Thread Veins
Thread veins, also known as spider veins, are small dilated blood vessels that develop just beneath the surface of the skin. They commonly appear on the legs and face as fine red, blue, or purple lines. They occur when tiny veins lose their elasticity and become enlarged, allowing blood to collect within them and become more visible through the skin.
Several factors can contribute to the development of thread veins. These include increasing age, genetic predisposition, hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause, prolonged standing or sitting, and excess body weight. Sun exposure can also play a role, particularly in the development of facial thread veins. While thread veins are often a cosmetic concern, they can sometimes be associated with underlying venous insufficiency, where deeper veins are not functioning normally.
For this reason, a clinical assessment is important before treatment. In some patients, larger underlying veins may be contributing to the development of thread veins. If indicated, an ultrasound scan may be recommended to assess the deeper venous system. Treating any significant underlying vein problems first can improve both the cosmetic outcome and the long-term success of thread vein treatment
