I have a blue vein under my right eye. What is the best option for removal?

Question

I have a blue vein under my right eye. It's not crazy noticeable, but noticeable enough that it bothers me. Looks like I have 3 options: sclerotherapy, laser, or surgically removing it. All seem unsafe to some degree. I have a plastic surgeon that says my best option is surgically removing it. I guess that seems like the most dependable way to go. I'm most definitely not interested in sclerotherapy. Just wanted others to weigh in with opinions. Thanks!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello
ginstudios for your question. This is a difficult question to answer without
seeing photos or having a physical examination. However, based on your
description and without seeing photos or the examination, I would suggest
either laser or surgical incision. If you have a large amount of lower eyelid
sagging skin, then I would suggest removal of the lower eyelid skin, fat. This
is often called a lower blepharoplasty or lower eyelid resection.

The
other option would be laser. The laser is a quick, relative inexpensive,
painless, in-office procedure. If you do not have a significant amount of lower
skin, then I would suggest this.

Another
option is to start with the laser and if you do not obtain the results that you
desire, then proceed with surgery. I am confident that the laser will remove
the vein, but it will not remove the excess skin.

If you
have any questions feel free to contact my office. Good luck.

Sincerely,

J.
Timothy Katzen, M.D.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A surgical option is a good one as laser can work, but often times leaves a vein residue resulting in discoloration for weeks to months. A surgical option heals and resolves much quicker. I hope this helps!

Karen Beasley, MD · Answer

For facial veins, laser treatments are typically safest and most effective. At our office we use lasers such as Lumenis One, Starlux 1064, CoolTouch Varia, and pulsed dye laser, and intense pulsed light (IPL) among others. The specific laser used will depend on the patient. It is best to only seek treatment from a laser vein removal expert such as a board-certified dermatologist with years of experience.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Bingo, you are right - there are at least 3 ways to do it based on the size of the vein. Follow the recommendation of the physician you consulted. I think he or she has made the best judgement as he/she has examined you.

John Landi, MD · Answer

You are correct-there are 3 options.  All work and all have pros and cons and I feel that all treatments are safe.

I have a blue vein under my right eye. What is the best option for removal?

Answers (6)

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