Facial Vein
Visible facial veins are actually dilated blood vessels. They are usually found on the forehead, nose, cheeks, eyelids, neck, and upper chest. Visible facial veins have many different names including spider veins, telangectasias, spider angiomas, and benign vascular lesions. These veins are most commonly seen in fair-skinned women and usually appear in the 40s or 50s.
Blood vessel dilation is due to the weakening of the elastic fibers in the walls of the blood vessel. Although the exact mechanism leading to blood vessel dilation is not well understood, visible veins are associated with excessive sun exposure, normal aging, steroid use, liver disease, genetics, radiation therapy, and trauma. Because visible veins are often secondary to sun damage, sunscreen use and sun avoidance are recommended for prevention.
Visible veins are often considered to be a cosmetic issue. However, they can be found in people with certain diseases including rosacea, liver disease, and more rarely, an autoimmune disease. Hormonal changes can be associated with visible veins as well. Your physician can help to determine the cause of your visible veins.
Facial Vein Treatment
There are several different treatments options available for visible veins:
Facial VeinLasers are sources of high energy focused light. At Total Eye Care and Cosmetic Laser Centers, our vascular lasers are designed to target a component of blood called hemoglobin. Vascular lasers destroy the blood vessel, leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. The side effects of laser therapy can include pain (similar to a rubber band snap) and temporary purpura, or purple pigmentation of the skin similar to bruising. The purpura usually resolves in a day or two. The risk of scarring is low.
Intense pulsed light therapy is similar to laser therapy except broadband light is used instead of focused light. The procedure itself is similar to lasers, but there is usually less bruising after the treatment.
After careful evaluation, our aesthetic team will help you decide which treatment is best for your condition. Laser treatments and intense pulsed light are typically done at four to eight-week intervals. Several treatments may be required. If new vessels appear, patients may need to return for additional treatments.
Electrosurgery uses an electric current from a hand-held needle. The electric current, when applied to the blood vessel, destroys it. This method is somewhat painful but is usually tolerated because it is quick. After the procedure, a tiny scab forms which usually heals quickly and with minimal scarring.
To learn more about Facial Vein/ Skin Tag Removal in Bucks County, PA, and Princeton, NJ call 267-759-6056 or click here to request your complimentary consultation, today!