Vein Removal

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chicago, IL

Refresh Your Complexion with Laser Vein Removal. Laser vein removal is a safe, noninvasive treatment that reduces visible facial veins, broken capillaries, and redness — revealing smoother, more even-looking skin.

At Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery, our highly trained Aesthetic Nurses, Hayley and Grace, specialize in performing laser vein removal with precision and care. Under the guidance of board-certified oculofacial surgeon Dr. Paul Phelps, they use advanced long-pulsed laser technology to safely target delicate areas — including around the eyes — for natural, lasting results without surgery.

Appointments are filling up fast. Use our simple online scheduler below to reserve your consultation in less than 60 seconds.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery at (312) 888-5754.

Before and After Photos

What Makes Our Laser Vein Removal Different?

We use a long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser, which penetrates deep into the skin to target unwanted blood vessels while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. This makes it ideal for treating vascular lesions on the cheeks, nose, temples, and under-eye area.
The laser emits light that is absorbed by the hemoglobin in blood vessels. The energy causes the vessel walls to heat up, collapse, and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. This technology is safe for all skin types and tones when performed by a trained medical professional.

Benefits of Laser Vein Removal

Treating visible veins with our long-pulsed laser can offer several benefits:

  • Reduced redness and visible capillaries for a more even skin tone
  • Improved skin clarity in areas like the under-eye region, cheeks, and temples
  • Noninvasive treatment with no incisions, stitches, or general anesthesia
  • Minimal discomfort and fast treatment sessions—typically under 30 minutes
  • No downtime, with most patients returning to normal activities the same day
  • Safe for sensitive facial areas, especially near the eyes

Am I a Candidate?

Ideal candidates for laser vein removal are in good overall health and are concerned about:

  • Broken blood vessels near the eyes or nose
  • Spider veins on the face
  • Red or purple facial discoloration from visible veins


If you are pregnant, taking certain medications, or have an active skin condition or infection, we may recommend waiting or exploring alternative treatments. Dr. Phelps can also combine vein removal with other skin treatments for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Your consultation will include a full skin assessment and discussion of your aesthetic goals. Dr. Phelps will evaluate the size, location, and depth of the veins to determine the best treatment plan. He will also answer any questions and discuss what kind of results you can expect, how many treatments may be needed, and how to care for your skin afterward.

How to Prepare

To get the best results from your laser vein removal, we recommend:

  • Avoiding sun exposure or tanning beds for at least 2 weeks before treatment
  • Discontinuing blood-thinning medications or supplements if approved by your physician
  • Stopping topical products that may irritate the skin near the treatment area (like retinoids)
  • Arriving with clean, makeup-free skin

Treatment Process

On the day of treatment, Dr. Phelps will gently cleanse your skin and may apply a cooling gel or use a contact-cooling handpiece to ensure comfort. He will then deliver precise pulses of laser energy over the targeted veins. Most patients describe the sensation as a quick snap or mild warmth.
Treatment sessions typically take 15–30 minutes, depending on the number and size of veins being treated. For optimal results, 1–3 sessions spaced a few weeks apart may be recommended.

Recovery and Aftercare

There is little to no downtime after laser vein removal. You may experience mild redness or swelling, which typically resolves within a few hours. Most patients can return to their normal activities right away.

After treatment, it’s important to:

  • Avoid direct sun exposure for at least a week
  • Apply broad-spectrum SPF daily
  • Skip strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours
  • Follow any customized aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Phelps
  • Visible veins will begin to fade over several days to weeks as your body naturally clears them.

Get Started Today

If you’re ready to improve facial redness or visible veins—especially near the eyes—laser vein removal can be a safe, effective solution with lasting results.
Contact Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery at (312) 888-5754 to book your consultation with Dr. Paul Phelps and find out if laser vein treatment is right for you.

About Dr. Paul Phelps

Board-Certified Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon · Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery

Board certification
American Board of Ophthalmology (verify)
Education and training
  • Drexel University College of Medicine (8/08/2005 – 5/21/2010)
  • Division of Ophthalmology, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County – Chicago, IL
  • Internal Medicine (6/24/2010 – 6/30/2011) University of Illinois College of Medicine – Chicago, IL
  • Oculofacial Plastic Surgery (7/01/2015 – 6/30/2017) Department of Ophthalmology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY
  • Ophthalmic Pathology (7/01/2014 – 6/30/2015) Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin – Madison, WI
  • University of Minnesota Twin Cities (9/08/1998 – 6/20/2003)
  • MD, Drexel University College of Medicine (2005-2010)
  • Internship, Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine – Chicago, IL (2010-2011)
  • Residency, Ophthalmology, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County – Chicago, IL (2011-2014)
  • Fellowship, Ophthalmic Pathology, University of Wisconsin – Madison, WI (2014-2015)
  • Fellowship, Oculofacial Plastic Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY (2015-2017)
  • BS, Chemistry, University of Minnesota Twin Cities (1998-2003)
  • BA, Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Twin Cities (1998-2003)
  • Junior Year Abroad, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom (2000-2001)
Hospital affiliations
  • Northwestern Memorial Hospital 251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611
  • Cook County Health 1969 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
  • 900 N Surgical Center 60 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
Memberships
  • Clinical Assistant Professor – Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine
  • Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology (3/31/2021 – 9/30/2021) University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
  • Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology (7/01/2017 – 3/31/2021) University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
  • American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Member 12/05/2017
  • American College of Surgeons
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • AAO – Oculoplastics PQRS Measure Development Committee Member (2019)
  • AAO – YO Advocacy Subcommittee Member (2018-2021)
  • ISEPS – Treasurer Board of Directors (2019-2022)
  • AAO – EyeWiki Editorial Board Member (2017-present)
  • ASOPRS – Oral Board Examiner Committee Member (2019-present)
  • ASOPRS – Industry Relations Workgroup (2023-present)
Awards
  • America's Best Plastic Surgeons (Eyelid Surgery) – Newsweek (2026)
  • Physician Excellence Award – NorthShore University HealthSystem (2020)
  • Shining Star Award – NorthShore University HealthSystem (2019)
  • EyeWiki Contest Winner – Canalicular Trauma (2015)
  • Advocacy Ambassador Award – IL Association of Ophthalmology (2013)
  • Best Research Project of the Year – Cook County Residency (2012)
  • Medical Humanities Award – Drexel University College of Medicine (2010)
  • Fulbright Scholarship – Aravind Eye Hospital (2008)
  • Alpha Omega Alpha – Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Award (2006)
  • Teacher of the Year Award – Chicago Curriculum on Ophthalmology (2024)
NPI
1003131657
Offices
Chicago · Winnetka Aesthetic Studio

Read Dr. Paul Phelps's full bio