Is it possible to have a vein removed from the forehead?

Question

I have a vein in my forehead that get super prominent when I smile. It's gotten a lot worse with age. It's becoming more and more visible even when I don't smile. I know vein removal is a common procedure. But is it possible to do it on your forehead? Would removal affect blood flow?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It’s important to distinguish between varicose veins and spider veins when choosing between laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and vein surgery. With two board certified vein specialists, our center uses a combination of visual examination, functional flow measurements, ultrasound, transillumination, and infrared light to map out vein networks prior to therapy. Lasers can be used to treat deep varicose vein insufficiency, vein perforators, and varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is ideal for spider veins and reticular veins. Whereas surgery is reserved for severely incompetent varicose vein segments.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Payman Kosari, MD, FAAD · Answer

Depending on the size and location, you may also consider a long pulsed Nd-Yag laser.  Easy treatment and with a couple visits, it is usually gone.  Best of luck!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal for veins to bulge, i.e. dilate when you exercise. Once they reach a certain size, however, they will always be visualized under the skin, especially in lean people. 
You have to show pictures for better guidance. However, the most common treatments are injection sclerotherapy if they are not on the large side of the spectrum of forehead veins or microincision phlebectomy. It is an office procedure but it is not covered by insurance. Expertise is necessary so as to not puncture the frontal sinus in the area between the brows. Make sure you see someone who does these and have done them. It will cost 3,000 - 4,000 dollars. 
Hratch L Karamanoukian MD FAC

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. I would recommend consulting a vein specialist in person regarding your treatment options but, in all likelihood, you'd benefit from sclerotherapy. This minimally-invasive treatment uses a sclerosing solution that causes the vein to shrink. Usually the entire treatment takes 2 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!

John Landi, MD · Answer

I treat forehead veins frequently and with sclerotherapy and sometimes for very large veins with a combination of sclerotherapy and disconnection through microincisions in the hairline.  The results are very good but, as with any vein injection, more than one series of injections may be necessary.  Blood flow is not affected.

Is it possible to have a vein removed from the forehead?

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