Facial Thread Veins (Spider Veins) Treatment
The below content has been medically reviewed and approved by Vein Specialist Mrs Helen Burndred at VeinCentre.
Last reviewed 16th December 2025.
Facial thread veins, sometimes called spider veins, are tiny broken blood vessels that sit just beneath the surface of the skin. They often appear as fine red or purple lines across the cheeks, nose, or chin, and while they’re completely harmless, they can become more visible over time. At VeinCentre, we understand that even small changes in your skin can affect how you feel. That’s why we offer safe, effective treatment to help restore a clear, even complexion with minimal discomfort or downtime. Our experienced team are here to guide you every step of the way.
How are Facial Thread Veins Treated?
Facial thread veins are most effectively treated using thermocoagulation – a fast, non-invasive procedure that uses a microscopic needle to apply heat to the vein, causing it to seal without damaging the surrounding skin. This treatment is safe, highly effective and non-invasive.
Most patients describe the sensation as a mild prickling or warmth, and no anaesthetic is required. After treatment, you may notice some redness or slight swelling, but this usually settles within hours or days.
We do not treat veins on the temples or around the eyes due to the delicate nature of the skin and proximity to nerves in those areas. Microsclerotherapy is not suitable for facial veins and is reserved for use on the legs. Thermocoagulation is available at VeinCentre clinics across the UK, offering a safe, walk-in, walk-out solution with no downtime.
Your Facial Thread Vein Treatment Journey
We’ve been treating facial thread veins for many years, using a dedicated treatment pathway designed to assess and manage visible facial veins safely and effectively. While these small veins are often a cosmetic concern, our approach is rooted in expert care and a focus on achieving natural-looking results.
Our team of expert nurses use precise techniques like thermocoagulation to target facial thread veins without damaging the surrounding skin. With our specialist knowledge and commitment to patient care, we’re here to help you feel more confident in your skin.
The VeinCentre Consultation
At your consultation, your nurse will examine the area with a polarised light to determine the recommended treatment and number of sessions. We will assess your specific needs at this appointment and recommend a course of treatment.
Treatment
We are sometimes able to organise your treatment to directly follow your consultation appointment, and this can be arranged at the time of booking. We offer a minimum of 2 treatments to achieve the best results. However, further treatments may be required. We recommend a minimum of 4 weeks in-between treatments.
Facial Thread Veins Treatment Prices
As the UK’s largest network of specialist vein clinics, we pride ourselves on transparent, fixed pricing – no ‘from’ prices or hidden fees. Please find our prices below or view here for further pricing.
1.
Consultation
Spend dedicated 1-on-1 time with your specialist nurse, who will create a treatment plan tailored just for you.
£100
2.
Initial Two Treatments
Thermocoagulation is the most effective treatment for facial thread veins. Our price includes 2 initial sessions recommended to achieve the best results.
£390
3.
Further Treatment
Additional sessions if required can be booked individually.
£180
Are There Any Risks with Facial Thread Vein Treatment?
Facial thread vein treatment using thermocoagulation is very safe when carried out by experienced professionals. The treatment is non-invasive and doesn’t require anaesthetic, which means risks are minimal and recovery is usually quick.
You may notice some redness, slight swelling or a tingling sensation in the treated area immediately afterwards. These effects are completely normal and tend to settle within a couple of days.
In very rare cases, there may be temporary pigmentation changes or small scabs as the skin heals. Your expert nurse will explain everything clearly during your consultation so you know what to expect and how to care for your skin afterwards.
We take every step to ensure your treatment is as safe, comfortable and effective as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, our team is always here to support you.
Facial Thread Veins Treatment Aftercare
After thermocoagulation treatment for facial thread veins, most people can return to their usual activities straight away, as the procedure involves minimal downtime. You may notice some redness or slight swelling in the treated area, but this typically settles within a couple of days.
To support your skin’s recovery, we recommend avoiding excessive heat (such as hot showers, saunas or sun exposure) for the first 48 hours. You should also avoid using any harsh skincare products or exfoliants until the skin has fully healed.
It’s important not to pick or scratch at any tiny scabs that may form – these are part of the skin’s natural healing process and will fall away on their own.
Your expert nurse will give you tailored aftercare advice before you leave, so you know exactly how to look after your skin and get the best results from your treatment. If you have any concerns or questions, our team is always here to help.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
- Avoid hot showers, saunas and sun exposure for at least 48 hours after treatment.
- Keep the treated area clean and gently pat dry – avoid rubbing.
- Don’t use exfoliants or harsh skincare products until the skin has fully healed.
- Refrain from applying makeup on the treated area for at least 24 hours.
- Avoid touching or picking at the skin, especially if tiny scabs form.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated to help reduce any swelling.
- Use gentle SPF daily to protect healing skin and prevent pigmentation.
- Follow any personalised aftercare instructions provided by your Vascular Consultant.