Treatment of periorbital veins with vascular laser: A systematic review and retrospective case series

Abstract

IntroductionVascular lasers may represent a promising treatment option for periorbital veins. This article aims to: (1) systematically review the literature on the safety and effectiveness of vascular laser treatment for periorbital veins and (2) assess safety and effectiveness through a retrospective case series.MethodsSystematic review: Articles that assessed the safety and effectiveness of vascular laser treatment for periorbital veins were included and quality assessed using the Downs and Black checklist.Case series: Patient records were retrospectively reviewed from January 2020 to November 2023 to identify all patients who underwent laser treatment for periorbital veins.Outcomes assessment included percentage improvement, patient overall satisfaction and adverse effects.ResultsSystematic review: Three articles were included, discussing treatment of blue, periorbital veins using a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. Patient Fitzpatrick skin Types I–IV were treated with high patient satisfaction rates and complete clearance of treated veins. Adverse effects included pain, erythema, mild oedema, urticaria and blister formation. Quality of included studies ranged from 7 to 14 out of 21 points.Case series: Thirty‐four patients with skin Types I–V were included. Blue and red periorbital veins were treated using 1064 and 532 nm wavelengths respectively. Mean percentage improvement was 4.8 (complete resolution) and patients' overall satisfaction was ranked 3 (completely satisfied). Adverse effects included erythema, oedema, and bruising.ConclusionTreatment of red and blue periorbital veins using 532 and 1064 nm vascular lasers appears a safe treatment option. The procedure has a short recovery time, with patients able to resume normal activities within 1 day of treatment.