Laser thread vein removal claims

What are thread veins?

Thread veins are small, usually red veins which appear on the skin, often on the face and legs. They appear when blood vessels become enlarged and break near the surface of the skin. Thread veins are often referred to as spider veins because of their appearance, though their clinical name is telangiectasia. They are harmless, but do cause people to feel self-conscious of their appearance.   

What is laser thread vein removal?

Laser thread vein removal has become an increasingly popular procedure in the UK. The procedure involves a powerful laser or an ‘intense pulsed light’ (IPL) that is used to eliminate the thread vein. The treatment often uses a yellow laser to target the redness in the thread vein, causing it to shrink and the residue to become absorbed into the surrounding tissue.

What can go wrong with laser thread vein removal?

Redness and minor, short-lived pain are a common side effect of this type of procedure. However, common injuries suffered due to laser thread vein removal, often as a result of negligence. can include:

·         Burns;

·         Scarring;

·         Excessive swelling/soreness;

·         Prolonged skin irritation or redness;

·         Severe sensitivity of the skin;

·         Tenderness of the skin;

·         Worsening thread vein appearance or new thread vein clusters; and

·         Psychological problems.

 

What should a clinician do when carrying out laser thread vein removal?

There are a number of things a laser thread vein removal clinician is legally obliged to do when performing the procedure:

·         Carry out an assessment of the client’s health and skin condition to make sure that the laser thread vein removal is unlikely to cause any injury;

·         Ensure that the client is provided with realistic expectations as to the results of the procedure;

·         Inform clients about the potential risks associated with the laser thread vein removal procedure;

·         Make detailed notes about the client's medical history to determine if they have any condition that could potentially pose some risk of injury;

·         Perform a patch test 24 hours before the procedure is performed;

·         Give clients the opportunity to change their mind;

·         Ensure the client is aware of any after-care and what to do in case of any problems arising; and

·         Use sterilised and clean equipment and proper techniques while performing the procedure.

 

Can I make a laser thread vein removal claim?

In order to bring a laser thread vein removal claim we must be able to establish that the pracvtitioner or clinic was at fault for the injuries you have sustained. 

• A procedural or technical mistake may have caused your injury. For example, a claim in which we have recently recovered a five figure compensation settlement related to 'pulse stacking'. This occurs when the clinician holds the laser tool for too long in one spot, causing damage to the skin which results in permanent pit and/or linear scarring. 
• They may have failed to inform you of the known side effects of the procedure and the risks involved so you could not make an informed decision about whether to proceed.
• They may have failed to correctly assess your condition and skin. For example, you may not be suited to the treatment if your skin is too thin. If you condition is too severe, this type of treatment might not be beneficial to you. You should be informed of this and alternative treatments discussed that may be more suited. 
• Or you may not have been given an opportunity to change your mind before having the treatment. 

If you feel that you have suffered injury as a result of laser thread vein removal and want to know if you are entitled to make a compensation claim then call our free legal beauty treatment helpline.

What should I do if my laser thread vein removal goes wrong?

If your laser thread vein removal treatment goes wrong you should report your concerns to the practitioner and the clinic, spa or salon in which they operate as soon as possible. If a compensation claim is made we will need to consider the following:

·         proof that the practitioner or clinic is properly insured;

·         photographs of the cosmetic appearance of the treatment both before treatment and at each stage afterwards;

·         your clinic records and any other medical records if you have been seen elsewhere, e.g. your GP or a Consultant Dermatologist;

·         the receipt for the treatment you received and details of any subsequent costs incurred e.g. scar treatment gel; and

·         any correspondence and documentation you have had with the practitioner, clinic, spa or salon, including any complaint made by you.

 

Can I make a laser thread vein removal claim if I signed a disclaimer?

You may be able to make a compensation claim even if you have signed a legal disclaimer. Signing a disclaimer does not mean the practitioner, clinic, spa or salon is immune from having a claim made against them. They have a legal duty to ensure you are not harmed and that duty applies even if a disclaimer was signed. You should, however, take care not to sign any documentation after you have raised a complaint, in an attempt to settle the claim. 

Are there time limits for making a laser thread vein removal claim?

There are strict time limits for bringing a laser thread vein removal claim. You must issue court proceedings prior to the third anniversary of the treatment or the first date that you became aware of the problem arising from the treatment. It is therefore important that you speak to a specialist lawyer as soon as you suspect something is wrong.

How we can help

Almost all the laser thread vein removal claims we deal with are funded on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means that if you are unsuccessful in your claim for whatever reason, you will not be required to pay any legal fees.

If you or someone you know requires free initial advice on laser thread vein removal claims then contact us on 0333 888 0437 or via email at [email protected] for a free case assessment.