Have you noticed visible veins below the surface of the skin on your face? While this might not be the first place on the body you would think you can see your veins, this can be a common occurrence, especially as you get older.
Under-eye veins, also known as periorbital veins, can be a common cosmetic concern for many individuals. These visible veins under the eyes can give the appearance of dark circles or discoloration in that area of the skin. If your goal is to look more refreshed and youthful, the vein treatment under-eye look is going to deter that from happening.
What is Periorbital Veins?
Periorbital veins are the network of veins located around the eyes, also known as the orbital veins. These veins play a crucial role in draining blood from the eye region back to the heart. They are interconnected with various blood vessels, including the facial veins and the veins of the eye socket. Periorbital veins are essential for maintaining proper circulation and reducing pressure within the eye area.
While periorbital veins are generally not visible under normal circumstances, they can become more prominent due to factors like aging, thinning of the skin, or certain medical conditions. Visible periorbital veins may manifest as dark or blueish lines under the eyes, commonly referred to as dark circles or periorbital darkening. Though often a cosmetic concern, prominent periorbital veins can sometimes indicate underlying health issues.
What Causes Blue Veins Under the Eyes?
What causes these under-eye veins to begin with? Things like genetics play a significant role in the prominence of under-eye veins. If your family has a history of visible veins, you may be more likely to experience them as well. Another factor is that the skin under the eyes is naturally more delicate and thinner than in other areas of the face, making blood vessels more visible. And as we age, it gets even thinner. Skin loses collagen and elasticity as we get older, which can contribute to the thinning of the skin and increased visibility of veins. Additionally, if you are in the sun a lot, that could contribute to the weakening of the skin, which makes veins more apparent.
Fortunately, there are various effective under-eye vein removal treatments to address this problem and eliminate or reduce their appearance. While there are, of course, medical procedures for periorbital vein removal, there are also topical products, at-home remedies, and even makeup techniques to help cover the veins.
Ways to Remove Veins under the Eyes
Dealing with visible veins under eyes can be frustrating, but there are several treatment options available to either remove or help diminish their appearance.
At Fox Vein & Laser Experts, we offer procedures such as laser therapy and sclerotherapy to help with vein removal. Lasers can target and reduce the appearance of under-eye veins and blood vessels under the eyes by causing them to collapse and fade, while sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the veins, causing them to shrink and fade over time. Microneedling with radiofrequency can also work to reduce the visibility of veins by promoting collagen production.
This very minimally invasive procedure is reserved for treating small varicose veins and spider veins. While it is most commonly used for veins in the lower extremities, it also works just as safely and effectively for small veins in the face, with no downtime following the treatment. Laser therapy is another option, but keep in mind that this often requires a series of treatments. Dermal fillers can also help to add more volume and thickness to the area under the eyes and hide the veins, however, this is not a permanent treatment option. You will need to keep up with appointments every 6 months or so.
These are some other conventional treatment options for under eye vein removal:
1. Laser Therapy: Laser treatments, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) or pulsed dye laser (PDL), can effectively target and reduce the appearance of under eye veins. This non-invasive procedure works by targeting the hemoglobin in the veins, causing them to collapse and fade over time.
2. Topical Creams: If you want an alternative to these minimally invasive procedures, there are certain topical creams containing ingredients like vitamin K, retinol, or arnica that may help reduce the appearance of veins around the eyes over time, with regular use. These creams work by improving circulation and reducing inflammation in the delicate under-eye area.
Home Remedies or Natural Ways for Eye Vein Removal
There are also at-home remedies, such as placing something cold under the eyes, like a cold compress or chilled spoon. These can lessen any puffiness and bags under the eyes and constrict the veins, which will make them smaller and less noticeable. In addition, there are also more natural ways to treat any vein under eye condition you may have:
1. Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses or chilled cucumber slices to the under eye area can constrict blood vessels and reduce the appearance of veins. Cold therapy can also help reduce swelling and puffiness around the eyes.
2. Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and reduce the appearance of under eye veins. Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the under eye area and leave it on for several minutes before rinsing it off.
