Facial Veins

About Facial Veins

What are facial veins?

Small thread or spider veins are a common occurrence on the face. They can be red or bluish and are usually clustered a These “star” shaped veins with numerous radiating lines (resembling a spider’s legs) are a cosmetic concern for millions of women and men. Spider veins are most commonly found around the nose but may occur around the cheeks and lower face area.

What is the cause of facial veins?

Unlike spider veins on the leg, facial veins are linked to excessive sun exposure. Age is another factor as most older individuals appear to have some degree of spider veins. Certain skin conditions such as Rosacea or Acne Rosacea can cause prominent facial veins.

What is the best way to prevent facial veins?

Sunscreen and hats and other measures that limit sun exposure are the best way to prevent facial veins. If you have Rosacea, regular treatment of this condition may prevent the associated facial vascularity it causes.

What is the best way to treat facial spider veins?

Spider and thread veins can be eliminated from by several medical procedures. Sclerotherapy can be used on the bluish veins that occur often around the temples and eyes. The fine, reddish veins in the center of the face can be treated with a VeinWave radiofrequency device or an intense pulsed light treatment. The heat from intense pulsed light devices selectively destroys the abnormal veins. Over time the spider veins disappear. There is minimal recovery time. There is no recovery time with the VeinWave device and the results are immediate.

Are there any side effects from the treatment of facial veins?

Both VeinWave and intense pulsed light are generally safe but in the rare dark-skinned individual, some degree of scarring and/or hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) can occur. There is a rare risk of a skin breakdown and possibly leading to a scar from sclerotherapy of veins on the face.

How is laser used to treat facial spider veins?

Spider vein treatment is an outpatient procedure. During the laser treatment, your eyes will be covered to protect them from the laser light. The length of the procedure depends upon the size of the area you need treated. The physician applies the laser instrument to the area of treatment with a hand-held laser probe. During the treatment, one feels a sensation of a snapping rubber band. If there is excessive pain, the physician can apply a topical local anesthetic a few minutes before the procedure. Most spider veins on the face can be treated within 45-90 minutes.

How does one feel after the laser or Intense pulsed light treatment?

After the procedure, recovery depends on the area treated and the type of laser. You will have no pain but the skin may have a sun burn effect for a few days. The mild bruising and swelling usually take 7-10 days to disappear.

How does one feel after the VeinWave treatment?

There is no discomfort or after affects from the VeinWave treatment.