If I get Juvederm to improve the appearance of temple veins, how likely am I to go blind?

Question

I have read atrocious stories about the risk of blindness from cosmetic fillers. Meanwhile, a colossal vein has appeared on my forehead, and each time I smile, it bulges and pulsates without mercy. It has left me housebound, like some sort of shamed recluse, who only emerges from my "dwelling" at twilight. Is Juvederm safe to use for veins in the forehead? If I get it, could I go blind? Ideally, I would like to see the results...

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello,We don't recommend filler in the forehead to camouflage a large vessel if indeed it's the forehead you are referring to.  However, if you have more noticeable veins in the temples, using dermal filler in this area works well in camouflaging the condition.  With regards to safety, using a gel filler such as Restylane LYFT is much safer than a more viscous product that cannot be dissolved.  In our practice, we only use  the gel fillers or Sculptra for a long-term benefit.  In addition, a safe injector practices good technique to confirm that he/she is not injecting into a major blood vessel.  The secondary concern is too much product or swelling compressing a major blood vessel - using  a gel or Sculptra is much safer in this regard.  The below link offers more information and photos on how to safely and effectively treat the "temporal hollows."

Ramandeep Sidhu, MD · Answer

Fillers can be used to lighten the visibility of veins in temple region but i usually don't do fillers for that purpose since I can treat veins in that area with sclerotherapy or laser. Risk of blindness is very minimal with fillers almost close to zero.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The best treatment for veins in this area is laser.  However, fillers and fat can be used to "camouflage."  Sometimes with HA fillers the veins get more prominent from the water retention.  Please see an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ivan96,I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. You will get the best recommendations after a thorough examination.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, fillers are not the best treatment choice for vein coverage. Most "bulging" veins are very superficial and hyaluronic acid fillers placed so superficially in the skin may cause uneven lumps and bumps or blue discoloration. Hyaluronic acid fillers have been known to cause blindness when improperly injected into the glabellar region between your eyebrows. Other areas of the forehead or temple may not cause blindness but any injection directly into a vein can cause undesirable results. It is best to see an expert injector for your best and SAFEST treatment options. Hope this helps!!Johnson C. Lee, MD Plastic Surgery@drjohnsonlee

If I get Juvederm to improve the appearance of temple veins, how likely am I to go blind?

Answers (5)