The History of Thread Vein Removal
Blog
2018 has seen a dramatic improvement in the management of thread veins on all areas of the body. We understand that treatment of the underlying cause remains fundamental, as veins on the face and legs have different pathology.
The concept of “one” treatment being enough to treat Telangectasia is misleading. Historical treatments have included Electrolysis and Thermocoagulation 4MHz with rebadged versions of these technologies popping up all over the industry. Lasers have had limited success, especially on leg veins where the time honoured Microsclerotherapy, using polidoconol, Foam, or occasionally hypertonic saline have remained the Gold Standard. Radio Frequency (27.13MHz), known as thermoesclerosis in the Canadian manufactured VeinAway™ has transformed treatments on the face and legs for veins.
Patient expectation for aesthetic vein treatments is very high and “over egging” claims of success may lead to disappointment. It’s important to note that unlike the 27.13MHz VeinAway™ system, the FDA only approve 4MHz treatment machines for treatment of Telangectasia on lower extremities with a vein size up to 0.3 mm and faces are not covered on a 4MHz machine.
What is NEW TECHNOLOGY?
Emphasis has been on 1) probe delivery and design 2) Radio Frequency.
VeinAway™ uses a very fine stainless-steel filament, with a coating of Teflon, down to the tapered tip, which is a patented design that is fundamental to the safety of thread vein removal treatments. Teflon ensures heat is concentrated to the probe tip, meaning there is virtually no lateral heat, so no risk of skin burning or scarring. The filament size can be varied depending on the size of the vein or other skin problems such as angiomas, Campbell De Morgan spots, Milia, skin tags and small warts.
Needles on more historic devices were specifically designed for hair removal. These were made with either nickel or gold, which can cause a variety of problems. Nickel can cause serious allergy for certain patients, and gold needles are not insulated, meaning the risk of scarring and burning is high. VeinAway™ has been specifically designed to avoid these issues.
Not only is safety an advantage, the Teflon coated filament is more comfortable for patients, as there is no spread of heat, meaning pain is dramatically reduced. The resulting healing time on faces is 30% faster, but it is on the legs however, where most of the advantages are seen.
4MHz machines need 3 to 4 sessions and have 4 to 6 weeks of microscabbing, whereas the 27.13MHz Radio Frequency VeinAway™ system, with the Teflon filament has reduced treatments and virtually eliminated microscabbing.
Radio Frequency 27MHz
The key to the frequency is its oscillating speed. It is so fast that a single programmed burst of heat is a fraction of a second. This, combined with the Teflon filament is virtually painless, especially around sensitive areas, such as the side of the nose, intranasal area, knees and ankles. There is no need for topical anaesthetic, even in children with spider naevi.
Making treatments easier is always a bonus, so the VeinAway™ machine has done away with the foot pedal, as featured on other technology. Many practitioners complained about hand, eye and foot coordination so the new machine is as simple as “see it, touch it”
Training
Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are finally being regulated, to some extent, and training programmes are essential. In order to treat thread veins successfully it is vital to understand the causes and pathology of the veins and the different modalities of treatment. Training must be done by fully accredited staff, with the correct qualifications, which are regularly undergoing appraisal and revalidation.
At Ivanmed, we understand training is vital to the success of your treatments. This is why we only offer the best. International medical trainer, Carrie Sumner, who also ran her own successful clinic for many years, dedicated to the treatment of thread veins, carries out in-depth training which will leave you ready and confident to begin treatments.
Brian Newman MD.FRCS Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon
Do you want to find out how you can become VeinAway™ certified? Then contact us today on:
0333 358 3904
info@ivanmed.com