Further to the other information given, I had thread veins (caused by over exposure to the sun while living years abroad) removed from my face in May last year. I was fortunate to get NHS treatment through my GP's referral. The treatment was pulse dye laser but be prepared, as the article suggests it did indeed cause unsightly bruising over my face - I was mortified at the time and had to take one week off work until the discolouring subsided. But as is normal in this type of instance it was well worth it in the end, the advantage outweighed the disadvantage. I am very happy with the result and almost a year on my skin has remained the same. I now protect my skin with a vengeance, alas something I should have done many years before had I had the benefit of hindsight.