City workers suffering “boozer’s nose” have been preparing for the Christmas party season by seeking cosmetic treatment out of fear of being wrongly dubbed an alcoholic.
Doctors specialising in removal of facial thread or spider veins reported a rise in patients ahead of the festive period. Dr Peter Finigan, medical director at Dr Newmans Clinic in Harley Street, said red cheeks and nose caused by prominent blood vessels are often incorrectly associated with heavy drinking.
Many patients believe they are being overlooked for promotion because others assume they are fond of a drink and therefore unreliable. Some have been bought a course of treatment by family members as a present. Dr Finigan said. “Given the City’s reputation for long lunches, patients are concerned people will assume they are heavy drinkers, when, often, nothing could be further from the truth. Thread veins can be caused by too much sun, hormones and pregnancy, a genetic predisposition, or a skin condition such as [common rash] rosacea.”
Microwave technology is employed to heat and destroy blood vessels, with the use of an ultra-fine insulated needle to ensure the surrounding skin is not affected. Treatment takes about 20 minutes and one or two sessions are normally needed. According to the clinic, men now account for 40 per cent of its patients, compared with five per cent a decade ago. Screen characters such as claret-loving Rumpole of the Bailey, played by Leo McKern, and W C Fields, have made the boozer’s nose famous.
