Increasing numbers of women in the UK are taking to having their thread veins removed during their lunch hour. The demand is probably partly due to the fantastic weather that the UK has experienced recently, with many women wanting to put their skirts and heels on, but not before they ensure they have perfect pins.

One of the most popular techniques is said to be thermo-coagulation which uses a microwave to zap the unsightly veins. The veins themselves are caused by abnormally dilated blood vessels which are located close to the skin’s surface.

A very fine needle is poked under the skin around the vein and a microwave current is emitted through the needle. The heat produced from the current sticks the sides of the vein together. This then stops the blood-flow through the vein and therefore stops the purple-red veins showing under the skin.

The procedure is relatively quick and normally only takes around half an hour per patient. Combined with the fact that no anaesthetic is used (the pain is said to be about equivalent to having your eyebrows plucked or threaded), it is no surprise that many women are opting for the procedure during their lunch-breaks.

Although the majority of procedures are done on women and their legs, other parts of the body can be safely treated. Men also have the procedure done, although it tends to be to eliminate large veins on the nose and face.

Popularity: 41% [?]