Can sclerotherapy treat facial veins?

I have a vein under my eye that I would like treated. This is a single larger vein, not spider veins. Is facial sclerotherapy a possiblity?

Sort: Date | Helpful

7 answers to “Can sclerotherapy treat facial veins?”

A: Laser works as well for facial veins

By William J. Hedden, MD - Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

To treat a larger, "non-spider vein" around the eye, usually sclerotherapy is the best method. Sometimes a laser can work just as well if not better, depending on how close to the eye the vein is located. But a complimentary consultation is recommended to find out your best option. As far as... more

A: Microphlebectomy works best for facial veins around the eye

By Tammy Wu, MD - Modesto Plastic Surgeon

Microphlebectomy surgery involves making a few small incisions (after numbing the area) about 1 mm wide above the varicose vein and withdrawing the vein by hooking it out. The incision is usually so small that sutures are not needed to close it. There is almost always bruising afterwards in this area... more

A: Sclerotherapy would be dangerous around the eye

By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

If you sclerose a lower eyelid vein, it is possible that the sclerosing agent could get into the deeper veins around the eye. If these were to occlude, potential visual loss could ensue. I have had success with these veins by rubbing my finger along them in both directions to determine their direction of flow... more

A: Facial Veins - Sclerotherapy, Surgery or Laser Therapy

By Hratch Karamanoukian, MD - Buffalo General surgeon

Facial veins need to be handled with special care - spider veins can be treated with lasers; vessels larger than 4 mm are best handled with a puncture wound and removal with ligaion of the stump end. A sngle suture can be placed and removed in 2 days. They heal wth good cosmetic outcome.

A: Yes, but it is not the best option

By Ronald Shelton, MD - Manhattan Dermatologic surgeon

These veins, if large, are often treated by surgical tying. There is a potential risk if these veins are injected that the medicine could travel backwards into vital structures of the head. These veins tend to be too big for external laser treatment.

A: Laser is far superior and much safer in the face

By David A. Dreyfuss, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Facial veins can be treated much the same as leg veins. However, they react differently to the same treatment. The skin on the face is much thinner than the leg. The chance of discoloration or skin ulcers is much greater on the face with injections. Also near the eye, injections should... more

A: Sclerotherapy is not recommended for the face

By William Groff, DO - La Jolla Dermatologist

Depending on the size of the vessel and the color, there are at least 3 different lasers that I would consider using. The problem with sclerotherapy around the eye is that the the product that is being injected can cause vision loss or blindness, and this has been reported in the medical literature... more

Comments

ericbergerm
36 posts
22 Nov 2008

I like the Cutera CoolGlide 1064, which cools the surface as it selectively heats the veins. Usually 3 treatments is sufficient, seperated by 4-6 weeks.

quinnmd
38 posts
19 Nov 2008

Sclerotherpy is quite safe in the face, if used far away from the eyes, and in the hands of a good sclerotherapist. Lasers work excellent on facial veins as well. However, sclerotherapy can treat veins that don't respond to laser therapy, or veins that network through the skin, and thus make it difficult for the laser to penetrate. The skill of the sclerotherapist is paramount though. It should be a provider who is a phlebologist (vein specialist), and not just a laser specialist. The American College of Phlebology is the governing board for phlebolgy.

Post your question

Email to friend