Treatment of Facial Veins - Laser and Light Based Treatments

Dr Sanjay Gheyi
By Dr Sanjay Gheyi

Dr Gheyi has triple board certifications in General Surgery, Family Medicine and Anti-ageing Medicine. He devotes full time to his Aesthetic and Anti-ageing practice.


Facial redness and spider veins are common cosmetic and medical complaints. These are particularly common in rosacea sufferers.

Common associations are seen with sun damage, a fair complexion, stress, spicy foods and fluctuations in temperature which exacerbate rosacea symptoms. As with many conditions, genetics plays a role too.

 

Numerous treatments are available but laser and light-based treatments are the gold-standard treatment options.

Commonly used lasers are ktp and pulse dye lasers for red veins and nd-yag lasers for blue veins.

The smaller wavelength lasers work well on superficial spider veins whereas, the longer wavelength lasers are effective for the ablation of slightly deeper and larger veins.

Pulse duration must also be matched to vessel size; the larger the vessel diameter, the longer the pulse duration required to treat the vessel.

Best treatment for facial veins

Recently intense pulsed light devices have gained popularity.

Unlike lasers, IPL devices produce a broadband light and effectively target a number of cosmetic concerns such as brown/ black pigmentation and red and blue vessels simultaneously.

IPLs also tend to have larger spot sizes and purpura [bruising] is not a required endpoint as is the case with certain lasers. Patients see gradual but very noticeable improvements with complexion blending and brightening achieving photo rejuvenation of the skin.

Often we see larger blood vessels, especially around the nose and these may require treatments with nd-yag lasers. Caution is required with these lasers as high energy or pulse stacking can cause scars. Some doctors use sclerotherapy for facial veins and very precise small volume injections are made.

I do not use sclerotherapy on the face as a rule.

Before and After Treatment with IPL for Spider Angioma

If you want to read more, the experts at Consulting Room really know what they're talking about and have put together some spider veins, rosacea, complexion improvement, laser and IPL, pigmentation improvement, scarring and sclerotherapy FAQs just for you. 

If you have more questions, you can use the spider veins, rosacea, complexion improvement, laser and IPL, pigmentation improvement, scarring and sclerotherapy questions feature to talk to our panel of trained medical experts. 

If you're keen to get started with any of these treatments right away then you're in luck - those clever folks also have a list of trusted, accredited spider veins, rosacea, complexion improvement, laser and IPL, pigmentation improvement, scarring and sclerotherapy clinics in your area.

Laser and light based treatments for facial veins

The area around the mouth and nose is a dangerous area as veins here communicate directly with venous sinuses inside the skull.

Similarly, veins around the eyes are another risky area as there is a possibility of flow of sclerosant in the retinal vessels.

Sclerotherapy is very valuable for the treatment of leg veins but laser and IPL treatment is safer and better for facial veins. 

Thanks to the author

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