Is There Any Risk Involved With Topical Laser Treatment For Enlarged Veins On Both Side Of The Head?

Posted on Sun, 28 Jan 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 28 Jan 2018 Answered on

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : I recently asked a question about the veins on the side of my head, which have begun to protrude recently. I have no pain or tenderness, so, according to the answer I received, it is a cosmetic issue, rather than a health concern. But it is something I am self-conscious about. The doctor who answered my question mentioned topical laser treatment as a possible remedy. I was wondering how much such a procedure would cost (I assume it wouldn't be covered by my insurance) and if there was any risk involved. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please give details and post actual photographs.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.

Noted the history and the discussion with another Doctor, noted that you are suffering from anxiety and depression too.
Please give some additional information for me to assist you better:
Since when have you noticed the enlarged veins on side of head?
Is it on one side or both?
Is enlargement present all the time or settles sometimes to absolutely normal?
Any visible veins in the neck?
Any other symptoms or findings?
Please post the clear and focused photos of the enlarged veins and of the neck.
Since when have you been suffering from anxiety and depression? Any increase in these recently and correlated with the appearance of enlarged veins on scalp?

Awaiting for your feedback.
Please give details.
Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (10 hours later)

I tried taking photos with my laptop, but the results weren't clear enough to be helpful. I'm afraid I don't have a high resolution camera. My phone is strictly low-tech. I would say the condition has manifested over the last two years, approximately. At first, it was occasional, but now it is present all the time. It is on both sides, between the temple and the side of my forehead. Drinking alcohol, which I do infrequently, makes it significantly more pronounced, for some reason. Running cold water over my head shrinks the veins, but only very briefly. The veins in my neck have become more visible in the last few years, but probably no more than normal for my age. I should note that I have lost some weight (10-15 lbs. - I'm 5'9 and weigh a little over 150) during the period in question. I have suffered from anxiety and depression to varying degrees since high school. I have been stable on the same medications for a number of years. I don't believe this issue is related. Sorry, no photos, but I hope this info is helpful.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Clinical evaluation and examination, investigations as mentioned

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Your information is very useful, no problems if no photos.
If the veins in the neck are also visible along with the ones on scalp I would think of the following reasons as a probable cause:
Some pathology in the base of the neck or related to venous drainage that is causing the back-pressure and thus enlargement of veins. This needs a proper clinical evaluation, examination by a Doctor and investigations like Ultrasonography of neck with color doppler applications, cardiac check up to see for the cause.
This needs to be done.
Loss of weight also can show prominent veins if the loss if more for the subcutaneous fat.
Persistent psychological conditions are known to have enlarged veins as in your case, although I have noted that your problem is since long and under control with the medications as you have already mentioned.

Hence the best option is to rule out any physical cause as discussed above. Please get this done.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care,
Dr. T Chandrakant

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar