IPL for thread veins and broken capillaries
Facial thread veins are small dilated blood vessels visible close to the skin surface, most often around the nostrils and across the cheeks. At ALBA Skin & Beauty Clinic in Cirencester they are treated with the Zemits QuantumPeak at 480 to 750nm, where light absorbed by haemoglobin collapses the vessel so the body clears it. Most people need two to three sessions.
2 to 3
SESSIONS TYPICALLY NEEDED
XX
PRICE
4 weeks
SESSIONS INTERVAL
How it works
Light energy passes harmlessly through the skin and is absorbed by the haemoglobin inside the vessel. The vessel wall is damaged by the resulting heat and the body reabsorbs it over the following weeks. Larger or deeper vessels sometimes need a second pass at a higher setting.
What it treats
Facial thread veins, spider veins, broken capillaries and the fine red lines in the nostril creases and across the cheeks. Also suitable on the chest where sun damage has caused visible vessels.
RESULTS TIMELINE
Vessels fade over 2 to 4 weeks after each session.
AVERAGE NR OF SESSIONS
2 to 3
TREATMENT TIME
20 to 30 minutes
SESSION INTERVAL
4 weeks
DOWNTIME
Redness and slight swelling for a few hours. Occasional small bruise.
After Treatment
Do
✔️ Apply SPF 50 daily
✔️ Use a cool compress if swollen
✔️ Keep the area clean and unfragranced
✔️ Expect vessels to darken briefly before clearing
Don’t
✖️ No hot showers, saunas or steam for 48 hours
✖️ No exercise for 24 hours
✖️ No alcohol for 24 hours
✖️ No sun exposure for 4 weeks
Is it right for you?
Well suited to superficial red vessels on the face and chest. Larger blue or raised vessels respond less well to light and may need a different approach, which is assessed at your patch test rather than after you have paid for a course.
NOT SUITABLE IF YOU ARE
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Recent sun exposure, sunbed use or fake tan in the last 4 weeks
Taking photosensitising medication, including isotretinoin within the last 6 months
Active infection, broken skin or an outbreak of cold sores in the area
Photosensitive epilepsy
History of keloid scarring
Tattoos or permanent makeup in the treatment area
Under 18
Questions people ask
How many sessions do thread veins need?
Usually two to three, spaced four weeks apart. Individual larger vessels occasionally need an extra pass. Your practitioner will tell you at the patch test how many to expect for the vessels you have.
Do thread veins come back after IPL?
The treated vessels are cleared permanently, but new ones can form, particularly with continued sun exposure or if you have rosacea. Many people have a maintenance session every year or two.
Does treating thread veins hurt?
Most people describe a quick snap like an elastic band, with warmth afterwards. The contact cooling on the handpiece holds the skin surface between 0 and 10 degrees, which makes the nostril area, the most sensitive spot, manageable.