IPL etc for facial thread veins around nose

[pearlkent]

Does anyone have any recommendations for small but plentiful broken red veins around nose?
Years ago I had sclerotherapy (sp?) or electrolysis (can't remember which, or are they the same thing?) in a beauty salon (Regis?? At the top of Debenhams in Oxford St) - it hurt like buggery and didn't work.
I know there are other types of laser and also something called veinwave, but they all seem to have such mixed reviews.

I tried IPL. Expensive. Really bad bruising and results not great. Earlier this year I had 3 sessions of Advanced Electrolysis at a local salon. All veins gone around nose. Painful but session is over quickly. Suffered dryness around nose but no adverse effects. Been told veins will return so I will have a top up every 6 months.

ipl didn't work for me
But laser did - 300 quid and one session I seem to remember but it was years ago now

Bumping this - any further advice gratefully accepted.

Ipl worked for me. But you have to have it done by a dermatologist, not a beautician or anyone else. You need the right lasers and training. Otherwise it doesn’t work. Mine was blitzed 17 years ago and the veins have returned. Yes I was very bruised after the treatment but it worked extremely well. I’ve now booked some new sessions with our local dermatologist and been told there is virtually no bruising or scarring nowadays.

Thanks teta - that's encouraging. How many sessions did you need?
How did you find your dermatologist (was it via your GP)?

I referred myself!
I think most areas have a private skin clinic where you can refer yourself.I first went there for my daughters acne.They were so lovely I returned.
I was told most patients require around 3 treatments but some only one.You have to have Ipl in winter as it works on untanned skin.The treatments are a month apart and are performed by the nurse.Years ago because the treatment laser gets very hot I had to have my face coated in cooling gel.Now that’s not necessary as it’s self-cooled . They will perform a patch test first. Apparently the dermatologist will decide whether to use different lasers on certain blemishes. The nurse recommended me to see the consultant as he is the most experienced even though the other doctors seemed very good. It’s worth saying that this particular unit has a excellent NHS reputation locally as well.

Whereabouts is your clinic? I'm in London so in theory have a huge choice of places, but it's too overwhelming - hard to work out which ones are reputable.

Laser did nothing for me but electrolysis did. It was however the most painful treatment I've ever had done, by a country mile. It was like cigarettes being stubbed out on your face.

pearlkent I can recommend the private skin laser clinic at the Royal Free in Hampstead. They do all sorts of laser, with one consultant that specialises in rosacea and red facial veins.

They use either laser or IPL depending on the problem. I’ve been very happy with the treatment I’ve had for small red veins. I did a lot of research before choosing them (self referral). It does cost a small fortune but I have ultra sensitive skin and didn’t want to take the risk of not using a dermatologist.

rubybleu that sounds great and I will make an appointment there I think. Thank you so much.

I have had ipl, electrolysis and laser for broken capillaries. All have worked. IPL was done by a doctor though, I have had it done less successfully by a nurse? in a clinic. Electrolysis is cheap as chips so if you can find a good practitioner you are laughing. Laser worked better on deeper veins if that makes sense.

I am probably not helping but my point is the practitioner seems to be what makes the difference. Good luck. It is so great getting rid of them.

pearlkent no worries! I hope you get on OK with them. I was surprised how willing they were to discuss any queries/worries I had - if possible, try to see Mr Pappageorgiou.

It was expensive (not quite as expensive as Harley St) but for me well worth it.

BringMeTea that's good to know, thanks.

rubybleu will bear that in mind. I had been wondering whether I'd be able to bring up general skin concerns (enlarged pores, redness etc) at the consultation.
I'll come back to update after I've been...

I have a few broken capillaries but mostly a very red nose but no particular veins as such so not sure whether anything can be done about that?