Listen to the summary of this article in this podcast:
Has looking at the tiny veins on your face in the mirror overshadowed the clarity of your face? Varicose veins, or facial spider capillaries, occur when the walls of the capillaries lose their elasticity under the influence of factors such as UV rays, genetics, hormonal changes or rosacea disease and appear on the surface of the epidermis. Accurate diagnosis of the type of vessels plays an important role in choosing the treatment protocol. In the continuation of this article from your doctor, join us to check the hidden reasons, symptoms and the latest solutions to solve this problem.
Getting to know facial varicose veins
Facial varicose is actually a type of varicose (telangiectasia or spider veins of the face, which is different from varicose veins of the limbs) which is seen as very small veins, purple or blue in color and usually less than 1 mm in diameter on the cheek, nose or chin will be These veins may appear as single lines or clusters, and unlike deep varicose veins, they are more of a cosmetic problem than a serious health risk. The occurrence of facial varicose veins is usually related to factors such as dilation of blood vessels, hormonal changes, genetics or long-term exposure to the sun.
symptoms of facial varicose veins
Facial varicose veins are mostly seen in the form of small superficial veins on the cheek, nose or chin and change the appearance of the skin. These veins are usually harmless, but they can be aesthetically disturbing to a person and in some cases are associated with mild symptoms.
Symptoms of facial varicose veins usually include the following:
Narrow red, blue or purple lines on the face
branched or spidery appearance of veins
Cluster accumulation of surface vessels in one area
Redness or slight discoloration of the skin around the veins
What is the cause of facial varicose veins?
Varicose veins occur when the small surface veins of the skin become dilated and have weak walls and appear as red, blue or purple lines on the cheeks, nose and around the chin. This complication is mostly cosmetic, and although it usually does not pose a health risk, it can be aggravated or more prominent due to various factors.
The following are among the causes of visible facial capillaries:
Long-term exposure to sunlight
Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
Genetic background and aging
Skin diseases such as rosacea
Mechanical pressure or strong massage of the skin
The cause of facial varicose veins is mainly damage and expansion of superficial veins due to sunlight, aging, genetics and hormonal changes.
Types of facial varicose veins
Facial varicose veins actually appear in different ways; Some people have narrow and red lines similar to spider legs, others see blue and green veins in a network or branches on the skin, and in some cases, small red spots or diffuse redness are created on the surface of the face. The severity and type of varicose veins can affect the appearance of the skin differently and is also important in deciding on the treatment.
Spider varicose veins
Reticular varices
spotted varicose veins
Branch varicocele
Diffuse varicose veins
The place of occurrence of facial varicose veins can be the following:
next to the nose
on the chin and cheek
around the eyes
on the forehead and temple
Type of facial varicose veins
Appearance
Common location
Spider varicose veins
Narrow red or purple lines like spider legs
Cheek, nose
Reticular varicose veins
Blue/green with larger diameter, net-like
around eyes, temples
Pitular varicose veins
Small red spots or dots
Cheeks, around nose
Branch varices
Dilated veins in a branch pattern
Cheek, Chin
Diffuse varicose veins
Wide redness or accumulation of veins in a scattered manner
Different parts of the face
Types of facial varicose veins
1. Varicose veins next to the nose
Due to thin skin, the sides of the nose are a place for red veins to appear. The main cause of this is excessive pressure on the capillaries during frequent finning (in allergies), pimple discharge or rosacea disease. Also, sunlight destroys the walls of these vessels.
2. Chin and cheek varicose
Cheeks and chin are parts of the face against the sun. Ultraviolet rays destroy collagen and allow the underlying vessels to come to the surface of the skin. In addition to the sun, hormonal changes (for example during pregnancy or menopause) and long-term use of corticosteroid ointments are the main causes. In these areas, the veins are usually seen as a network and intertwined.
3. Varicose veins
The skin around the eyes is thin, which is why the slightest change in blood vessels shows itself as blue or purple veins or spider veins. The main cause of these veins is usually hereditary, but with age and loss of fat under the eyes, these veins become more prominent.
4. Varicose veins of forehead and temple
The veins in this area are usually thicker and dark blue in color. The main reason for their prominence is the loss of soft tissue and fat under the skin, which causes deep veins to stick to the surface of the skin. Also, in people who do heavy sports or have high blood pressure, these veins become swollen and spiral due to the pressure of the blood flow. In fact, in the forehead, we face more prominent veins than delicate spider capillaries.
Can facial varicose veins occur in children?
In children, these vessels are usually congenital or due to vascular disorders during development. The most common form is spider moles, which appear as a red dot with fine branches. Unlike adults, where the environment and lifestyle are effective, in children, genetics is more involved. Of course, many of these veins disappear by themselves as the child's skin grows thicker.
photo of varicose veins face
You are viewing a picture of facial varicose veins.
