Skin Veins

Veins are a type of blood vessel that help to carry blood from the tissues of the body back to the heart and lungs. They are present all around the body, some are superficial and closer to the skin and some lie deeper. Whilst they are not normally particularly noticeable, with time and age, some of the superficial veins can become more prominent which can lead to concerns. On occasion, these prominent veins can be present from birth due to malformations in the smaller blood vessels under the skin.

These are often referred to as birthmarks or ‘port wine stains’. Problematic veins in the skin can cause symptoms such as aching, pain, itching or swelling (more typically when occurring in the legs). Aside from the associated physical symptoms, superficial skin veins can have an unsightly appearance, causing people to feel self-conscious and limit their choice of clothing and activities.

Mr Ioannis Goutos is an accomplished plastic surgeon with clinics based in London. His practice centres around tailored treatments and plans for each individual, and he has a special interest in managing scars and burns. As part of his clinic he offers a number of procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, and every treatment plan is inclusive of thorough assessment and post-procedure follow up and care.

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About this condition

Prominent skin veins can be sorted into 2 main categories based on their characteristics. This will depend on the location and appearance of the veins and will affect any treatment options or procedures.

Varicose veins – these occur in the legs and are more common as people get older. Leg veins contain small valves inside them to prevent the backflow of blood. When these valves stop working efficiently, this can lead to pooling of blood in the veins, causing them to expand and become more prominent. They are often associated with symptoms of throbbing and aching in the legs and can be unsightly. They are more likely to arise in those with a higher BMI, in pregnancy and in those who have jobs or activities that involve long periods of sitting or standing still.
Spider veins– also referred to as ‘thread veins’ or ‘telangiectasia’, are clusters of smaller surface blood vessels known as ‘capillaries’, that can appear red, blue or purplish in the skin. They most commonly occur on the face or legs, but can also appear on the abdomen. Spider veins are more common in women, and can sometimes be associated with other medical problems such as acne rosacea (a skin condition the mostly affects the skin on the face), liver disease, or taking certain medications such as the oral contraceptive pill. They do not usually cause any physical symptoms or pain, but many people seek treatment to reduce their appearance for cosmetic reasons

Many people seek to have treatment for troublesome veins, either due to ongoing symptoms of aching or itching associated with varicose veins, or to improve the overall appearance of prominent skin veins to help the skin appear smoother and more even. Extensive varicose veins can require the input of a vascular surgeon, however most superficial veins can be well managed using laser or light-based treatments. These work by using high energy beams of light which cause damage or ‘thrombosis’ to the vein, causing it to collapse. The blood is able to circulate through deeper vein systems in the body. With time and healing, the body can then break down the collapsed vein and leave the skin appearing clearer.

If you are interested in seeking treatment for prominent or varicose veins, it is important to consult with an experienced clinician to ensure that your treatment is appropriate for you, your aesthetic goals and your medical background.

Testimonials

Mr Goutos is delighted to share some of his patient and peer feedback on their experiences of his services.

Louise Steel

2023-08-16

Mr Goutos performed keloidectomy surgery on both my earlobes, and I am so grateful to have been referred to him. From the first consultation, through surgery, and now my 3-month follow-up, I have nothing but good words to say.

Luke Ward

2023-07-10

This man is an extremely intelligent, professional gentleman. He will set realistic expectations from the beginning and will not ‘beat around the bush’ so-to speak. From the initial consultation to post-surgery, it has been a rollercoaster ride. However the high level of expertise & professionalism Mr Goutos maintained has been impeccable. All I can say to any other individual considering treatment with Mr Goutos, is that you are in incredibly safe hands. And on top of this, he has a great sense of humour. I wish nothing but the best for this man, and the best results for his future patients.

Mauricio Lucas

2023-07-06

Outstanding Doctor - Exceptional Expertise I recently had the pleasure of consulting and also going through surgery. Dr. Goutos removed a large class of keloids from my back and chest, and without a doubt, I can confidently say that he is the best doctor I have ever had the privilege of seeing. From the moment I entered his practice, I was immediately struck by his professionalism, knowledge, and exceptional bedside manner. Dr. Goutos possesses an extraordinary level of expertise in his field, and his technical skills are truly remarkable. His ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions is unparalleled, and I have personally witnessed his remarkable success in improving the health and well-being of countless patients. What sets Dr. Goutos apart is his genuine care and concern for his patients. He takes the time to listen attentively, ensuring that he understands every aspect of the medical issue at hand. He communicates clearly and effectively, explaining complex medical concepts in a way that is easy to comprehend, which greatly helps in alleviating any concerns or fears. One aspect that impressed me greatly was Dr. Goutos' commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in his field. He incorporates cutting-edge techniques and treatments into his practice, ensuring that his patients receive the highest standard of care available. This dedication to continuous learning and improvement is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his profession. Additionally, the support staff at Dr.Goutos' practice deserves recognition for their exceptional service. They are friendly, compassionate, and highly efficient, ensuring that appointments run smoothly and patients feel comfortable throughout the entire process. Overall, I cannot emphasize enough how fortunate I feel to have found Dr.Goutos' exceptional skills, genuine care, and unwavering commitment to his patients make him a truly outstanding specialist. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch medical care.

Kashmala Khan

2023-01-26

Mr. Goutos and his team did an amazing job reversing a scar I had on my forehead. This was a very old scar and had bothered for many years. The laser treatment and fat transfer procedure has changed my life and given me so much confidence. I would definitely recommend him, he is a fantastic and very skilled surgeon. Thank you so much!

Javier

2023-01-14

Mr Goutos and his team removed some lipomas from my arms. The initial consultation right through to the aftercare was professional, sensitive and genuine. Mr Goutos put me at ease right from the start, discussing my history and background and then discussing the various options for the incisions and sutures. The incisions were quick, efficient and professional. I felt completely at ease knowing I was in expert hands. The incisions were extremely neat and have closed and scared really well. I had a number of questions after the operation and one of the sutures became infected. Mr Goutos was quick to make an appointment for me, see me and deal with the infection and offered for me to see him again if the infection didn’t calm down. He was genuinely empathetic to my needs and took time to check each scare, explain things and assure me along the way. He didn’t at any point, make me feel I was asking silly questions or too many. I highly recommend Mr Goutos for his exceptional incisions and suturing as well as his professional conduct, caring approach and after care. The whole experience was smooth and easy and I am very grateful for what he has done for me.

Ieva Lihovida-Yarlett

2022-12-07

We came to see Dr Goutos a few month ago to remove invasive spider nevus on my 9 year old sons nose . After a lovely consultation with Dr Goutos , he suggested to do several laser treatment sessions. After a few sessions we already noticed a massive improvement. On the final laser treatment session the spider nevus was completely gone. Thank you to the Dr Goutos for tackling the problem so rapidly and with great results!

Amy Munson

2022-10-27

We took our 4yr old daughter to Mr Goutos following an accident which resulted in a small burn scar on her cheek. Mr Goutos gave us various options and we went for laser treatment. After 4 appointments the scar has gone! The care that Mr Goutos gave us was exceptional and so good with children. He made us feel very comfortable and confident in his ability. I would recommend him to anyone if they were looking for a doctor in that particular field. Can't thank him enough.