Best procedures for these blue veins under my eyes? 22 years old. (Photo)

Question

I've had these for as long as I can remember - I'm only 22 and they are so obvious all the time even with sleep and low stress. I'm pulling the skin down in the photo for emphasis, but they are very visible. Hoping to find a doctor in Los Angeles - what treatments would you recommend to get rid of these? Are results normally permanent? I can't imagine my face without these terrible veins. The other eye is not nearly as bad as this one.

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

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Jojo.  Yes, we have treated these veins with long pulsed yag lasers in the past with mixed results.  The challenge is that it's really the only option we consider using.  We will not use sclerotherapy injections on the face.  The veins may disappear but tend to return eventually and sometimes quite quickly.  Unfortunately, it's just harder to treat these than those on the cheeks or legs.

John Landi, MD · Answer

Your question is very common and I have answered it many times on Real Self. I treat these veins with sclerotherapy or a combination of sclerotherapy and microneedle radiofrequency.  Several treatment sessions may be necessary and my experience has been excellent cosmetic results.  Nothing is permanent when it comes to vein treatment and there is always a risk of some recurrence.

Norman N. Bein, MD, FACS, RVT · Answer

Great question.  Firstly you need to find an experienced doctor who specializes in treating facial veins.  This can be a vascular surgeon, occular dermatologist, facial plastic surgeon.  These are best treated with a YAG laser (we use Cutera 1064 Xeo) and it is an advanced skill.  If the veins are over the orbital bone, it is safe to treat with the eyes covered by metal shields.  If a little higher you will need intra-occular shields inside the eye lids to protect your eyes.  These should only be inserted by an experienced doctor. It can take several treatments to resolve but the results should be very nice.  You can contact Cutera USA and they can give you some names.  I wish you well

Best procedures for these blue veins under my eyes? 22 years old. (Photo)

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Answer: Blue veins under eyes

Answer: Blue veins under eyes

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Best procedures for these blue veins under my eyes? 22 years old. (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Blue veins under eyes

Answer: Blue veins under eyes

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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.