How can I treat bulging superficial vascular vein after facelift?

Question

I had a mini facelift last year, along with a couple other procedures, and I have noticed I have developed a weird bulging vein on the left side of my face. I am not sure how I can treat this, answers or help will be greatly appreciated! Picture attached

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

A new prominent vessel one year after a facelift should be examined before choosing treatment, because it may be a superficial vein, a branch of the superficial temporal system, scar-related tethering around a vessel, or simply a vessel that is easier to see after tissue thinning or repositioning. In the photo, the marked area appears to show a limited vertical fullness or line near the temple/sideburn region, but the image is not clear enough to identify the exact structure.

Start with your facelift surgeon or a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in-person exam, and Doppler ultrasound can be useful if there is any question about whether it is venous, arterial, or a small vascular malformation. If it is a harmless superficial vein, options may include observation, camouflage with volume correction if there is adjacent hollowing, laser/sclerotherapy in selected cases, or rarely surgical treatment, but facial vessels require caution because of the eye, nerves, and blood supply. Seek prompt care if it is painful, rapidly enlarging, pulsating, red/warm, associated with swelling, headache, vision symptoms, or skin color change.

Michael S. Kluska, DO · Answer

This could be somewhat difficult to treat, and most likely will not resolve completely. Superficial fat grafting around the area could be one option and a second option could be vein ligation, but is most likely overkill for this presentation.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It’s simple to divide the vein under local anesthesia so it goes away. But others may appear in its place

How can I treat bulging superficial vascular vein after facelift?

Answers (3)

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