Thread veins are small visible blood vessels near the surface of the skin. They may appear as fine red, blue or purple lines on the face or legs and may also be called spider veins, broken capillaries or telangiectasia.

Facial thread veins are small visible vessels on the face, often around the nose, cheeks or chin. They may overlap with rosacea, flushing, sun damage, skin sensitivity or inflammation.

Leg thread veins are fine red, blue or purple visible vessels on the legs. They are different from larger varicose veins, especially if there is pain, swelling, heaviness, skin change or ulcers.

The terms are often used in a similar way for fine visible surface veins. Assessment still matters because facial redness, leg spider veins and medical varicose veins need different pathways.

Treatment options depend on the location and cause of the vessels. Suitable facial thread veins, leg thread veins, redness or spider veins may need different treatment routes, and symptomatic or varicose veins may need medical or vascular referral first.

Not always. Facial redness may be caused by visible vessels, rosacea, flushing, dermatitis, irritation or inflammation. The cause should be assessed before treatment is recommended.

Risks vary by treatment and may include redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, irritation, pigment change, scabbing, matting, incomplete improvement, recurrence or the need for further treatment.

Complete clearance cannot be guaranteed. Improvement depends on vessel size, depth, location, skin type, treatment route, aftercare and individual response. New vessels can also appear over time.

Fine leg thread veins may be cosmetic, but leg veins with pain, swelling, heaviness, itching, skin discolouration, eczema, bleeding, ulcers or prominent varicose veins should be medically assessed.

Timing varies depending on the treatment route, vessel type, location, aftercare and individual response. Some visible vessels may need staged treatment and review.

Many aesthetic vein treatments are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always disclose pregnancy, breastfeeding or fertility plans before starting treatment.

Extra caution may be needed with active infection, irritated skin, poor wound healing, recent tanning, pigment-prone skin, previous complications, significant leg symptoms, varicose veins or unrealistic expectations.

The featured starting price for a thread vein consultation is from £150. Further treatment costs depend on assessment, vessel location, treatment suitability, treatment route, number of areas, follow-up needs and whether referral is recommended. Please check the full pricing page for detailed and updated pricing.

Seek medical advice if leg veins are painful, swollen, warm, bleeding, associated with skin colour change, eczema, ulcers, a non-healing sore, sudden change or prominent varicose veins. Cosmetic treatment should not replace vascular assessment.