Facial Veins

Sun exposure is the most common culprit when it comes to broken capillaries and small veins that show up on your face. When it comes to rosacea, the cause is a bit more difficult to define. However, specialists do know that rosacea can be caused by diet and lifestyle choices. Broken and enlarged veins are worsened by lifestyle choices, too, including tobacco use, alcohol, heat, and sun exposure.

The best way to reduce or remove veins on the face is via laser. The Vbeam® laser is often used because it offers the best results with the least amount of bruising and discomfort. The technology used in the Vbeam® laser utilizes micro pulses, which send short bursts of energy to the area being worked on, as opposed to one large, long pulse of energy. Some people still ask about electrocautery, too, which used to be the primary type of vein treatment available. This treatment caused the skin to pit slightly because the needle used would damage the skin. Laser surgery, on the other hand, spares the skin and only affects the vein.

All veins have blood pressure that keeps the vein “open.” If too much laser surgery is used at one time, the skin and supporting tissues could be damaged. Instead, successive sessions are safer, as they gradually force the veins closed over time. During the process, the body’s other, deeper veins will take over for whatever veins are being treated. Ultimately, this is a much safer way to go about vein treatment.

Most patients say that each burst of laser treatment feels similar to a rubber band snapping. The skin’s surface is protected by using a cooling cryogen spray before and after treatment. This type of treatment isn’t considered painless, but it’s incredibly tolerable. Treatments are fast – each laser burst only lasts under one second.

Patients should avoid sun exposure before and after treatment. Tanning beds should also be avoided. If sun exposure is unavoidable, it’s best to cover the areas of the body that will be treated. Be aware that following treatment the area that was treated may be swollen, sensitive, and warm to the touch.

• After treatment, avoid tanning beds and sun exposure.
• Avoid any activity that will create heat, such as heavy exercise or jogging.
• If you feel discomfort, use cold compresses or ice packs on the treated area.
• Apply moisturizer on areas that feel itchy or irritated. Your doctor will advise you on what type of moisturizer to use and how often to apply it.
• Do not rinse or scrub the treated area or use abrasive skin cleansers on the area for a few days.

Some patients experience slight discoloration or red skin at the treatment site. Normal pigmentation will likely return. Bruising is possible and it’s best to schedule an appointment for a time when you don’t have a social event coming up.

Skin that has broken vessels should be treated with extra care. Only use mild products and be gentle. Wear sunscreen and hats to protect your skin from sun exposure.

The cost of treatment for facial veins varies for each patient and depends on the nature of the issues and extent of treatment. During your initial consultation, we are happy to discuss payment. Health insurance will not typically cover this treatment.

We begin by having you schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists to evaluate your issues and discuss the best treatment options. Please call us to schedule your appointment. The board-certified dermatologists and staff at Dermatology Affiliates provide personalized care for our facial vein treatment patients in Atlanta and Marietta. We use the most advanced technologies in medical dermatology to help our patients maintain optimum skin health and restore self-confidence by revitalizing their appearance. To receive more information or schedule a consultation, contact us today.