Why do I have dilated capillaries?

As we get older, our skin ages and loses some of its thickness. Most of the ‘damage’ done to skin comes from exposure to the sun (UV light). This can result in the appearance of dilated capillaries on the face, neck and chest.

Dilated Capillaries on the legs can result from a number of factors; a genetic predisposition vascular problems, the presence of varicous vein, an increase in body weight, and lifestyle.

Hormonal changes can also result in dilated capillaries.

What is Veinwave® treatment?

Veinwave® can be used to improve the appearance of broken capillaries on the face, neck, chest and legs

Veinwave® utilises a gentle microwave current that causes the blood inside the tiny vessels to coagulate. This causes the walls of the capillaries to stick together. The tiny veins disappear instantly.

It is possible that over the forthcoming weeks following treatment a number of the capillaries will re-open. For this reason, a course of treatment may be recommended.

A course of treatment will usually include 2-6 sessions with a couple of weeks or months between sessions.

Who is suitable for Veinwave treatment?

Subject to initial medical screening, both men and women of any age and with all skin types can benefit from the treatment.

You should NOT have treatment if you are pregnant, are taking anti-coagulant medication, have a pacemaker in situ, if you have any metal allergies to nickel and gold or you have any active skin conditions around the area to be treated.

What happens during the treatment?

The microwave current is delivered via a tiny needle that is placed over the veins to be treated. Pulses of microwave energy cause the blood inside the vessels to coagulate, causing the walls of the capillaries to stick together.

Initially the treated area will look raised and red (a little bit like a nettle rash). The practitioner will apply some aloe vera gel to soothe the treated area following the procedure.

Patients will usually be able to go directly back to their daily routine following treatment which makes it an ideal treatment for lunch breaks.

How long does the treatment take?

The process will usually take about 5-15 minutes for the face. A course of treatment will usually involve 2-4 sessions to achieve the desired results.

The process will usually take about 15-30 minutes on the legs. A course of treatment will usually involve 4-8 sessions to achieve the desired results.

Is it painful?

Most patients report that the treatment is uncomfortable and some patients find the treatment painful, particularly in sensitive areas like, around the nose, behind the knees and the ankles.

When will I notice a difference?

While you will notice that the veins disappear instantly following the procedure, most patients will be left with a skin reaction that can last from 2-7 days on the face and for 4-12 weeks on the legs.

How long will the effects last?

Veinwave® is a treatment for thread veins; it is not a cure. For this reason the veins may re-open. No guarantee can be given as to how long it may take for the veins to re-open. In some cases the treatment will be unsuccessful.

What happens pre and post-treatment?

You will need to complete a medical questionnaire to ensure there are no reasons why you cannot receive treatment. After Veinwave® treatment you will be given an after-care leaflet which tells you what to do following treatment.

One of the most important after-care factors is the avoidance of direct heat to the treated areas and the avoidance of anti-coagulation medications such as, Aspirin and Ibuprofen.

Are there any adverse effects?

Patients normally experience a slight redness immediately after treatment, which can last from 2-7 days. In some cases, reactions can take longer to subside. Treated leg veins can take up to 12 weeks to recover. While adverse events are rare, some patients have reported that veins look permanently worse following Veinwave.