Facial Sclerotherapy (Facial Vascular Treatment)
A "sclerotherapy" treatment that occludes and eliminates fine blood vessels and rosacea vessels on the face using a sclerosing agent. Without using a scalpel, injections alone provide fundamental improvement of facial vascular concerns.
Recommended for
- For those concerned about blue blood vessels appearing raised on the forehead, temples, and under the eyes
- For those who have received laser treatment but did not achieve sufficient results for relatively thicker blood vessels
- For those whose physician has noted that rosacea is caused by capillary dilation
- For those who desire facial vascular treatment without a scalpel and with minimal downtime
What is Facial Sclerotherapy
Facial Sclerotherapy is a treatment in which a sclerosing agent is directly injected via an ultra-fine needle into fine blood vessels visible on the face (capillary telangiectasia, blue veins, rosacea vessels), causing the vessel lumen to become occluded and regress. This applies the sclerotherapy technology long used for varicose veins of the legs to facial vascular concerns, and is characterized by its ability to address relatively thicker blood vessels (approximately 0.5–3 mm in diameter) that are difficult to treat with surgical excision or lasers.
Treatment Mechanism and Mode of Action
When a sclerosing agent (sclerosant) is injected into a blood vessel, the medication destroys the cell membrane of the vascular endothelial cells and triggers chemical inflammation. This causes the vessel wall to adhere and fibrosis, ultimately leading to vessel occlusion and disappearance. The sclerosing agents used are highly safe medications such as polidocanol (a surfactant-type agent), with concentration and dose adjusted to the vessel diameter. "Foam sclerotherapy," in which the agent is converted into foam form before injection, is also used to achieve contact with a wider range of vessel endothelium with a smaller volume than liquid form.
Medical Evidence
A randomized controlled trial published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open (2014) tested Nd:YAG laser treatment for facial veins in the periorbital and temporal regions, demonstrating the cosmetic treatment needs for facial vascular concerns and the importance of safe procedures (Lim et al., 2014, doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000000106). Furthermore, regarding the mechanism of sclerosing agents, the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (2008) demonstrated that detergent-type sclerosants such as polidocanol exert cell-destroying effects on vascular endothelial cells, erythrocytes, and platelets, providing scientific support for the basic efficacy of sclerotherapy (doi:10.1016/j.ejvs.2008.03.001).
Types of Blood Vessels Suitable for Treatment
Facial Sclerotherapy is especially suitable for the following types of blood vessels:
Blue veins on the forehead and temples (reticular veins and reticular capillaries)
Protruding fine veins beneath and around the eyes
Capillary telangiectasia appearing as redness around the nose and cheeks (rosacea where dilated blood vessels are the primary cause)
Relatively thicker blood vessels approximately 0.5–3 mm in diameter (effective even for blood vessels at depths where laser does not reach easily)
Treatment Flow
After confirming the target blood vessels during consultation, cleansing and disinfection are performed. Using an ultra-fine needle (30–32 G), the sclerosing agent is slowly injected directly into the target blood vessels. Small amounts are injected into each vessel segment, and the treatment duration varies depending on the treatment area but typically takes 15–30 minutes. After injection, light compression is applied to promote dispersion of the medication. Topical anesthetic cream applied beforehand can minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Downtime and Recovery Process
For several days following the procedure, redness, mild swelling, and bruising (subcutaneous bleeding) may occur at the treatment site. This is a normal response as part of the sclerotic reaction. Bruising is typically absorbed within 1–2 weeks. The time for complete vessel occlusion and disappearance varies by individual, but improvement is often visible 2–4 weeks after treatment; depending on the diameter and number of treated vessels, multiple sessions may be necessary. Makeup is recommended to be avoided on the day of treatment, but normal makeup can be applied from the following day.
Differences from and Coordination with Laser Treatment
Light treatments such as Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) or pulsed dye laser (PDL) are also available for facial vascular treatment. Lasers are suitable for extremely fine capillaries (diameter 0.5 mm or less) and widespread redness; they avoid needle use and cause minimal surface skin damage, but have difficulty reaching deep veins. Sclerotherapy has advantages for relatively thicker veins and reticular veins of 0.5 mm or larger in diameter, and when combined with laser can address a wider range of vessel types. The attending physician will examine the vessel diameter, depth, and distribution and propose the most suitable treatment method or combination.
Features
Low-Invasive Treatment Without a Scalpel
Blood vessels are occluded and regressed using only ultra-fine needle injection. No incision or suturing is required, and the procedure does not significantly disrupt daily life afterward.
Suitable for Deep and Thicker Blood Vessels Where Laser Falls Short
The sclerosing agent can be delivered directly to reticular veins and subcutaneous deep veins approximately 0.5–3 mm in diameter, addressing blood vessels that are difficult to improve with laser treatment alone.
The Mechanism of Sclerosing Agents is Scientifically Established
The mechanism by which sclerosing agents such as polidocanol chemically destroy and occlude vascular endothelial cells is a well-established technology supported by long-term clinical research in the field of varicose vein treatment.
Precision Treatment Tailored to Individual Blood Vessels
By adjusting the type, concentration, and amount of sclerosing agent according to vessel diameter and depth, and using foam or liquid forms appropriately, effective treatment is achieved while minimizing excessive tissue damage.
FAQ
Will blood vessels completely disappear after a single session?
This varies depending on blood vessel diameter and number, as well as individual constitution. For fine capillaries, adequate results are often achieved in 1–2 sessions, but for thicker veins or extensive areas, multiple sessions (typically 2–4) are usually necessary. Efficacy is assessed 2–4 weeks after treatment, so the decision regarding subsequent sessions is made in consultation with the physician while monitoring progress.
ZetithAIに続けて聞く →How much pain is involved? Will anesthesia be used?
Since an ultra-fine needle (30–32 G) is used, pain is relatively mild, though individual variation exists. Topical anesthetic cream applied before the procedure can substantially reduce discomfort. During treatment, you may feel a slight prickling sensation when the needle is inserted and mild burning sensation (lasting a few seconds) during sclerosing agent injection, but most patients report this to be tolerable.
ZetithAIに続けて聞く →How much downtime is there after treatment?
For several days following the procedure, redness, mild swelling, and bruising may occur at the treatment site. Bruising typically resolves naturally within 1–2 weeks. Makeup is recommended to be avoided on the day of treatment, but corrective makeup with concealer is possible from the following day. Vigorous exercise, alcohol consumption, and sauna use are recommended to be avoided for approximately one week after treatment.
ZetithAIに続けて聞く →What types of blood vessels are eligible for treatment? Is sclerotherapy effective for all facial redness?
Facial Sclerotherapy is most effective for reticular veins and capillary telangiectasia of 0.5 mm or larger diameter that appear raised on the forehead, temples, and under the eyes. However, facial redness has various causes—acne scarring, rosacea, inflammatory diffuse erythema—and when the cause is not vascular dilation, sclerotherapy may not be appropriate. First, we will examine the vessel condition during consultation and propose an appropriate treatment method.
ZetithAIに続けて聞く →How do I make a reservation?
Please make a reservation via LINE or by telephone. At the first visit, the physician will conduct a consultation, explaining the condition of the target blood vessels, suitability for treatment, and the treatment plan. Please feel free to ask any questions during the consultation.
ZetithAIに続けて聞く →Consultations about this treatment are free.
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