*Thread Veins* Thread veins are tiny blood vessels which run close to the surface of the skin and look like fine red, or sometimes purple, wiggly lines. Sometimes they are also called 'spider veins'. Thread veins tend to develop as we age and our skin and blood vessels become less elastic. Hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause are thought to provoke their development. Other causes include, extreme sunbathing, exposure to wind, steroid medicines and radiotherapy, prolonged standing. Laser treatment is a safe and effective way to treat thread veins. The light from the laser is directed at the veins causing them to heat up very quickly, this heat will cause the vein to break down and collapse in on itself. Expect to see the vein turn red immediately following treatment. Laser can treat the very fine veins that can appear on the nose, cheeks and chin. Please be aware that in some instances the veins may initially appear worse before they improve. This will improve over time