Skin Concerns -
Thread Veins & Rosacea
< Thread veins (also known as spider veins or telangiectasia) are small, visible blood vessels that can appear red, blue, or purple just beneath the skin’s surface. They are common on the face and legs and can develop due to ageing, sun damage, hormonal changes, or skin conditions such as rosacea. While thread veins are medically harmless, many people choose to have them treated for cosmetic reasons as they can affect confidence.
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Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and sometimes breakouts. Over time, repeated inflammation can make thread veins more prominent, meaning the two conditions are often linked. While rosacea cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with the right combination of professional treatments and lifestyle advice, helping to reduce redness, minimise flare-ups, and calm sensitive skin >
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The NHS does not usually offer treatment for thread veins or rosacea when considered cosmetic. At Clear Skin Clinic, we provide safe and effective treatment options for clients who wish to have them managed privately.
Thread Vein Management Treatments
SWT / IPL Thread Vein Management
SWT (Selective Waveband Technology) / IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a targeted treatment designed specifically to reduce the appearance of thread veins (also known as spider veins or broken capillaries). The light energy is absorbed by the visible vessels, heating them until they collapse safely without damaging the surrounding skin. Over time, the body naturally clears these vessels, leaving the treated area clearer and more even in tone.
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Unlike full-face rejuvenation, this treatment focuses only on the visible thread veins themselves, making it precise and highly effective for problem areas such as the cheeks, nose, or chin.
Treatment Time:
30 minutes
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Downtime:
Minimal — mild redness may occur immediately after treatment, and treated veins may temporarily darken before fading
Recommended Frequency:
Typically 1–3 sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart, although results vary depending on the number and size of veins
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Pricing - From £35
A patch test is needed before treatment. Avoid sun exposure 30 days prior and after; use SPF daily
Rosacea Management Treatments
Ellipse IPL Rosacea Management
Ellipse IPL is a proven treatment that helps reduce the redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels linked to rosacea. Controlled pulses of light are absorbed by enlarged blood vessels beneath the skin, converting to heat and safely collapsing them without harming surrounding tissue. As the body clears these vessels, redness fades and the complexion becomes calmer and more even.
While rosacea cannot be cured, Ellipse IPL is highly effective at controlling symptoms, reducing flare-ups, and improving overall skin tone. Many clients see clearer, more comfortable skin after just a few sessions.
Treatment Time:
45 minutes
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Downtime:
Minimal — mild redness may occur for a few hours, and treated blood vessels may temporarily darken before fading
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Recommended Frequency:
A course of 3–6 treatments spaced 3–4 weeks apart is usually recommended, with maintenance sessions as needed
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Pricing - from £95
A patch test is needed before treatment. Avoid sun exposure 30 days prior and after; use SPF daily
Pulsed Dye Laser Rosacea Management
Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) is a highly targeted treatment for managing rosacea-related redness and visible blood vessels. The laser works by delivering concentrated light that is absorbed by the enlarged blood vessels under the skin. This light energy turns into heat, safely collapsing the vessels without damaging the surrounding tissue.
PDL is particularly effective at reducing persistent redness, flushing, and superficial broken veins caused by rosacea. Over a course of treatments, it helps to calm inflammation, fade visible vessels, and restore a more even skin tone.
Treatment Time:
60 minutes
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Downtime:
Minimal — some mild redness, swelling, or temporary bruising may occur and usually resolves within a few days
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Recommended Frequency:
Typically 3–6 treatments spaced 3–4 weeks apart, with maintenance sessions as needed for ongoing rosacea management
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Pricing - from £125
A patch test is needed before treatment. Avoid sun exposure 30 days prior and after; use SPF daily
