What Are Thread Veins & Spider Veins?
Thread Veins and Spider veins are small, red, blue, or purple veins that appear just beneath the skinโs surface. They are commonly found on the:
- Legs โ Especially the thighs, calves, and ankles
- Face โ Around the nose, cheeks, and chin
Unlike varicose veins, spider veins do not bulge, but they can still be cosmetically bothersome.
What Causes Thread Veins and Spider Veins?
Several factors contribute to the development of these veins:
- Genetics & Family History
- If family members have varicose or spider veins, you are more likely to develop them.
- Hormonal Changes
- Pregnancy, menopause, and birth control pills can weaken vein walls, leading to visible veins.
- Increased oestrogen and progesterone can cause blood vessels to dilate.
- Ageing
- As we age, vein walls weaken, and valves in the veins become less effective.
- This results in blood pooling in the veins, leading to visible varicose or spider veins.
- Prolonged Standing or Sitting
- Jobs that require long hours on your feet (e.g., healthcare, retail, hospitality) increase pressure on leg veins.
- Sitting for long periods without movement can also slow circulation and contribute to vein development.
- Sun Exposure (For Facial Spider Veins)
- UV exposure weakens blood vessels, making spider veins more likely to develop on the nose and cheeks.
- Lifestyle Factors
- Excess weight puts extra pressure on leg veins, increasing the risk of varicose veins.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption weaken blood vessels, contributing to spider veins.
Professional Treatment Options at The Karma Clinic
At The Karma Clinic, we offer safe and effective treatments to reduce the appearance of thread veins and spider veins without surgery.
How does Veinwaveยฎ work?
- Uses thermo-coagulation technology to deliver precise heat energy to spider veins.
- The heat seals off the vein, making it immediately disappear without affecting surrounding skin.
- Works well on delicate facial areas, such as around the nose and cheeks.
- No downtime
- Instant results
- Minimal discomfort
How does IPL help with spider veins?
- Uses light energy to target and break down visible veins.
- Helps stimulate collagen production, improving overall skin clarity and tone.
- Ideal for smaller, superficial spider veins on the face and legs.
- Non-invasive
- Gradual improvement over multiple sessions
- No scarring or downtime
How does Microsclerotherapy work?
A minimally invasive treatment that involves injecting a solution directly into thread veins. The solution causes the vein walls to collapse and stick together, gradually fading from view. Improves leg appearance by reducing visible red, blue, or purple thread veins.
Recommended For:
- Superficial leg veins that do not respond to skincare or other treatments.
- Clients seeking a targeted, non-surgical approach.
- Use alongside vascular-supportive skincare for optimal results.
How do skincare products help?
- Strengthen capillary walls and reduce inflammation.
- Contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients to prevent further vascular damage.
- Protect against UV damage, reducing facial spider vein formation.
Recommended Ingredients:
- Vitamin K โ Supports vascular health and reduces vein fragility.
- Niacinamide โ Improves circulation and skin barrier function.
- Vitamin C โ Brightens and protects the skin against oxidative stress.
Preventative Care & At-Home Tips for Vein Health
- Stay Active & Improve Circulation
- Regular walking, swimming, or cycling helps maintain healthy blood flow.
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods without movement.
- Wear Compression Stockings (For leg veins)
- Compression stockings provide support to the veins, helping improve blood circulation.
- Protect Your Skin from UV Damage
- Always wear SPF 30+ sunscreen to prevent facial spider veins.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure and use wide-brimmed hats.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight & Diet
- A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and fibre supports vascular health.
- Reduce salt intake to prevent water retention and swelling in the legs.
- Avoid Crossing Your Legs for Long Periods
- Crossing your legs increases pressure on leg veins and can worsen leg veins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Genetics, sun damage, hormonal changes, and prolonged standing can all contribute.
Spider veins are small and superficial, while varicose veins are deeper and bulging.
We offer Veinwave, IPL, and microsclerotherapy depending on the veinโs location and severity.
Book Your Consultation Today
If thread veins or spider veins are affecting your confidence or causing discomfort, The Karma Clinic offers expert-led treatments to help restore clear, smooth skin.
Contact us today to book your consultation and receive a personalised vein treatment plan.
