Skip to content Visible, unsightly facial and leg veins are often embarrassing and can impact self-esteem.
Visible, unsightly facial and leg veins can be embarrassing and impact self-esteem. Many factors contribute to abnormal veins on the face. Common causes include prolonged sun exposure, age, facial injuries, and certain medical conditions. UV rays from the sun break down collagen, which can lead to facial veins, especially in people with lighter skin. As we age, our skin becomes less thick, and our veins may lose their strength. A facial injury or even scrubbing your face too hard can break small veins and cause them to enlarge. If you suffer from rosacea, lupus, and/or allergies, you may also develop visible facial veins.
Vein conditions are commonly found on the legs because the veins there work against gravity to return blood to the heart. Muscle contractions and elastic vein walls help fight gravity, but as we age, a vein can lose elasticity. As a result, the blood that should be moving toward your heart can flow backward, causing veins to appear. Pregnant women may also experience this as their circulatory system adapts to support a growing fetus, which can decrease blood flow from the legs to the pelvis.
Two of the most common vein conditions are spider veins and varicose veins.
Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. These features are typically located around the nostrils, at the tip of the nose, in front of the ears, and occasionally on the cheeks, though they have the potential to appear anywhere on the body. As we age and our skin loses volume, it becomes more translucent, and these vessels are more evident. Genetics can play a role, and sun damage can exacerbate the condition. This is generally a cosmetic concern that does not include symptoms or medical risks.
Varicose veins are enlarged, gnarled veins that are usually blue or dark purple. They commonly affect the legs and feet and, unlike spider veins, they can cause aches and pain. Varicose veins can also lead to more serious medical problems, like circulatory issues. As we age, our veins lose elasticity, causing them to stretch. When valves in the veins weaken, blood that should move toward the heart can flow backward. Blood pooling enlarges the veins, and they become varicose.
At Laser Aesthetic in Methuen, Massachusetts, we use advanced vascular laser treatments to reduce the appearance of leg and facial veins. These treatments deliver targeted energy that is absorbed by visible vessels in the skin. Over time, the body naturally reabsorbs these vessels, softening their surface appearance. Your provider will recommend an approach tailored to your specific concerns and skin type.
Schedule a complimentary consultation at Laser Aesthetic to discover if laser vein treatment suits your needs. During your initial visit, we’ll assess your concerns and create a custom treatment plan. To get started, request your consultation online or call (978) 685-2737. Located in Methuen, we help patients in Lawrence, Haverhill, Andover, Lowell, and Dracut reach their aesthetic goals!
