Endovenous Short Wave Diathermy
We use a system similar to ‘Veinwave’. It uses a very fine needle that is fed several times along the vein and a small electrical current is passed into the middle of the vein therefore causing 'thermo coagulation' (heat sealing), which may cause the vein to disappear instantly.
Endovenous Short Wave Diathermy
Endovenous short wave diathermy is the most effective treatment for individual thread veins on the face. A very fine needle, no wider than a hair, is placed directly into the affected vessel. A brief pulse of high-frequency electrical current passes through the needle, generating heat that coagulates and permanently closes the vessel wall. The treated vein is then gradually reabsorbed by the body over the following weeks.
It is a precise, targeted technique that can treat individual vessels one by one. This makes it particularly suited to isolated thread veins on the nose, chin and cheeks, where accuracy matters and where IPL might affect surrounding tissue. At our Clifton, Bristol clinic, it is performed by our experienced practitioners and requires no anaesthetic, as the needle and current are very fine and brief.
What Endovenous Short Wave Diathermy Treats
Individual thread veins and spider veins on the face, particularly around the nose, cheeks and chin. It is the preferred treatment for isolated nasal veins. It can also be used for small facial skin tags and benign vascular lesions such as cherry angiomas.
What happens on the day of treatment
Sessions take 20 to 45 minutes depending on the number of vessels treated. There is a brief pricking sensation with each insertion, which is very well tolerated. Treated vessels will appear slightly darker immediately after treatment before fading over one to four weeks. Mild redness and occasional pinpoint crusting can occur, settling within a few days. Multiple sessions may be needed for extensive presentations.
What to expect after treatment
Immediately post treatment you may be a little red but following an application of an ice pack/cold compress this settles quickly.
What results can be expected?
Most patients observe a significant reduction in their facial thread veins with this treatment.
Who is a good candidate for Endovenous Shortwave Diathermy?
Patients with unwanted, superficial thread veins.
How can this procedure be arranged?
A thorough consultation will be performed prior to treatment in order to confirm suitability for treatment. We can then perform the treatment on the same day as consultation or schedule another convenient appointment
Frequently Asked Questions, Endovenous Diathermy Bristol
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How is this different from IPL for thread veins?
Diathermy targets each vessel individually and precisely with a needle. IPL uses a broad flash of light that targets multiple vessels at once and works best for diffuse redness and rosacea. For isolated or larger individual veins, diathermy is more precise. For widespread redness, IPL is often more efficient. We offer both at our Bristol clinic and will advise on the right approach at your consultation.
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How many sessions will I need?
Smaller numbers of veins may respond well in a single session. More extensive presentations typically require two to three. We give a realistic assessment at consultation.
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Will treated veins come back?
Treated vessels are permanently destroyed. New vessels can develop over time with continued sun exposure or rosacea activity. Many patients find periodic maintenance worthwhile.
