Veins Above my Eyes?

Question

I'm 16 years old and am extremely insecure about the purple veins above my eyes/on my eyelids. I understand that everybody has them, but mine are extremely noticeable, more noticeable than the average person. They are worse in person than in the picture. Is there anyway I can get it removed or make them less noticeable? And is there a name for this?

Benjamin Caughlin, MD, FACS · Answer

These are the drainage system for the delicate and sensitive lids. I do not recommend removing them typically as you can get fluid back up and persistent lid swelling.  The best thing is to increase the skin color whether it be with makeup or self tanning materials. The ones that are further away from the lid can typically be safely removed w laser if they are very small and it is performed by a surgeon who does this frequently. Best of LuckDrC

Steven H. Dayan, MD · Answer

Spider veins are thin, irregular red or purple veins and capillaries seen on the surface of skin anywhere on the body. They appear similar to spider web; hence they are called spider veins. In medical practice, they are also known as telangiectasia. Spider veins are harmless, but they are often a cause of cosmetic concern especially when they appear on face and eyelids. Spider veins on eyelids are not easy to treat. Often it may need laser therapy or electrocautery to diminish their appearance. However, since the area to be treated involves or is near the eye, much care is needed to protect the eyes from any damage caused during the procedure.

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

Hi @AnmAng! Thanks for the question and sharing your picture. 
Your eyelid looks very pretty and within the normal range for eyelids we see. Veins help drain blood out from the eyelids and can be more apparent if you have thin skin.
K. Chopra, M.D.

Plastic Surgeon

Johns Hopkins Trained

Face, Body and Breast Expert

Leo Kim, FRACS(Plast), MS(Plast), MBBS(Hons) · Answer

Everyone's concerns are valid but sometimes a step back and an over perspective is a good thing. Vein are normal and needed and most likely the only person who notices is you. I would not do anything to them.
Wish you the best in your journey,
Dr Leo Kim, Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney

Julian De Silva, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns and photographs. Eye veins are an essential part of our anatomy, however, unfortunately they are quite visible on the eyelids due to the delicate nature of the skin. Veiny eyelids are typically nothing to worry about, but since they are causing you to feel uncomfortable I recommend visiting a blepharoplasty expert. If you are deemed a candidate, the broken capillaries can be treated with laser therapy.

Robert J. Paresi Jr., MD, MPH · Answer

Thanks for the question.  The skin of the upper eyelids very thin leading to the visibility of the veins underneath.  They are a necessary anatomical structure in this area and their removal or ablation is not recommended.

Eric Rosenberger, MD · Answer

There are several options for concealing upper eyelid veins, including concealer cosmetics (eye shadow), eyelid creams with vasoconstriction additives (usually caffeine or other herbal formulation), and/or skin darkening (self tanner). Sclerotherapy is NOT recommended in this area. Laser therapy may help at the orbit periphery (over orbital bone) but this should not be performed on skin over the globe (eyeball). Vein treatment is NOT worth the risk of visual damage or loss. A chemical peel may help to thicken the skin, but this should be approached with caution by a skilled administrator.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Veins are a normal physiologic component of the anatomy of the eyelids since they are draining blood out from the eyelids themselves. They're more obvious in patients who have very thin skin. Removing them might cause additional issues, so it's probably best to leave them alone.

Sean Paul, MD · Answer

Some of the thinnest skin on the bodies is on the eyelids. Veins can be very visible as you also have fair skin. I would recommend make up or other non-invasive means to help you feel better about the appearance.

Mia E. Skourtis, MD · Answer

Upper eyelid skin is some of the thinnest skin in the body.  In fair-skinned individuals, this can mean that the small blood vessels right under the skin may be more visible.  Some people may be candidates for laser treatments to eliminate very small vessels.  Unfortunately, there is not much to be done about larger visible vessels.  Please discuss with your Plastic Surgeon whether you would be a candidate for laser treatments.  Otherwise, if this appearance is quite bothersome to you, I would recommend the use of a good quality skin cover-up cream or foundation to even out the color and appearance of the skin.

	All the best,

	Dr. Skourtis

	DrMSkourtisPlasticSurgery.com

EYELID SURGERY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

Veins Above my Eyes?

Answers (11)

EYELID SURGERY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU