Patient Satisfaction Following Phlebectomy for Prominent Temporal and Periorbital Facial Veins-Results From Our First Cohort of Patients.

BACKGROUND

Prominent veins in the temporal and periorbital regions of the face are a significant cosmetic concern, impacting self-confidence and often prompting patients to seek treatment. While transcutaneous laser and sclerotherapy are effective for treating flat or superficial veins, bulging veins frequently require surgical removal via phlebectomy. Despite growing interest in facial vein treatments, there is limited published research evaluating patient satisfaction following facial phlebectomy. This study aimed to assess patient satisfaction in our first cohort of patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on 22 patients who underwent facial phlebectomy, primarily for temporal and periorbital veins, between June 2015 and October 2021. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia using micro-incisions and hook phlebectomy. Post-treatment outcomes were assessed using a structured questionnaire, collecting qualitative feedback and quantitative data via a 5-point Likert scale (1 = worst, 5 = best).

RESULTS

Of the 22 patients, 13 responded to the questionnaire (59% response rate), with 12 providing usable data. Respondents' mean age was 45.4 years (range 28-64), with 10 females and 2 males. Mean satisfaction scores were: (1) Vein disappearance: 3.8/5. (2) Scar appearance: 4.4/5. (3) Overall satisfaction: 4.2/5. (4) Willingness to recommend: 4.1/5. No complications such as infection, numbness, persistent pain, or significant scarring were reported.

CONCLUSION

Phlebectomy for temporal and periorbital veins is a safe and effective procedure for larger facial veins unsuitable for transcutaneous laser treatment. High satisfaction rates and minimal complications support its continued use as a cosmetic treatment option. Further research involving larger cohorts, objective assessments, and fixed follow-up intervals is recommended to validate these findings and optimize patient outcomes.