I have some horribly unsightly blue veins under my eyes! Help! (Photos)

Sclerotherapy and/or topical lasers can be done on peri-orbital veins (veins around the eyes).  Each procedure carries its own potential risks for complications but if done by an experienced physician the risk is low. You may need several treatments to get good results. Find an experienced vein specialist and make sure to discuss benefits and risks so that you can make an informed decision.

Under eye veins can vary in caliber and length, ranging from bluish varicose veins to light red spider veins. The treatment of larger varicose veins is very specialized and I have demonstrated my technique on the Doctors television show which can be found online. Treatment includes surgical removal with initiation of a skin brightening regimen to optimize skin thickness and collagen content.

Associated dark pigmentation on the lower eyelid skin can be due to melasma, bluish veins, hemosiderin deposits, and hyperpigmentation. 

Topical regimens include:

MelaClenz
Melarase AM
Melarase PM
Melapads
Replenish Retinoid Cream
Additional therapies for undereye rejuvenation include fractional laser, fractional RF, Covalent peels, and LED microneedling with Replenish serum. The video demonstrates an analysis of varicose veins.

Best, 

Dr. Karamanoukian

Realself100 Surgeon

Currently, my procedure of choice is the Nd:YAG laser for blue facial veins. Tiny veins I use Veinwave or ICON IPL with the MaxG head.  Sclerotherapy is an option when the veins are too close to the eye to safely perform laser.

This is one of the most common questions posted.  I treat larger under and around eye veins with sclerotherapy and smaller veins with Microneedle RF. Many times I will use a combination of both. There may be some associated bruising but no downtime.  Usually more than one treatment is necessary.

As long as the veins are over the bone of the orbit or able to be pulled down over it, these are successfully treated with a YAG laser.  We use Cutera 1064.  It may take several treatments but mostly the veins are less visible after the first.  These are to be treated by and experienced practitioner only.  There may be a little swelling of the vein and darkening initially.  In rare cases a small amount of bruising.  Metal eye protectors are used.

The Nd:YAG laser is usually best for treatment of veins like these. Make sure to seek out a physician who had experience withdrawn treatment, as there are some risks associated with using any laser around the eyes. This the most noninvasive and best treatment for this problem, in my opinion. Good luck!

For veins like yours I like to do sclerotherapy.  It is safe if done by an experienced injector.  Lasers can work as well.  If smaller veins, I like to use radiofrequency Microneedle.It may require more than one treatment to get full results.Seek out an experienced vein surgeon.Good luck to you,Dr. Powell