Enlarged medial forehead vein: are there any safe treatments to remove it? What would be the best way to remove it? (photos)

Question

I have a very large vein running down the middle of my forehead that pops out whenever I smile (or press on the right side of my face). It makes me reluctant to smile because it is so visible and distracting. It is more prominent as I've gotten older and the fat has decreased. It does seem to be a vein, not an artery. I know there is always some concern with treating vessels in this area, but are there any reasonably safe methods to get rid of this vein, or is just too risky?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Laser therapy has evolved to address small and medium sized abnormal veins. In fact, endovenous laser therapy is useful for the management of varicose-vein associated venous insufficiency. Sclerotherapy using foam sclerosants are ideal for the treatment of minimally-refluxing varicosities and reticular veins. In our office, we combine these less-invasive modalities with microphlebectomy and vein surgery in order to minimize scarring and remove unsightly varicosities.

Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Charles K. Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

I see this issue often with patients and understand the stress it can cause.   I treat this issue with a combination of micro-incision near the eybrows to tie off the vein with very fine suture, and then use sclerotherapy on the upper limb of the 2 veins; this can be done in the office under local anesthesia.  Afterward, you need to have compression on the forehead for a few weeks.   This combination works 80% of the time, but sometimes, additional sclerotherapy may be needed.  Good luck!

Craig Schwartz, DO · Answer

Forehead and facial veins such as these are very common, and are best treated very easily by superficial or topical laser. Treatment generally requires several sessions, although sometimes we are fortunate, and a single session will do. However, not just any laser will be effective, so you should be seen by an experienced vein specialist, who will use the right energy type for veins and not just treat your skin. If the laser does not resolve the veins, they can be treated by injection sclerotherapy, but we prefer to reserve this as a secondary treatment option, particularly around the eyes and visible areas of the face. As a final option, microphlebectomy can be performed, where the vein is actually removed through a tiny, needlestick incision under local anesthesia, but this is more invasive than the prior options. I recommend seeing a vein specialist who can offer several treatment options and can determine which is best for you.

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

I have seen this removed with microphlebectomy at the hair like. This is where a tiny incision is made at the hair line and the vein is hooked and removed or interrupted

John Landi, MD · Answer

I treat these kinds of vein frequently with sclerotherapy and occasionally a combination of sclerotherapy and interruption through a micro incision at the hairline .  The results are excellent but several sclerotherapy treatments may be necessary.  The procedure is done in the office under local anesthesia.

Enlarged medial forehead vein: are there any safe treatments to remove it? What would be the best way to remove it? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: MIcrophlebectomy

Answer: MIcrophlebectomy

Answer: Central forehead veins.

Answer: Central forehead veins.

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Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

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Enlarged medial forehead vein: are there any safe treatments to remove it? What would be the best way to remove it? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: MIcrophlebectomy

Answer: MIcrophlebectomy

Answer: Central forehead veins.

Answer: Central forehead veins.

Browse related questions

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.