Laser & IPL Thread Vein Removal (Face)
Targeted light collapses small facial veins and broken capillaries for a clearer, calmer-looking complexion. Patch-tested and tailored to your skin.
Watch: Laser Vein Removal in Action
A short clip showing real-time laser vein removal at Santi London.
How Thread Vein Treatment Works
Nd:YAG laser (vascular)
Precise wavelength targets haemoglobin within visible vessels. Heat seals the vessel wall; the body reabsorbs it over time.
- Best for discrete blue/red vessels and spider veins.
- Often fewer sessions for focal areas.
IPL photorejuvenation
Broad-spectrum light with filters treats diffuse redness and background flushing with minimal downtime.
- Great adjunct for rosacea-type redness.
- Usually a short course for global tone.
We’ll decide the modality (or combination) after consultation and patch testing.
Candidacy, Preparation & Aftercare
Who it’s for
- Facial telangiectasia (nose, cheeks, chin).
- Spider veins and small angiomas.
- Diffuse redness benefiting from IPL.
Before your visit
- Avoid sunbeds/tanning; daily SPF 30–50.
- Pause strong actives (retinoids/acids) 5–7 days on area.
- Disclose meds, especially photosensitisers.
Aftercare
- Cool compresses if needed; avoid heat/exercise 24h.
- No picking; allow micro-crusting to shed naturally.
- Bland skincare + SPF; avoid waxing/peels for 1 week.
Note on leg veins: for leg thread veins, assessment may suggest alternatives (e.g., sclerotherapy). We’ll advise case-by-case.
Choosing Between Laser & IPL
Laser (Nd:YAG)
- Pin-point targeting for discrete vessels.
- Suitable for many vessel diameters/colours.
- Sometimes mild greying of vessel before clearing.
IPL (vascular filters)
- Best for generalised/background redness.
- Minimal downtime; short course.
- Pairs well with laser for comprehensive results.
Thread Vein Removal — FAQs
How many sessions will I need?
Discrete vessels may respond in 1–2 sessions; diffuse redness often takes a short IPL course. We’ll confirm at consultation.
Is it painful?
Most clients describe brief snaps with cooling. We adjust settings to comfort and efficacy.
Will the veins come back?
Treated vessels are removed, but new ones can form with triggers (sun, heat, pressure). SPF and gentle skincare help maintenance.
Is it safe for darker skin tones?
We can often treat a range of tones with careful settings and timing around sun exposure; suitability is confirmed at patch test.
Book a Consultation & Patch Test
We’ll confirm suitability and tailor a plan to your skin and goals.
Prefer to speak? Call 020 7584 7000.
Related pages
IPL Photorejuvenation · Laser Clinic · Skin Lab diagnostics · CO₂ resurfacing
General guidance only—your clinician’s advice is personalised to you.