Sydney Specialist Day
Hospital

Sydney Specialist Day
Hospital

Facial and Truncal Veins

Facial and Truncal Veins

Common Conditions
These veins and similar small vessels on the chest are usually due to sun damage.
Read More
Mat telangiectasias

These are patches of capillaries seen in patients with scleroderma and CREST syndrome.

Read More
Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasias (HHT)

These lesions are arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the microvasculature.

Read More
Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT)

This is an autosomal recessive (inherited the bad gene from both parents) immunodeficiency (deficiency of the immune system).

Read More
Post-Radiation

These small capillaries appear at the site of previos radiation treatment many years after radiotherapy.

Read More
Spider Naevi

These are dilated small arteries that arise from bigger and deeper arteries and travel straight up to the skin (ascending arterioles).

Read More

For more information about Facial and Truncal Veins , please contact us on

(02) 9386 0211

Vascular Laser Therapy

Facial or Truncal Capillaries and Veins - Laser For Veins

Learn More

How does the Aura laser for veins work?

Learn More

What should I expect from this laser treatment?

Learn More

How many treatments will I need?

Learn More

Are there any adverse effects?

Learn More

Will the laser treatment hurt?

Learn More

Do veins recur after treatment?

Learn More

Vascular Laser Therapy

Learn More

If you have any questions or need help,

please feel free to contact us.

Send us an email

referral@sydneyskinandvein.com.au

Call us today

(02) 9386 0211

Visit Us

Level 5, 7 Help Street, Chatswood NSW 2067.

Common Conditions

These veins and similar small vessels on the chest are usually due to sun damage. Facial veins may also be associated with flushing and vascular instability as seen in rosacea or carcinoid syndrome. Best treatment for these lesions is vascular laser therapy. Veins in the corner of the nose usually have higher flow volumes and are more difficult to treat. They are more common in people suffering with sinus disease and chronic nasal congestion. This can lead to recurrence despite adequate treatment. Vascular laser therapy may need to be repeated a number of times for these veins or injection sclerotherapy can be attempted.

Mat telangiectasias

Mat telangiectasias are patches of flat, non-pulsatile capillaries seen in patients with scleroderma and CREST syndrome. They should not be confused with telangiectatic matting, which is a complication of surgery or sclerotherapy. Patients presenting with mat telangiectasias are screened for connective tissue disease, particularly scleroderma.

Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasias (HHT)

Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasias (HHT) are arteriovenous malformations of the microvasculature, typically appearing as small, dark red elevated lesions on the mucous membranes, face and distal limbs. They may also involve the tongue, retina, lungs and brain, and usually become apparent during the third or fourth decade of life. Recurrent nosebleeds are the most common presenting symptom. Coagulation factor deficiencies such as von Willebrand’s disease may also be present. Family screening is recommended.

Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT)

This is an autosomal recessive immunodeficiency, meaning the defective gene is inherited from both parents. It is characterised by progressive neurological impairment and cerebellar ataxia, the loss of ability to coordinate muscular movement. Patients are susceptible to lung and sinus infections and have an increased predisposition to certain cancers.

Small capillaries appear in the sclera of the eye and on the helix of the ear, typically noticed in childhood or adolescence, after the ataxia has already presented. The capillaries of the eye extend from the outer corner towards the centre, and may also involve the ears, eyelids, inner elbows and behind the knees. These capillaries are predominantly venous in origin and are not arteriovenous malformations.

Post-Radiation

These small capillaries appear at the site of previos radiation treatment many years after radiotherapy. Skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can also develop in the same region.

Spider Naevi

Spider naevi are dilated small arteries arising from deeper arteries that travel up to the skin surface, presenting as radiating thin-walled vessels around a central arteriole. Also known as spider angiomas or naevus araneus, they are not growths but result from the expansion of pre-existing vessels. They demonstrate arterial flow on Doppler examination, and compression of the central arteriole produces blanching, with the lesion quickly refilling upon release.

Spider naevi are not hereditary and are present in 10–15% of healthy adults and young children. They are most commonly found on the face, neck, chest and arms, and in young children on the backs of the hands and fingers.

