Dark, visible veins are often thought to appear on the legs, arms, and face, but they can also occur on the chest or breast area. Learn more about what may cause visible breast veins and what can be done to reduce their appearance.
The Main Cause of Visible Blue Breast Veins
Visible blue veins that develop on the chest or breasts can be caused by a number of different things. Sometimes only one thing may cause the veins to become visible while other times it may be caused by a combination of things.
Some of the most common causes of visible veins on the chest include:
- Age – the older you get the thinner your skin gets which makes veins more visible
- Genetics – visible veins tend to run in families
- Rapid weight loss – rapidly losing fat deposits, which happens when you lose weight, makes your skin thinner which can cause the veins to become more noticeable
- Regular vigorous exercise – exercising increases the blood flow throughout the body which can cause veins to bulge outward
- Hormonal changes
- Medical conditions
When Should You See a Doctor About Visible Veins on the Chest or Breasts?
Most of the time visible veins on the chest or breast are harmless. They may cause you to feel self-conscious about your appearance, but they often not associated with any serious health problem. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t be caused by an underlying health problem.
In some rare cases, visible veins on the breasts and chest can be caused by some serious health problems. Problems such as cirrhosis of the liver, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, and enlarged abdomen can all cause a person to be more susceptible to visible blue veins on the chest.
If you should notice visible blue veins to appear on your chest or breasts, it is best to wait a few days to see if they start to fade or disappear. Should the veins not fade or they appear to become more pronounced or visible, it is a good idea to get a full check-up from your healthcare provider to rule out any serious health problem.
Seeking Treatment for Visible Blue Veins on the Breasts and Chest
The type of treatment that is recommended to help reduce the appearance of visible blue veins on the chest will depend upon your personal preference, previous health history, availability, and budget. Typically, a vein specialist will recommend laser therapy or sclerotherapy. Both of these treatment options are minimally invasive and extremely effective at reducing or eliminating visible veins on the chest or breast.
If you wish to seek treatment for visible breast veins and you live in the New Jersey area, call Vein & Vascular Institute to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dietzek. Dr. Dietzek can provide you with personalized treatment recommendations that will help you reduce the appearance of thin blue veins on your breasts or chest.