Is there anything I can do to get rid of bulging vein in my temple? (Photo)

Question

I have two prominent veins on my forehead on either side near my temples that look bad. When I workout they are really bad due to blood pumping. This picture was taken right after training. Is there a laser or other treatment that could eliminate or minimize them?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hidef vein removal is an excellent procedure to permanently remove unwanted veins in the face. If the vessel is an artery, ligation may not be a great idea. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian#Realself100 Surgeon

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question about what you can do to get rid of a bulging vein in your temple region.  Thank you for your history in your picture.  A physical examination is in order.  In this area, the blood vessel can be either an artery or a vein.  If it is a vein, different modalities can be used to eliminate this temporal vein.  Different treatments include injections of a sclerosant, laser, or even surgery.  Due to the size of this presumed vein, surgery is probably the best option.  With surgery, two small incisions are made.  One incision is made at the upper end of the vein, and another at the lower end.  The vein is isolated, tied off, and removed.  Usually, veins in this area are extra or redundant veins.  Therefore, removal of the vein should not cause any functional problems.  However, if this is an artery (which can be determined during consultation), it may not be advisable to remove it. Therefore, please schedule a consultation. Many plastic surgeons offer free virtual consultations.  Therefore, explore what other plastic surgeons have to say.  If you cannot find an experienced plastic surgeon in your area, consider traveling to another state for specialized care.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.  (Plastic Surgeon, President of  the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

In my practice, I routinely see patients who come in with "veins on the temple" or periauricular veins, i.e. veins around the orbit of the eye. Your picture is suggestive of arteries but an in person examination would be necessary to determine if this is the case or if they are temple veins. We can confirm that they are arteries if they are pulatile, or, using Doppler ultrasound. Temple veins like the ones you show are best treated with microphlebectomy. The procedure is not covered by insurance as insurance considers these to be cosmetic. The procedure is done in the office using local anesthesia.

Emily Lo, MD · Answer

Thanks for your photo and question. Sclerotherapy is an injection that causes the treated vein to gradually collapse and then disappear. Before the vein disappears, its appearance may worsen for up to a couple of weeks. Laser treatment, on the other hand, dissolves veins using laser energy. It’s best to visit a medical spa for a formal evaluation of your needs and the best vein treatment recommendation. Good luck!

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, which is largely painless and can eliminate your vein in 2-3 sessions.  
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!

Gary Nackman, MD, FACS · Answer

I have good success with both laser and sclerotherapy for veins on the temple. It is extremely important to be certain that the blood vessel is not an artery. A vascular surgeon should be able to tell the difference on exam and/or with a Doppler.

John Landi, MD · Answer

Temporal veins can be treated by multiple methods including sclerotherapy, topical laser or removal through micro incisions.  All work and the type of treatment depends on the size of the veins.  The posted picture looks, however, like an artery.  If it is an artery it should not be removed.  See a vein specialist or vascular surgeon for an opinion.

Eric Dohner, MD · Answer

Bulging vessel on your temple is probably an artery and not a vein. If it pulsates when you touch it then it's an artery. Arteries cannot be injected or lasered because of the damage to the area the artery feeds. However it can sometimes be surgically removed using local anesthesia although this carries it's own risks too. A better option is to plump up the surrounding area with a tissue filler to hide the vessel.

Is there anything I can do to get rid of bulging vein in my temple? (Photo)

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