Several treatments for unsightly facial veins can effectively reduce their appearance or make them disappear completely.
Here’s a look at the different treatment options for facial veins and how to contact North Shore Vein Center on Long Island to request a consultation.
How Do Broken Veins and Spider Veins Appear on the Face?
Facial veins, also known as broken veins or spider veins, can be caused by a wide range of factors.
Common causes of facial veins include:
- Excess sun exposure. Facial veins caused by sun damage may also be accompanied by wrinkles and age spots.
- Hormonal changes. Changes in hormones—particularly estrogen—may cause facial veins, along with spider veins or varicose veins in the legs.
- Aging. Skin tends to lose its elasticity with age to make veins in the face appear more pronounced.
- Genetics. A family history of spider veins can increase the risk for facial veins.
- Certain health conditions. Rosacea may lead to the development of facial veins, as well as illnesses that cause frequent sneezing or vomiting.
What Are Available Vein Treatment Options?
A vein specialist can recommend the best vein treatment based on the size and number of veins to be treated. Some of the best options include:
- VeinGogh™. The technology used in this treatment sends small, powerful bursts of energy into facial veins that heat them up, destroy them, and make them fade away.
- Photofacial. This therapy uses multiple light wavelengths that have various healing abilities, including the ability to reduce facial redness, flushing, rosacea, and spider veins.
- Laser therapy. With this therapy, a single light wavelength is delivered to unsightly facial veins, which absorb the light and convert it into heat that destroys the veins and causes them to gradually disappear.
- Sclerotherapy. This therapy involves injecting a solution called a sclerosant into the unwanted veins, which closes the veins and forces blood to reroute to other veins. Over time, the veins gradually fade from view.
What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Treatment?
Every vein treatment has its own list of pros and cons, which is why it’s important to consult with a vein specialist prior to choosing a treatment.
VeinGogh™
This treatment requires no anesthesia and may be ideal for veins that have not responded to other therapies. VeinGogh™ comes with a slight risk for skin discoloration, and treatment sessions can sometimes take up to an hour.
Photofacial
This treatment is non-invasive and usually requires only one treatment session. Photofacials may be a good choice for those who are afraid of needles or allergic to the sclerosant used in sclerotherapy. Photofacials may not be ideal for those with darker skin tones, as this treatment may cause visible scarring.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy sessions typically last 15 to 20 minutes and are relatively painless. This therapy often produces immediate results, though some people may need one or two extra treatment sessions. Side effects are common with laser therapy, including bruising, blisters, dryness, and swelling.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive, requires no anesthetic, and produces no downtime. Treatment sessions are relatively short, given they usually last between 15 and 20 minutes each. However, results from sclerotherapy may not be noticeable for several weeks or months, and there may be side effects, including bruising, redness, and itching.
How Effective Is Treatment for Facial Veins?
All the above treatments are evidence-based and scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of facial veins or make them go away completely. Some people may respond better to certain treatments than others based on factors including the number and severity of their vein issues, skin tone, and general health status.
Mark Schwartz, MD, at North Shore Vein Center, understands that unsightly facial veins can affect one’s overall appearance, as well as their confidence, self-esteem, and general well-being. Dr. Schwartz can develop individualized treatment plans for each patient based on their unique situations.
North Shore Vein Center offers treatments for varicose veins and spider veins, including sclerotherapy and endovenous laser ablation. Contact North Shore Vein Center today at (516) 869-8346 to request an initial vein consultation and learn more about your treatment options.