3. Green Tea Bags: Used green tea bags contain caffeine and antioxidants that can help constrict blood vessels and reduce the appearance of under eye veins. You can chill used green tea bags in the refrigerator and then place them over your closed eyes for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Witch Hazel: Witch hazel has astringent properties that can help tighten skin and reduce the appearance of veins. Apply witch hazel to the under eye area using a cotton ball or pad, then rinse off after a few minutes.
Sclerotherapy Treatment to Remove Veins under the Eyes
One of our most popular vein removal procedures, Sclerotherapy, can be used to remove veins under the eyes. Typically, Sclerotherapy is used to treat and remove small varicose veins and spider veins, often on the legs, thighs, and feet. Because it’s mainly used for small veins, it is the perfect procedure for under-eye veins. It’s also the least invasive, most comfortable, and most safe procedure for vein removal, and Dr. Susan B Fox and her team have decades of experience and success.
Here’s How it Works
Our vein doctor in Miami will inject a medicated solution into the visible, affected vein. This medication makes the walls of the vein stick together and seal shut. Blood is then rerouted to healthier veins, and the treated veins eventually turn to scar tissue which is then naturally removed by the body. Healthy tissue then grows in its place. There is very little pain during the procedure, and no downtime is needed after it has been finished.
Laser Therapy for Under Eye Vein Removal
Laser therapy may also be used for under-eye vein removal, but there may be a need for several treatments. Laser treatments work similarly to Sclerotherapy in that the laser seals off the blood vessels from the periorbital veins and blood is rerouted to healthier veins.
Another option, which is much more cost-effective, is dermal fillers in Miami, which can add volume to the under-eye area and lessen the appearance of always looking tired. While dermal fillers are not permanent, they are effective and show immediate results, while also increasing the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin in the skin. This is the way to go if you are looking for a more economical treatment.
Fillers are temporary but usually can last up to six months, and then you can just come back to our office for another injection. Fillers have a very low risk for any complications and are much less painful and less costly today than they used to be. Don’t worry about looking stiff — our injection experts will customize a plan for you to ensure that your results look as natural as possible.
Alternative Therapies for Under Eye Vein Removal
There are also more creative, out-of-the-box solutions to addressing that sudden bulging vein under eye problem:
1. Facial Yoga: Certain facial exercises and yoga poses specifically targeting the eye area may help improve circulation and reduce the appearance of under eye veins over time or even a visible blood vessel under eye. Incorporate exercises like eye circles, eye squeezes, and eyebrow lifts into your daily routine.
2. Color Correcting Makeup: Use color correcting concealers in shades of green or yellow to neutralize the appearance of under eye veins or a burst blood vessel under eye before applying foundation or concealer. Opt for lightweight, breathable formulas to prevent cakiness and creasing.
3. Hydration and Nutrition: Make sure to drink plenty of water and consume a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to promote healthy skin and circulation, potentially reducing the appearance of under eye veins. Incorporate foods like berries, leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish into your diet for optimal skin health.
4. Acupressure: Stimulating specific acupressure points around the eyes may improve circulation and reduce the appearance of under eye veins. Consult with a licensed acupuncturist or practitioner for guidance on performing acupressure techniques safely.
Schedule a Vein Exam with Dr. Susan Fox – Miami’s Leading Vein Specialist
The eye is one of the most sensitive and delicate areas of the body. When seeking treatment for facial veins, it is crucial to consult a specialist with extensive experience in vein removal and extraction. With nearly two decades of demonstrated experience, Dr. Susan is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Vascular Medicine, and Phlebology (the treatment of veins). She was among the first physicians in the United States to be board-certified in vein treatment.
Are you ready to treat those pesky under-eye veins? For the most effective under-eye vein treatment options, our Miami vein experts Fox Vein & Laser Experts recommend sclerotherapy, laser treatment, or fillers. Contact our office today at 954-627-1045 to schedule a consultation so we can determine your preferences and goals, and see which option will get you the best possible results.