Hormonal changes play a role in their development. Many women develop lesions during pregnancy, while taking oral contraceptives, or after menopause, with lesions often resolving spontaneously 6 to 9 months after delivery or after discontinuing oral contraceptives. Numerous lesions may also be seen in patients with significant liver disease such as advanced hepatitis C.

Facial or Truncal Capillaries and Veins - Laser For Veins

Treatment of Facial Veins with the Aura Laser

The Aura laser represents the latest technology in laser for veins treatment and is designed specifically for the treatment of facial spider veins. These veins can cause red discolouration of the cheeks or localised red spots. Other conditions for which the Aura laser for veins may be effective include:

  • Small veins on the chest
  • Capillary birthmarks
  • Brown sunburn freckles
  • Pigmented “sunspots”

How does the Aura laser for veins work?

The Aura laser for veins emits a brief pulse of light which is selectively absorbed by red blood cells within the unwanted veins (wavelength 532 nm). This results in destruction of the unwanted veins with minimal effects on the surrounding tissue.

What should I expect from this laser treatment?

Facial veins respond very well to laser treatment, with over 80% of patients achieving a good to excellent result after one or two sessions. Larger veins may be less responsive and could require additional treatment with micro-sclerotherapy.

Pigmented lesions such as sunburn freckles and brown age spots can also be treated with the Aura laser, with darker lesions generally responding better. Not all pigmented lesions are suitable for this treatment, and an initial test session may be recommended to assess your skin’s response at different laser settings.

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients with a small number of veins require only one or two treatments. However, if you have a large number of veins you may need 3 or 4 treatments. Pigmented lesions usually require 2 or 3 treatments.

Are there any adverse effects?

  • Redness
 Your skin will be red at the treated site after laser therapy. This is temporary and usually resolves within 12 to 24 hours. In rare cases, redness may persist for 2 to 4 days
  • Swelling
 This is usually mild and settles within 2 to 4 days
  • Crusting
 When treating freckles and pigmented lesions, small areas of crusting or scabbing may occur if intense treatment is required. This is usually mild and clears within 5 to 7 days
  • Pigmentary Changes
 Temporary hyperpigmentation (brownish discolouration) may occur but this is uncommon. Normal skin colour usually appears within 6 months. Whitening of the skin (hypopigmentation) at the treated sites is very uncommon with Aura laser but if this occurs it may be permanent
  • Textural Changes and Scarring
 This is possible from any laser treatment, but is very uncommon with Aura laser. Textural change may return to normal but sometimes may be permanent
  • Eye Injury
 Laser light can damage the eyes if a pulse of laser light is inadvertently directed towards an eye. To prevent eye injury you will be fitted with special goggles
  • Incomplete Resolution
 Your laser for veins treatment is carried out with all due professional care and responsibility. However in some circumstances the desired cosmetic result may not be achieved

Will the laser treatment hurt?

The Aura laser delivers very brief pulses of light to the skin which causes a mild burning sensation. More discomfort is felt when blood vessels in certain areas are treated including near the eyes and on the nose. Most patients tolerate the laser for veins treatment without the need for any anaesthesia. A cool gel is applied to the skin just before treatment which reduces any discomfort. If large areas are to be treated an anaesthetic cream can be applied to the skin one hour prior to treatment.

Do veins recur after treatment?

Usually the treated veins do not recur. However, if you have a tendency towards veins you will probably develop new veins and may require touch up treatments at a later time.

Lifestyle modification is very important and this includes avoidance of excessive sun exposure, excessive consumption of alcohol, heat (hot baths and showers), hot food and beverages and the use of vitamin E containing creams on the face.

Vascular Laser Therapy

The Aura (KTP 532 nm) laser represents the latest technology in vascular lasers and is designed specifically for the treatment of facial spider veins. These veins can cause red discolouration of the cheeks or localised red spots. This laser is quite effective with minimal side effects. There will be very little to no bruising and some mild redness after the procedure which may last a day or so.

Medicare rebates are applicable in only a small number of patients where the veins are disfiguring and visible from 4 metres. No Medicare rebates are applicable otherwise.