Thread Vein and Blood Spot Removal Cardiff
Thread veins are the fine red or purple lines that show through the skin, most often across the cheeks, around the nose, or on the legs. Some people call them spider veins or broken capillaries. Blood spots are different. They are small raised red dots, usually on the chest, back or arms. Both are harmless, both are treated the same way, and neither fades on its own.
These concerns are commonly caused by dilated or broken capillaries close to the surface of the skin. Although they are usually harmless, they can become more noticeable over time and may not respond to skincare or topical products.
What Causes Thread Veins?
A thread vein forms when a tiny blood vessel close to the surface widens and never springs back. Once it stays open, it shows through the skin as a fine red or purple line.
Several things push vessels to that point:
- Sun damage built up over years, which weakens the vessel wall
- Family history, since the tendency runs in families
- Rosacea and other conditions involving persistent facial redness
- Hormonal shifts during pregnancy or menopause
- Frequent flushing, whether from cold air, alcohol or hot food
- Standing for long stretches, which is why legs are commonly affected
Blood spots work differently. Known medically as cherry angiomas, they are small raised red dots that usually appear on the chest, back or arms from around the age of 40. We handle both in the same visit.
How Does It Work
Targeted energy heats the vessel until it seals shut. The blood inside absorbs that energy, the vessel collapses, and your body clears it away over the following weeks. The surrounding skin is left untouched.
Raised blood spots are treated the same way. They crust over within a day or two, then flake off.
What to Expect
Your practitioner examines the area first and confirms the treatment is right for you.
The skin is cleansed, then a fine probe is applied to each vessel in turn. Most people describe a quick warm sting, about a second per vessel. No anaesthetic is needed.
Appointments run 15 to 45 minutes. Aftercare advice is given before you leave.
What About Blood Spots?
Blood spots, known medically as cherry angiomas, are small raised red dots that tend to appear from around the age of 40, most often on the chest, back or arms. They are a cluster of tiny vessels rather than a single widened one, and they are entirely harmless. Age and genetics drive them more than sun exposure does.
They respond quickly. Most clear in one session, and we treat them alongside thread veins in the same visit at no extra appointment.
How Soon Will You See a Difference?
It depends on the vein. A few disappear while you are still in the chair. Most fade over the following two to four weeks as the sealed vessel is reabsorbed.
Aftercare
The treated area will look pink, similar to mild sunburn. That usually calms down within a few hours, sometimes a day.
Blood spots behave slightly differently. They darken and crust within a day or two, then flake off on their own. Do not pick them.
Give it 48 hours before hot showers, saunas or the gym, and keep it out of direct sunlight. If a small scab appears, leave it alone and let it lift on its own.
After that, daily SPF 50 does two jobs. It protects the result you have paid for, and it slows the formation of new veins.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
One session clears some cases outright. Others need a short course, typically three visits a few weeks apart.
Depth and location decide it. Fine veins sitting high in the skin on the cheeks respond quickly. Anything deeper, or on the nose and legs, tends to need a second or third pass. Your practitioner will commit to a number at your consultation rather than leaving it open-ended. Blood spots are usually the exception, with most done in a single session.
Will They Come Back?
Once a vessel is sealed, it is gone. It cannot refill.
New veins can still appear over time, because nothing has changed about your skin type, your genetics or your sun exposure. Many clients return every year or two for a short top up, which is a much quicker appointment than the original course.
Who It Suits
This treatment is for adults with visible facial or body thread veins, broken capillaries, or raised red blood spots they want gone.
We do not treat during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and certain medications rule it out, so bring a list of anything you take.
There is one situation where we will pause. If a mark has changed shape, changed colour or bled, we will ask you to have it looked at by your GP first. The NHS explains when a skin change needs checking.
Why Beauty Advance
We have been a family-run clinic in Cardiff since 1988, and a good number of the people who walk through our door have been coming for decades. Experience counts with this treatment, because settings need adjusting vessel by vessel and skin type by skin type.
You will find us at 6-8 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AF, a short walk from Cardiff Central station. Thread vein removal starts from £80, and every new client begins with a full skin consultation.
If the wider issue is general redness rather than individual veins, our pigmentation and redness treatments use Dye-VL to cover a larger area, and LED light therapy settles the skin afterwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you treat veins on the legs?
