MODEL RELEASED. Varicose vein surgery. Close-up of surgical tools being used in an operation to remove varicose veins from a patient's nose. The incision in the nose is being held open by surgical retractors, and a scalpel is being used to remove the veins. On the face, varicose veins are also called thread or spider veins. Varicose veins form due to defective valves in veins. As blood is circulated around the body, these valves prevent it from flowing backwards. As the valves stop working, blood pools in the veins, distending them. Surgical removal of these veins from the face is usually carried out for cosmetic reasons. Photographed in the UK.