Vein Removal

  • Advanced long-pulsed laser treatment to safely and effectively remove facial threadveins, spider veins, cherry angiomas, telangiectasia and broken capillaries

  • Typically cleared in 1–3 sessions

  • Prices from £100 per session

  • Medically trained operator

  • Book a free and frank consultation

We offer advanced laser treatment for facial thread veins, spider veins, cherry angiomas, telangiectasia and broken capillaries across the North of Scotland.

Treatment is performed using a medical-grade long-pulsed laser, which haemolyses the blood within the vessel. This destroys smaller vessels and seals larger ones shut. Our cryotherapy system applies cold air to the skin before and during treatment to enhance safety and minimise discomfort.

Visible threadveins are especially common on the nose and cheeks, particularly in the Highlands where an outdoor lifestyle, sun exposure and windburn can make them more likely to develop.

Vein Removal FAQ

Most vascular lesions respond well within 1 to 3 treatments.

We allow at least 30 minutes for smaller areas and up to an hour for full face treatments, although the actual laser time is often much shorter.

We take our time to ensure careful and precise work, which gives the best results.

Vein removal is priced individually at consultation after assessing your skin and vessels. A general guide to costs can be found on our Prices page.

To achieve the best results and allow your skin to recover fully, we space all vein removal treatments at least 8 weeks apart.

We use world-class, medical-grade laser technology, hand-built in Italy by Quanta System.

Many clinics attempt to treat veins using Q-switched tattoo removal lasers or IPL devices. While these methods may cause some short-term fading, the results are usually temporary and the risk of skin damage is much higher.

Our laser system is specifically designed for vascular treatments, offering safer, more consistent, and longer-lasting results.

We also use a high-quality cryotherapy cooling system, made in the UK, to protect your skin and make the treatment as comfortable as possible. Proper cooling is a crucial part of safe and effective vascular laser treatment.

Complete removal is possible, but not guaranteed.

We can effectively treat vessels up to 2mm in diameter.

We tend to achieve excellent results on areas like the nose and chin. Cheeks can sometimes be more resistant, but significant improvement is very likely in most cases.

Vein removal can be unpredictable. We prioritise safety over results at all times. At your consultation, we will assess your skin, vessel pattern and expected response to treatment as carefully as possible.

Patch testing is an important part of this assessment. Some clients do not respond as strongly as we would like during patch testing. We are always transparent about how your vessels are reacting, so you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed with full treatment.

We usually take high-resolution clinical photographs during examination to assist in our assessment and to help facilitate clear discussion of problem areas with you.
These photographs are confidential and will never be used for publicity purposes unless we have both your written and verbal consent.

For very small or focal lesions where patch testing is not practical, we may proceed directly to treatment. In these cases, if the response is poor, we typically charge only the patch testing fee rather than the full treatment price.

Our aim is always to work with you carefully and honestly, with your safety as the top priority.

Some treated vessels will collapse and disappear immediately during the session. It is very common to see a noticeable improvement straight after treatment.

Other vessels may darken initially and become more visible for a few days before fading gradually. These can take up to 2 weeks to clear as your body breaks them down naturally, but usually go faster than that

Not all vessels will respond to a single treatment. Multiple sessions are often needed to achieve the best cosmetic results, especially for larger or more stubborn vessels.

We monitor your response carefully at each appointment and adjust the treatment plan if needed to give you the best possible outcome.

It is possible for new thread veins to develop over time, even after successful treatment.

Laser removes existing visible vessels, but it cannot prevent new ones from forming.
Risk factors that can contribute to recurrence include:

  • Sun exposure

  • Windburn

  • Use of topical steroid creams

We believe the link between moderate alcohol consumption and thread veins is overstated, although excessive alcohol use may still contribute to skin fragility.

Good skincare, consistent sun protection, and healthy lifestyle measures can help minimise the risk of new vessels forming.

We will always be honest about what you can realistically expect from treatment and how to maintain your results over time.

No, we do not treat varicose veins.

Varicose veins are deeper, larger vessels that require medical management such as sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

These specialist procedures collapse and seal faulty veins from the inside, and are far more effective and appropriate than surface laser treatment.

Our laser system is specifically designed for treating small, superficial veins up to 2mm in diameter.

If you are unsure whether your veins are suitable, feel free to contact us first for advice.
We are happy to assess suitable cases at consultation, but larger or deeper veins may require referral to a vascular specialist.

Before your vein removal consultation and treatment, we recommend the following:

  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning products on the area for at least 4 weeks beforehand

  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment

  • Stay well hydrated and make sure you have eaten something before your appointment

  • Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood-thinning medications where possible, unless prescribed. Do not stop taking any medication without medical advice.

  • Provide us with a list of any medications you are currently taking before your consultation

  • Let us know about any medical conditions, especially high blood pressure, clotting disorders or diabetes

  • Ensure your skin is clean and free from makeup, moisturiser, sunscreen or any other product on the day of consultation and on the day of treatment

  • Do not apply any self-tanning products for at least 4 weeks before treatment

Good preparation improves your safety and maximises the chances of a great result. We will go through everything again with you at your consultation.

Laser vein removal is very safe when performed properly, but as with any medical procedure, some risks and side effects are possible.

You may experience:

  • Redness in the treated area

  • Swelling, especially on the cheeks, which often peaks around 24 hours after treatment

  • Temporary darkening of treated vessels before they fade

  • Temporary sensitivity to sunlight

Swelling is common and a normal part of the healing process. We recommend careful use of cold packs (a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a clean cloth works well) to help reduce swelling and improve comfort.

