Thread Vein Removal

Tiny red or blue thread veins, or spider veins, of the legs, face or chest can be treated in the clinic as walk-in walk-out procedures. I offer microsclerotherapy and radio-frequency (“vein-away”) treatments. Book your consultation today or arrange a call to discuss the treatment.

How can I help with Thread Vein Removal?

Thread veins (or spider veins) can make an unsightly appearance on the legs, face, chest or occasionally elsewhere.

If they are on the legs then occasionally they might be “fed” by varicose veins which are sometimes under the surface and not obvious (a scan will reveal them).

Treatment for thread veins usually involves more than one session but the results are fantastic.

Simon Payne varicose vein surgeon in scrubs photo
Simon Payne
MD, MB ChB, FRCS (England),
FRCS (Gen Surg)

Testimonials from my patients

You can read more testimonials and case studies on the blog.

Simon’s qualifications & memberships

MB ChB

FRCS (Eng)

FRCS (Gen Surg)

MD

royal college of surgeons of england logo image
royal society of medicine crest image
vascular society membership

Find out how I can help

If you’d like to find out more about how I can help with Thread Vein Removal then an initial consultation can be arranged at your convenience.

thread vein image

What is Thread Vein Removal?

Thread vein removal, also known as sclerotherapy, is a medical technique for removing thread veins from the skin. A sclerosing agent is injected into the vein, causing it to collapse and disappear.

Thread Veins occur when the valves in the veins weaken, allowing blood to flow backwards and pool in the vein. This causes the vein to enlarge and become visible through the skin.
There are many reasons why thread veins can develop, including:

  • Hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy)
  • Prolonged standing or sitting
  • Obesity

What does the treatment for Thread Vein Removal involve?

Each session is timetabled for 30 minutes.

Microsclerotherapy is usually recommended for leg thread veins. This involves the injection of a sclerosant solution to seal the little veins. A tiny (children’s diabetic) needle is used which just scratches the surface. A compression stocking is then worn for a week to support the work of the sclerosant.

Facial redness is usually treated with electrical radio-frequency sealing (“vein-away”).

Both of these treatments usually involve more than one session and often several or more.

foam sclerotherapy treatment image
facial thread vein image

Recovery from Thread Vein Removal

After treatment, you can expect some itching and mild discomfort from the treated veins. Initially, the veins may be more apparent because they are inflamed. As they settle, sometimes a brown mark is visible but this fades almost always within a couple of months.

Although the treated veins initially look worse, they will fade away over the course of several weeks.

What you can expect from Thread Vein Removal

You can expect excellent results from thread vein removal. The treatment is minimally invasive and veins usually fade away over the course of several weeks after treatment.

Solent Vascular Care at The Horndean Clinic

Our friendly team is based in the Horndean Clinic in Waterlooville near Portsmouth, UK. We’re easily accessible from Fareham, Whiteley, Chichester, Winchester and Southampton. It’s wheelchair friendly, and we adhere to current COVID-19 regulations. We look forward to welcoming you to the clinic after you have booked your consultation.

The Horndean Surgery
The Doctors Surgery,
London road,
Horndean.
PO8 0BN

Frequently Asked Questions About Thread Vein Removal

Thread vein removal, also known as sclerotherapy, is a medical procedure used to remove thread veins from the skin. A small amount of a sclerosing agent is injected into the vein, which causes it to collapse and disappear.

Thread veins, also known as spider veins, are small, thin veins that can be seen on the surface of the skin. They often have a reddish or blue appearance and can be quite unsightly. While they usually aren’t harmful, many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.

Thread vein removal is a relatively simple procedure that can be completed in a matter of minutes. Most people experience little to no discomfort after the treatment and the majority of healing occurs within a week. However, some small bruises may take a little longer to disappear. The treated area may also look more inflamed after treatment, this will fade.

Simon Payne varicose vein surgeon in scrubs photo

Meet your surgeon

If you’d like to talk through any of the treatments on offer then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Reviews

Excellent care from start to finish

August 10, 2026

I recently had some veins treated in my Leg and, and as I was quite nervous, I really appreciated how lovely and reassuring everyone was.

The surgeon Simon was friendly, professional and put me completely at ease, and the nurse Becky was absolutely lovely and caring. They both made the whole experience much easier than I expected.

I’m very grateful for their care and would definitely recommend them.

Jackie Legge
Verified

Lipoma & skin tag removal

July 30, 2026

Carried out very professionally and additional after care support was provided.

Alexandra Boyce

Removal of 2 facial moles

June 7, 2026

I was offered a quick appointment and was able to have the consultation and procedure at the same time. Simon and his nurse were very friendly and fully discussed what needed to be done. I am delighted with the results and would totally recommend Simon.

Michael
Verified

Lipoma removal

June 3, 2026

Found Simon to be very professional and diligent within his work, the whole process took no more than an hour, I was made to feel at ease, comfortable and confident in Simon’s abilities. The cut was bigger & deeper than I expected, but that is more due to my own preconceived conceptions, Simon explained the whole process very well and detailed everything clearly before the operation went ahead, my head is healing up nicely.

James
Verified

Recent Cyst Removal

May 18, 2026

Absolutely would thoroughly recommend using Simon as recently had a cyst removed in a particular sensitive area. Felt at ease from the initial consultation through to the operation and final follow up. Special mention to his staff who had to put up with my ramblings during the op!!

Mike Neal
Verified