Yes, surface veins on the legs respond well. Varicose veins are a separate condition and need a vascular specialist, so we will say so plainly at your consultation if that is what we are looking at.
Are blood spots the same as moles?
No. Blood spots are bright red and made of blood vessels, while moles are brown and made of pigment cells. We treat blood spots, but we do not treat moles. If you are unsure which you have, we will tell you at your consultation and refer you on if needed.
Is this safe on darker skin tones?
Suitability depends on your skin type and the depth of the vessel, not just the colour of the mark. Your practitioner will assess this properly and recommend an alternative if this is not the right option for you.
Can I have treatment if I have rosacea?
Often yes, though rosacea usually involves widespread redness alongside the individual veins. In that case, a combined plan tends to work better than treating vessels alone.
Can I wear makeup afterwards?
Wait 24 hours. Mineral makeup over the area is fine after that.
Can I book treatment on the same day as my consultation?
Sometimes, depending on what the assessment shows and how much time is left in the appointment. Ask when you book, and we will allow for it.
Why does the price vary between clients?
It comes down to the size of the area and how many vessels are being treated. You will have a full price before anything starts.
Do you offer finance?
Finance is available on certain treatments. Ask at your consultation, and we will explain what applies to your plan.
At a Glance...
Time: 30-45 Minutes
Sessions: 3
Results: 1 day
From £80 Per Session
Suitable For...
This treatment is suitable for adults with visible thread veins, broken capillaries or small blood spots on the face or body that are cosmetically unwanted. If there is any uncertainty about the nature of a mark, you may be advised to seek GP confirmation before treatment.
Sessions Required
Some veins and blood spots clear after one session. Others may require a course of treatments, depending on their size, depth and location.
Treatment Time
Appointments typically last between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated.
Recovery Time
There is usually little to no downtime. Mild redness may be present immediately after treatment and usually settles within a few hours to a couple of days.
Potential Side Effects
Temporary redness, slight swelling and mild tenderness are common. In some cases, small scabs or temporary changes in pigmentation can occur. The risk of scarring is low and will be discussed during your consultation.
Time: 45-60 Minutes
Sessions: 1
Results: 1 day
From £49 Per Session
Vein and blood spot removal is a clinician-led treatment designed to reduce the appearance of visible facial and body veins, along with small red or purple blood spots, helping to create a clearer and more even-looking complexion.
These concerns are commonly caused by dilated or broken capillaries close to the surface of the skin. Although they are usually harmless, they can become more noticeable over time and may not respond to skincare or topical products.
How Does It Work
A targeted treatment is used to gently heat and seal the visible vessel or blood spot. The energy is absorbed by the blood within the vessel, causing it to collapse and be naturally reabsorbed by the body over time, while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected.
What to Expect
Your practitioner will assess the area and confirm suitability before treatment begins.
The skin is cleansed and the treatment is applied directly to the visible vein or blood spot using a precise probe. You may feel a brief, warm or sharp sensation during treatment. Aftercare advice will be given before you leave.
Suitable For...
This treatment is suitable for adults with visible thread veins, broken capillaries or small blood spots on the face or body that are cosmetically unwanted. If there is any uncertainty about the nature of a mark, you may be advised to seek GP confirmation before treatment.
Sessions Required
Some veins and blood spots clear after one session. Others may require a course of treatments, depending on their size, depth and location.
Treatment Time
Appointments typically last between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated.
Recovery Time
There is usually little to no downtime. Mild redness may be present immediately after treatment and usually settles within a few hours to a couple of days.
Potential Side Effects
Temporary redness, slight swelling and mild tenderness are common. In some cases, small scabs or temporary changes in pigmentation can occur. The risk of scarring is low and will be discussed during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a consultation before booking treatment?
Yes. A consultation is required before your first vein or blood spot removal appointment to assess the area and confirm that treatment is suitable.
Will the veins or blood spots come back?
The treated vessels are permanently reduced, however new veins or blood spots can develop over time due to skin changes, genetics or lifestyle factors.
Do you offer finance or payment plans?
Yes, finance options may be available for certain treatments. Please ask at your consultation for full details.