for removing unwanted thread veins is not painful, although you may experience a light tingling during the procedure and some bruising following your appointment, but these will fade, and there is no downtime as part of this treatment.

The results from photothermolysis take a few weeks to fully work, where the vessels underneath the skin will slowly change colour, eventually fading and disappearing. The end-to-end process can take around six weeks, but multiple sessions is recommended.

One of the leading reasons people choose to remove spider veins is confidence – especially if they appear on the face. Taking a step to removing something that makes you feel self-conscious is the first step to taking control of your own mental and emotional wellbeing.



The treatment is non-invasive, non-surgical and low impact, so in as little as a 30-minute appointment, you could be on your way to improved confidence and self-image.

Charlie Milz Hair & Beauty offers advanced beauty treatments to help you feel comfortable in your skin. With medical grade lasers and world-renowned technology and sophisticated systems, we offer the very best in thread vein removal in Stowmarket and the surrounding areas. 

Located near the high street just a short walk from the train station, our laser skin treatments are loved by clients from Needham Market, Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and further afield in Suffolk.