Warning against 'quickie' cosmetic procedures

Experts have warned women to be wary of 'quickie' cosmetic surgery procedures after it emerged that soaring numbers of patients are having unsightly thread veins removed in their lunch hour.

At one chain of clinics alone, demand for the 'lunchtime legs' treatment is up by 60 per cent on this time last year.

Brian Newman, a surgeon who specialises in the removal of thread veins, said the operation was also proving popular with active grandparents who want to look youthful on days out with their grandchildren.

The technique, known as thermo-coagulation, uses microwaves to zap the veins, which are abnormally dilated blood vessels lying very close to the surface of the skin.

An ultra-thin needle which emits a microwave current is poked under the skin in the problem area. The heat produced causes the sides of the veins to stick together, stopping the blood-flow that causes the vessels to show up red or purple.

They often occur after pregnancy or the menopause and tend to worsen with age. Although usually a cosmetic problem, they can signal a thyroid disorder.

The half-hour procedure is carried out without anaesthetic and is said to be no more painful than eyebrow plucking.

Mr Newman said: 'You can come in in your lunch hour and have it done. You can do what you like afterwards.'

Most patients require up to six sessions, costing up to £350, to eliminate stubborn veins.

Practitioners say the procedure, which is not available on the NHS, is cheaper and more accurate then laser surgery.

Mr Newman, who developed thermo-coagulation and has trained surgeons around the world in the technique, said it could also be used to melt away veins on the face.

This could free some male patients from the embarrassment of being mistaken as having a drink problem.

'Men who have got large nose veins are often wrongly dismissed as drinkers,' said Mr Newman. 'Often, these people are completely teetotal. They are tearful at the end of the procedure because for years they have been regarded as a drunk.'

However, Tanveer Jaleel, founder and senior partner at TJL Solicitors, said anyone considering cosmetic surgery should think long and hard about any procedure.

'While most people enjoy good results from their cosmetic surgery, a minority can be left disappointed and suffer lasting problems,' he said.

'Deciding to undergo any cosmetic treatment, no matter how trivial, should be carefully considered - it should not be a quick or snap decision made in the space of a lunch hour.'