Bulging Temple Veins Bilaterally? (photos)

Question

I had flat but visible temporal veins bilaterally. A (board certified) plastic surgeon made this situation infinitely worse by tying off the veins at the hair line. Now I have bulging temple-periorbital veins along with temporal hollowing and sagging that accentuate the problem. Two oculoplastic surgeons do not advise removing these veins whereas two plastic surgeons advocate microphlebotomy along with a temporal lift. Real Self physicians please advise. Thank-you.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Sclerotherapy and microligation both work to eliminate these bulging temple veins.  The veins can be removed permanently.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question! It is rather difficult to fully assess your situation without an in-person exam. Such an exam would be necessary to ensure that your bulging vein is not an artery. If you do have a varicose vein, however, it can be effectively treated with sclerotherapy. This method uses a sclerosing solution that causes the vein to shrink. Usually sclerotherapy takes only 1 to 3 sessions to achieve fading of the undesirable veins.  
An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and obtain expert medical advice. Best of luck!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for posting pictures. Options of treatment for these temporal veins and periorbital veins are sclerotherapy, microligation with microphlebectomy or a combined modality with sclerotherapy and microligation. Another good option may be long pulsed duration pulse dye lasers (PDL) using 595 nm technology.

Margaret Weiss, MD · Answer

We have successfully treated hundreds of patients with enlarged, blue, "reticular " veins on the temples and around the eyes.  We have published photos and detailed these techniques in our textbook on sclerotherapy and vein treatment

	While microphlebectomy could work it would be more invasive and I'm not convinced from your photo that your temple needs any more lifting.

Bulging Temple Veins Bilaterally? (photos)

Answers (4)