The above picture of facial varicose veins shows how facial varicose veins can appear as a network of veins, especially in sensitive areas such as the temples and cheeks. As it is clear in the photo, these blood vessels come out of the hidden state due to dilation of the capillaries and stand out clearly on the surface of the epidermis.
Diagnosis of facial varicose veins
Early diagnosis of facial varicose veins is easy, because superficial varicose veins are clearly visible with the naked eye. In some cases where the varicose veins are deep, the doctor may advise you to do various tests such as blood tests or liver disease tests to check the condition of your blood vessels.
In most cases, the diagnosis is clinical, and laboratory investigations are performed only if systemic underlying disease is suspected.
What is the quick treatment of facial varicose veins?
Facial varicose veins are mostly treated with minimally invasive and non-surgical methods, and its main goal is to close the dilated veins and improve the appearance of the skin. These treatments usually work quickly, have little pain and require a short recovery period, which is why they are widely used in skin and beauty clinics.
The following items are used for quick treatment of facial varicose veins:
Sclerotherapy: injecting a stimulating substance into larger and resistant veins, less common but effective
RF treatment: through the radiation of radio waves and local heat, it blocks the wall of the expanded capillaries and quickly removes them from the surface of the skin
IPL (intense pulsed light): fades small veins and diffuse redness, usually in a few sessions
Varicose laser: blocking dilated veins with laser energy and reducing red lines on the skin
Topical treatments: using creams and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce redness and support the skin after treatment
Other methods of treating face and neck varicose veins include:
Traditional medicine treatment: use of medicinal plants
Home treatment: use of cold compresses and products containing vitamins
Facial varicose veins are usually treated with minimally invasive methods.
1. Treatment of facial varicose veins with sclerotherapy
This method involves the direct injection of a special medicinal solution (sclerosant) into the larger and visible veins of the face, which causes controlled destruction of the inner wall of the vessel. After the injection, the walls of the vein stick together and the blood flow stops in it, so that it is finally absorbed and eliminated by the body's lymphatic system.
Sclerotherapy is mostly used for spider veins and small to medium-sized veins, especially in the legs. In the face, depending on the location and size of the vessels, laser therapy or other methods may be preferable.
2. Treatment of facial varicose veins with RF
Radiofrequency wave or RF therapy, through a very fine needle, transfers heat energy directly to the affected point and causes blood coagulation within the capillary. This process, which is called thermocoagulation, blocks the wall of the capillary without damaging the surrounding tissues and removes it from the blood circulation cycle. This method is mostly used for single and very small capillaries near the nose or on the chin.
3. Varicose veins treatment with IPL
method
The IPL method or intense pulsed light, by emitting a wide range of light waves, specifically targets the hemoglobin pigment inside the dilated veins and causes their selective destruction by converting light into heat. In addition to closing spider veins, by stimulating collagen production in the lower layers, this technology also helps in general rejuvenation and removal of scattered skin redness, and is effective for treating large areas such as the cheeks.
4. Treatment of facial varicose veins with laser
Vascular-specific lasers, such as PDL or Nd:YAG, cause thermal destruction of dilated vessels by emitting light wavelengths that are only absorbed by blood hemoglobin. In the process of treatment of facial capillaries with a laser or varicose laser, light energy is converted into heat and causes the walls of the veins to lie on top of each other and remove them without causing wounds on the surface of the epidermis.
English text: The best treatment for small visible veins is laser treatment. Lasers focus high energy light to be absorbed by the blood within the affected area. Farsi translation: The best treatment method for small and visible veins is laser therapy; Because the laser, by emitting high-energy light, targets the blood in the damaged veins and destroys them.
5. Face Varicose Ointment
Ointment for facial spider veinsis not usually used as the main treatment, but has a supportive and symptom-reducing role. To choose the most effective facial varicose ointment or cream, you should look for products that contain vascular strengthening compounds such as vitamin K and vitamin C to reduce the appearance of spider veins by increasing the strength of the capillary wall.
A standard facial varicose ointment usually uses herbal extracts such as chestnut or hazelnut, which help to shrink and gradually fade superficial veins by improving local blood circulation. Finally, the best ointment for facial varicose veins is a product that, in addition to soothing ingredients, contains substances that restore the skin's defense barrier to prevent environmental damage and the reappearance of vascular lesions.
6. Treatment of facial varicose veins in traditional medicine
In traditional medicine, herbal treatment of facial varicose veins focuses more on improving blood circulation and strengthening the walls of the vessels. The use of anti-inflammatory oils and herbs such as sesame oil, olive oil or almond oil for gentle skin massage, drinking tea such as green tea and adding foods rich in antioxidants (pomegranate, cranberry, fresh vegetables) in the diet are common recommendations.
