A quick, safe and effective treatment for thread veins
Facial thread veins can be a frustrating cosmetic concern, especially when they’re difficult to
conceal with makeup or don’t respond to skincare. Thankfully, there’s an effective and minimally
invasive solution.
Short-wave diathermy is a fast, walk-in-walk-out treatment that uses a targeted electrical current to safely remove facial thread veins (also known as spider veins). It works by heating and sealing visible veins at the skin’s surface, which are then naturally reabsorbed by your body leaving your skin clearer and more even in tone.
This treatment is ideal for the small red veins that commonly appear on the cheeks, nose or chin, and is especially helpful in cases where laser or IPL treatments aren’t suitable.
How does short-wave diathermy work?
A very fine, insulated probe is inserted into the skin at the site of the visible vein. A controlled
burst of high-frequency electrical energy is delivered through the probe, heating the blood in the
vein and sealing it shut.
Once closed, the vein stops carrying blood and gradually fades as the body breaks it down. The procedure is precise, targeting even the tiniest facial veins with minimal impact on the surrounding skin.
The treatment takes around 30 minutes, only requires a local anaesthetic cream to numb the area being treated, and downtime is minimal with most patients returning to normal activities the same day. It is carried out by a Nurse Specialist with extensive knowledge and experience in this type of procedure.
What does treatment involve?
After applying a local anaesthetic cream, your Nurse Specialist will use a fine needle to deliver small pulses of electrical current into each visible facial vein. You may feel a warm, stinging or buzzing sensation during the treatment, but it is usually only mildly uncomfortable.
Risks and side effects
Short-wave diathermy is a low-risk treatment, especially when performed by a trained provider.
However, as with any procedure, there may be some mild and temporary effects:
● Redness or puffiness in the treated area
● A prickling or itching sensation that settles within a few hours
● Tiny scabs may form in the days following treatment
● Mild bruising in some cases
● A very small risk of infection where the skin has been broken
You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions and discuss potential side effects with the Nurse Specialist who’ll be performing the procedure during your free consultation.
Recovery and aftercare
Most people experience little to no downtime following short-wave diathermy. However,
following aftercare advice will help ensure the best results:
Aftercare advice:
● Avoid makeup for 12 hours after treatment
● Do not touch or pick at any small scabs that may form
● Use SPF 50 daily for at least 2 weeks
● Avoid steam rooms, hot baths and strenuous exercise for 48 hours
● Redness and swelling should settle within 1–2 days
How much does it cost?
Prices can vary between clinics. At Premier Veins, we offer transparent, fixed-price packages that include everything from consultation to follow-up care, so you won’t face any unexpected fees.
You’ll receive a clear quote at your consultation, but you can visit our Pricing page for more information about our costs.
Book your FREE consultation
Premier Veins offers a range of effective, walk-in-walk-out treatments for thread veins on the
face and legs.
If you’d like to speak to a specialist or book your FREE, no-obligation consultation, get in touch with us today.