Aging is unavoidable.
Aging beautifully, gracefully and healthily however, is an art. We can help to make this happen.
SPIDER VEINS REMOVAL
CAPE TOWN / SIMON’S TOWN, SWELLENDAM
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are dilated capillaries on the skin resembling spider legs, commonly known as thread veins. The medical term for these veins is telangiectasia. Spider veins on the face are mostly caused by sun exposure. The skin becomes thinner and the tiny veins become more visible. Other contributing factors include gender, hormones (pregnancy), hereditary predisposition, alcohol intake as well as inflammatory condition like acne and rosacea.
Spider veins are usually harmless and in most cases only cause cosmetic concerns. On the face they mostly occur on the nose, chin, and cheeks. Facial redness caused by telangiectasia on the face is due to broken blood vessels or spider veins.
How to treat spider veins?
There are many methods of treating spider veins. Devices using high radiofrequency waves are commonly and safely used to treat the condition. The treatment offers a permanent and safe removal of small veins on the face. During the procedure a very fine, sterile needle is applied to the treated area at approximately every 1 mm. This delivers a radiofrequency current, causing thermo-coagulation of the veins leading to their destruction. There is no damage to the surrounding tissues and a very low risk of
scarring. The technique can easily treat even the tiniest veins which cannot be treated by lasers.
How long is the procedure?
The treatment takes up to 1 hour, depending on the amount of veins to be treated. The procedure offers significant improvement already after one session, in many cases even a total eradication of spider veins. In some cases up to 3 sessions may be required. The treatment does not offer a permanent cure of the condition, but only its visible signs, therefore often top up treatments are required.
Is the procedure of spider veins removal painful?
During the treatment the patient may experience some discomfort, which differs from patient to patient. In some cases topical anaesthetic might be required.
What are the side effects?
There are no known side effects, the treatment is considered to be safe. Mild bruising or scarring can appear but this is not common. After the treatment, the skin becomes red and feels warm. Some patients may experience sensations of light scratches and redness of the face. This settles in few hours but it might take up to 2-3 days. The treated veins may have red appearance up
to 3 weeks, occasionally up to 5-6 weeks.
Small scabs can appear which also fall off after 2-4 days.
The treated veins gradually fade away. Follow up treatment can be repeated after 1 month. The procedure has a very good success rate and usually succeeds in its purpose, but as with all cosmetic procedures pleasing results cannot be guaranteed.
The treatment may be used in all skin types.
The recovery period is short, 2-3 days, but there is no downtime.
What are the contraindications to spider veins removal procedure?
As long as one is generally healthy and doesn’t have any skin diseases or active infections in the area treated, there are few medical reasons why one should not undergo this treatment.
Thermo-coagulation with radiofrequency is contra-indicated in people who:
- Suffer from infectious skin conditions.
- Are pregnant.
- Are epileptic.
- Have a pacemaker.
- Take anti-coagulants.
- Have fake tan product on the skin.
What are the post procedure recommendations?
Like after all aesthetic procedures avoidance of sun and using sun protection is advisable.
Is there any downtime?
There is no downtime. Patients can go back to their normal activities straight after the treatment.
What is the cost of the procedure?
At Art of Aging Aesthetic Medical Practice the treatment of the full face costs R 2000, if follow up treatments are recommended then the procedure is performed at half price.