It is also recommended to avoid long-term exposure to the sun and use herbal or natural sunscreens. Of course, it should be noted that these methods have more of a supportive and preventive role and are not a substitute for specialized treatments; Therefore, to completely remove facial varicose veins, it is necessary to visit a dermatologist.
Using sunscreen, hats and long clothes can help reduce damage to your skin.
7. Home treatment of facial varicose veins
Using a cold compress or ice wrapped in cloth is the easiest way to instantly constrict blood vessels and reduce local inflammation in the affected areas. For quick home treatment of facial spider veins, gentle massage with aloe vera gel can help. Also, consumption of astringent plant extracts such as chilled green tea may prevent the development of these vascular lesions at home.
complications of facial varicose veins
Facial varicose veins are generally not a dangerous disease, but in case of progress or neglect, it can cause problems for a person. In addition to the unpleasant appearance, this complication may cause mild skin symptoms and in rare cases even lead to infection or bleeding. The severity of complications usually depends on the extent of the involved vessels, skin type and individual care:
Changing the appearance of the skin and creating red, blue or purple lines
Decreased self-confidence due to beauty concerns
More redness and sensitivity of the skin in the affected area
Heat feeling, burning or slight itching on the veins
Thicker and wider veins over time if not treated
Prevention of facial varicose veins
Facial varicose veins can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle and protecting the skin. The most important action is to reduce sunlight damage by using sunscreen daily and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Controlling blood pressure, avoiding alcohol and smoking, maintaining a balanced weight, and eating foods rich in antioxidants (such as fresh fruits and vegetables) also help strengthen the vessel wall. Using suitable skin products, avoiding constant pressure on the face and quick treatment of diseases such as rosacea play an important role in preventing the occurrence or exacerbation of spider veins.
Conclusion
Varicose veins are the result of dilation of the delicate veins under the skin caused by factors such as heredity, hormonal changes or sun exposure. Although these veins are not a threat to health, they can reduce the freshness of the face. Fortunately, nowadays, these veins are treated with scientific methods such as laser and RF. But don't forget that each person's skin is unique; So, in order to achieve a definite result and choose the best method without complications, be sure to consult a skin and hair specialist.
Your doctor takes care of your health!
Frequently Asked Questions
Varicose veins of the face swell due to the weakness of the vessel wall and disruption of normal blood flow. Factors such as long-term exposure to sunlight, aging, reduction of skin collagen, hormonal changes, alcohol consumption, and genetics cause surface capillaries to lose their flexibility and blood to accumulate in them. This accumulation causes the veins to expand and bulge on the surface of the skin and will appear as red, blue or purple lines.
Massage does not directly eliminate facial varicose veins, because this problem is caused by Dilation and weakness of the vessel wall. However, gentle massage can improve superficial blood flow, reduce swelling and the feeling of heaviness or tiredness of the skin, and help relax facial muscles. Using vegetable oils such as olive or almond oil during massage may reduce mild inflammation. However, for definitive treatment of facial varicose veins, specialized methods such as laser or IPL are necessary, and massage has only a supportive and soothing role.
Vitamins useful for facial varicose veins include vitamin C (strengthening collagen and wall veins), vitamin E (antioxidant and improving blood circulation), vitamin K (reducing bruises and redness), vitamin D (maintaining vascular health) and group B vitamins (improving metabolism and blood vessel function).
The appearance of blood vessels is the result of the loss of elasticity of the capillary wall. When the vessel wall weakens, blood accumulates in it and the vessel becomes dilated and visible. The main causes of this phenomenon include UV damage (which destroys collagen), hormonal changes in estrogen, heredity, and inflammatory diseases such as rosacea. If you say "the veins on my face are visible", in fact your epidermis layer has thinned and the underlying vessels are closer to the surface.
Yes, fortunately, facial varicose veins respond to modern treatments. Methods such as vascular lasers (PDL and Nd:YAG) or IPL technology, by specifically targeting blood pigment (hemoglobin), cause the closure of extra blood vessels without damaging the skin. In addition to laser, methods such as RF (RF) for single-branched veins and creams containing vitamin K to strengthen the walls of vessels provide good results in restoring the transparency of the skin.
People with fair skin are more prone to this complication. Also, those who have hormonal fluctuations (such as pregnancy or menopause) or chronically use steroid drugs (cortone) are at a higher risk.
Skin, hair and beauty. With a careful examination, a specialist doctor can distinguish between a normal vein and diseases such as rosacea or vascular abnormalities.
I am Mahsa Alam Begi, a bachelor of general psychology and a lover of medical and health content, who has been writing and editing content for several years. My goal is to provide scientific content in simple language to help the audience's awareness and knowledge grow.