Blistering is very rare but can occasionally occur. If this happens, recovery may take longer, typically around 3 weeks rather than the normal 3 days to 2 weeks. We take every precaution to minimise this risk.

More serious risks, such as longer-lasting pigmentation changes or textural changes to the skin, are also rare.

These risks are minimised by following pre- and post-treatment care instructions carefully and by selecting appropriate settings for your skin type.

We will discuss all risks with you thoroughly at consultation so you can make an informed decision before proceeding.

Some discomfort is inevitable with all laser procedures, but in this case it is usually less than people expect.

Laser vein removal can feel like a series of focal, hot snaps to the skin, but most clients tolerate the sensation extremely well.

We use a high-quality cryotherapy cooling system to chill the skin before, during and after each laser pulse, which greatly improves comfort. Your skin does get quite cold during treatment, which helps to reduce sensation and protect the surface.

We recommend you take paracetamol 30 to 60 minutes before laser, if that is a safe medicine for you to use. You should receive a text message to suggest you do this.

Please do not take ibuprofen, aspirin, or any other NSAID medication before treatment unless it has been prescribed for an ongoing medical condition. If you are using these medications only for general pain relief, you may stop them beforehand if that is manageable for you.

 If you are taking aspirin for any kind of cardiovascular or neurovascular disease, or another prescribed reason, you must continue to take it exactly as directed by your doctor.

This is a complicated area, so please feel free to discuss it with us beforehand if you are unsure.

We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or anything that significantly increases your blood pressure until the day after treatment.

Gentle walking is absolutely fine and encouraged, but activities like running, gym workouts, weightlifting, hot yoga, and saunas should be avoided on the day of treatment.

Raising your blood pressure too soon may encourage vessels to reopen, which could reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.

You can return to your normal exercise routine the next day as tolerated.

We advise avoiding makeup on the treated area for the first 48 hours after treatment. If possible, allowing longer is even better to give your skin time to breathe and recover fully. Please apply makeup sparingly if you feel you have to use it.

It is also very important that your skin is completely clean and free from makeup, moisturiser, sunscreen or any other product on the day of consultation and on the day of treatment. We advise showering beforehand to ensure all traces are removed.

If any product is visible on the skin at the time of treatment, we will be unable to proceed for safety reasons. This includes self-tanning products, which must be avoided for at least 4 weeks before treatment.

Allowing the skin to settle naturally gives the best possible cosmetic results and reduces the risk of irritation.

Recovery times vary from person to person, but for full face treatments, most people find that redness and swelling settle within about a week. Smaller or focal treatments usually recover faster, often within just a few days. Treated vessels may darken initially and can take up to two weeks to fully clear. Your skin may remain slightly sensitive to sunlight for several weeks after healing, so we strongly recommend daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF.

In rare cases where blistering occurs, recovery may take around three weeks instead of the usual few days. Following your aftercare instructions carefully is the best way to minimise risks and support a smooth, uncomplicated healing process.

Pre Treatment Advice

For 4 weeks prior to treatment

  • Do not expose the skin to strong sunshine, sun-beds, or fake tan for at least 4 weeks before, and between laser treatments. We can not treat you if you are tanned.

In the week prior to treatment

  • No waxing, plucking or threading for at least one week before each treatment

  • Avoid intense exfoliation, microdermabrasion or chemical peels

  • Do not use Retinoids, AHA’s, BHA’s (products with various acids in the active ingredients) or other intensive skin treatments

In the  48 hours prior to treatment

  • Do not use bleaching creams or perfumed products

  • If necessary, make sure area being treated is cleanly shaved 24hours prior to treatment

On the day of treatment

  • Avoid swimming in chlorinated water immediately before treatment

  • Don’t be hungry, or thirsty, don't be hung-over and don’t have just worked a nightshift

  • You may choose to take paracetamol an hour before treatment to help mitigate treatment associated pain if that’s a safe drug for you to use, but please do not consume aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID’s)

  •  Please do not have any kind of product on the area to be treated on the day of treatment, including fake tan

Post Treatment Advice

During the first Day post treatment

  • Avoid strenuous activity such as gym sessions and sports following laser treatment.

  • Swelling is the primary side effect especially to cheeks. This will increase over the first 24 hours after treatment and may become quite significant.

  • Apply cold compress to the treated area regularly to reduce swelling

  • Treated veins may appear grey, black or purple - this is normal and will improve over the next 1 to 14 days

  • Do not pick scratch or otherwise irritate the treated area

  • Contact us if you experience any unusual side effects

  • Gently cleanse your face daily

  • Apply Cicaplast as required

  • Avoid all heat treatments including hot baths, saunas, steam rooms and hot showers

During the second day post treatment

  • Swelling should start to reduce day 2

  • Continue to use cold compresses as required

  • Continue to apply Cicaplast as required

  • Avoid makeup

For 1 week post treatment

  • No swimming in chlorinated water

  • Please minimise use of makeup

  • Moisturise

  • No shaving, waxing, plucking or threading of treated areas

  • Avoid intense exfoliation, microdermabrasion or chemical peels

  • Do not use Retinoids, AHA’s, BHA’s (products with various acids in the active ingredients) or other intensive skin treatments

In the 2 Weeks post treatment

  • Use sun protection SPF30+

In the 8 Weeks post treatment

  • Do not use fake tan

  • Limit sun exposure and do not use tanning beds. We will be unable to deliver further treatments if you are too tanned

Ongoing support is part of the service that Highland Laser Clinic provides, any questions or concerns please get in touch