Bulging forehead vein, worse with smiling, seeking surgical tx. Am I a candidate?

Question

28 yo F with no pertinent med hx. Y-shaped, blue-tinged, vein that has become more prominent over past year. Increasingly distended with smiling (1-2 sec after smiling, acute worsening). Seeking tx, likely surgery, if safe.

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. 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

John Landi, MD · Answer

Prominent forehead veins are very common and can be treated safely.  There is no need for surgery.  Foam sclerotherapy is my treatment of choice.  In the past I also used micro incisions at the hairline but I rarely have to do this anymore.  The procedure is done in the office under local anesthesia.

Brian Heeringa, MD, FACS · Answer

This can also be seen with any activity that increases venous pressure such as weight lifting and even with smiling and laughing.  These veins can be treated with a combination of foam sclerotherapy and/or a microphlebectomy done through 18 gauge needle holes at the hair line so that there is no scarring.  If done by an experienced provider, these procedures are very safe.

Albert Malvehy, MD · Answer

as with all treatments, it is safe in the right hands. Treatment of this area requires a deep understanding of the anatomy. Make sure you go to someone who is comfortable treating this area.

Bulging forehead vein, worse with smiling, seeking surgical tx. Am I a candidate?

Answers (4)

Answer: We do this non-surgically using a form of foam sclerotherapy

Answer: We do this non-surgically using a form of foam sclerotherapy

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.

Bulging forehead vein, worse with smiling, seeking surgical tx. Am I a candidate?

Answers (4)

Answer: We do this non-surgically using a form of foam sclerotherapy

Answer: We do this non-surgically using a form of foam sclerotherapy

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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.