When most people think of varicose veins, they think of large, puffy, gnarled veins that appear on the hands, feet, and legs. However, these problem veins can appear nearly anywhere on the body – including on the face.
When the veins of the face become discolored, look swollen, or are too prominent, it can cause sufferers great distress. No one likes blemishes of the face, but those that are constantly present are particularly upsetting!
Can Discolored Facial Veins Be Treated?
Given that discolored veins on the face are often located close to the eyes, nose, mouth, or other sensitive areas, they can be difficult to treat. As such, many practitioners avoid treating these areas altogether.
Thankfully, more experienced phlebologists can administer treatments that are effective for these veins. It is important to consult with a fully-trained and highly-skilled varicose veins doctor in the Bay Area before committing to the treatment of these tissues, since you never want to risk a less-qualified person making an error so close to areas like the eyes or mouth.
How are Problem Facial Veins Treated?
The most common treatment for discolored or unsightly veins in the face is sclerotherapy. This involves the injection of a chemical called a sclerosing agent into the affected veins. When performed on small veins like those in the face, it is typically referred to as micro-sclerotherapy.
This treatment causes the affected veins to collapse. How does this help? By cutting the vein off from the flow of blood, it causes the vein to smooth out and almost disappear beneath the skin’s surface. In some cases, it also prepares the vein for removal, if a phlebectomy is determined to be the best course of action.
Generally, these injections are no more uncomfortable than a cosmetic treatment like BOTOX. The area is prepared and the chemical is injected, then the patient is briefly monitored. Usually, it only takes hours to see an appreciable difference – and patients who see smoother, clearer skin as a result find that the experience is well worth it! Vein Specialty Medical Clinic
