Why have I bulging veins all over my forehead? (Photos)

Question

Ok, so I don't know if this is just me looking in the mirror too much or that it could be an underlying issue but in the past year I've noticed that I have a very large temple vein running from the side of my temple on the right up to my hairline at the ride hand side of my face in the temple area, is there anything I can do to get this treated? I won't even smile in photos anymore because it has me so self conscious as it's quite noticeable. Any help or advice would be appreciated :)

Mark Rayman, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Temple veins are almost always a cosmetic concern and not indicative of an underlying medical condition.  They can be easily treated by sclerotherapy (injections), but should be done by an expert.  One of the critical distinctions that must be made by your doctor is whether the vessel you have is truly a vein and not an artery.  The artery on the side of the temple, also known as the superficial temporal artery, is sometimes visible - it can be distinguished from a vein as the artery will have a pulse that may be felt and sometimes seen.  Injection of the artery would be disastrous...but this is rare. Injection of the vein is relatively safe as long as it is done carefully.  Other possible treatments for temple veins include using an external 1064 YAG laser (with adequate skin cooling), as well as sometimes actually taking out the veins through tiny incisions (microphlebectomies).  In our practice we predominantly do sclerotherapy for such veins, with excellent results.  You should be aware that 2-3 treatments may be needed.  The good news is - there's hope!  Best of 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. This method uses a sclerosing solution that causes the vein to shrink. Usually sclerotherapy takes only 1 to 3 sessions to achieve fading of the undesirable veins.  
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!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend microphlebectomy for temple veins versus sclerotherapy. Cosmetic outcome is better with microphlebectomy.H Karamanoukian MD FACS

Lisa Perez, MD · Answer

Some people have prominent facial veins especially in the forehead area.  Typically these veins are large and patients get the best cosmetic result when the veins are removed through small incisions called a microphlebectomy.

John Landi, MD · Answer

What your picture depicts is a temporal vein which is a very common problem.  This can easily be treated by sclerotherapy or removal through tiny (micro incisions). This is an office procedure done under local anesthesia. The vein appears too large to be treated by laser or fine needle RF.

Why have I bulging veins all over my forehead? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Microphlebectomy

Answer: Microphlebectomy

Answer: Temporal veins

Answer: Temporal veins

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Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

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Why have I bulging veins all over my forehead? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Microphlebectomy

Answer: Microphlebectomy

Answer: Temporal veins

Answer: Temporal veins

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.