Facial Veins: Why They Occur and How to Treat Them
When we think of spider and varicose veins, those unsightly twisting lines on the lower leg is usually what comes to mind. However, spider veins are not restricted to the leg; they can also appear on areas like the abdomen and face. Facial veins can be particularly problematic for some patients, because they are so visible and difficult to hide. The good news is there are effective treatments for facial veins that create a smoother complexion with minimal discomfort or downtime.
Explaining Facial Veins
Facial veins are commonly around the nose, forehead and cheeks and usually form in clusters called telangiectasia. These veins are very close to the skin’s surface and usually appear as red, blue or purple lines. The specific cause of facial veins cannot always be identified, but there are certain factors that increase your risk for developing them:
- Hormonal fluctuations (particularly in women)
- Sun exposure that damages the skin
- Genetics (if your mother or father have them, you are more likely to develop them)
- Trauma or injury to the skin
- Use of steroids and some types of medication
- Skin conditions like acne rosacea
Most facial veins are not accompanied by any physical symptoms. However, visible veins as a result of rosacea or another skin condition may lead to burning or irritation of the skin around the visible veins.
Treating Facial Veins
At PCI Vein Center, we typically treat facial veins using an innovative treatment known as Vein Gogh. This non-invasive procedure uses thermocoagulation or heat energy to collapse small, superficial spider veins. Heat is delivered via an insulated needle that targets the affected vein without penetrating or damaging the skin.
Vein Gogh is a relatively comfortable procedure that requires no anesthesia and takes just a few minutes to complete. Results can be seen right away, although it may take a series of treatment sessions to fully eliminate vein networks. There is no recovery period after treatment and patients don’t have to worry about skin trauma or scaring after the procedure. In addition to treating facial veins, this device can be used to reduce redness associated with rosacea or bright red spots on the skin known as cherry angiomas.