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Facial Veins Treatment: Understanding and Solutions
Causes and Treatment Options
Facial veins can be hereditary, as a result of ageing or chronic red skin.
What is Shortwave Diathermy?
Shortwave diathermy is a highly effective, non-invasive treatment used to target and remove visible facial veins, also known as thread veins or spider veins. Using a fine probe and controlled heat current, the treatment gently heats and coagulates unwanted vessels, causing them to collapse and be naturally reabsorbed by the body.
This advanced technique is commonly used in aesthetic clinics to treat vascular concerns on the face, particularly around the nose and cheeks.
What Causes Facial Thread Veins?
Facial veins can develop for a variety of reasons, including:
- Genetics
- Sun exposure
- Rosacea or skin sensitivity
- Hormonal changes
- Ageing and thinning skin
- Environmental factors such as extreme temperatures
These small, visible veins are completely harmless but can affect confidence and overall skin appearance.
How Does Shortwave Diathermy Work?
Shortwave diathermy uses a very fine sterile probe that is placed gently onto the surface of the skin. A controlled current is delivered to the targeted vein, causing it to heat up and seal.
Once treated, the vein is no longer visible and is gradually broken down and absorbed by the body over time.
The treatment is precise, making it ideal for delicate areas of the face without damaging surrounding tissue.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
Shortwave diathermy is most commonly used for:
- Broken capillaries around the nose
- Thread veins on the cheeks
- Small red veins on the chin
- Cherry angiomas (red moles)
A consultation will determine whether your concern is suitable for treatment.
Benefits of Shortwave Diathermy
- Immediate visible improvement in many cases
- Minimally invasive with little to no downtime
- Safe and precise treatment
- Suitable for small, superficial veins
- Long-lasting results
What to Expect During Treatment
The procedure is quick and typically well tolerated. You may feel a slight warming or stinging sensation during the treatment, but discomfort is minimal.
A session usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes depending on the size and number of veins being treated.
Aftercare and Recovery
After treatment, the area may appear slightly red or raised, similar to a small insect bite. This usually settles within a few hours to a couple of days.
Aftercare advice includes:
- Avoiding heat treatments (saunas, steam rooms) for 48 hours
- Using gentle skincare products
- Applying SPF daily to protect the skin
- Avoiding picking or scratching the treated area
Following aftercare guidance helps ensure optimal healing and results.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
Many facial veins can be treated in just one session, although some may require additional treatments depending on their size and depth.
Your practitioner will advise on a personalised treatment plan during your consultation.
Is Shortwave Diathermy Safe?
Yes, when performed by a trained and experienced practitioner, shortwave diathermy is a safe and reliable treatment. It has been used for many years in both medical and aesthetic settings.
A full consultation and skin assessment will always be carried out prior to treatment to ensure suitability.
Why Choose Our Clinic for Shortwave Diathermy?
At our central London clinic, treatments are carried out by medically trained professionals with extensive experience in advanced skin treatments.
We use high-quality equipment and tailor every treatment to your individual skin concerns, ensuring safe, natural-looking results.
Costs
Facial Veins from £140
Book Your Free Video Consultation with LPA's Clinical Director Elizabeth Rimmer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it for Me?
Thermolysis can reduce facial redness. Most people who have chronic redness in the face will have an element of broken blood vessels contributing to the overall redness.
How does it work?
Thermolysis works by closing the tiny vessels, so they disappear.
How many treatments will I need?
Depending on how severe your problem is, you may require more than one session. We recommend you leave six weeks in between each treatment.
Is there any downtime?
Immediately after treatment, your face may be more red, this will settle quite quickly, micro crusts will form over the treated area and fall away within a couple of weeks.
Are there any medical reasons you cannot have this treatment?
This treatment is very safe. The main reason you may not be suitable is if you have a cardiac pacemaker.

Heather Shuker
Liz is a total pro and I would not trust anyone else
I have been having treatments and skincare advice with Lizzy for a couple of years now. She really knows her craft very well and the results are natural and fresh. It is great to be able to trust someone and know that you have continuity of treatments. Liz is a total pro and I would not trust anyone else!
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