Hand Veins
Hand Vein Sclerotherapy Service
Hand Sclerotherapy
Hand Vein Sclerotherapy Summary
The veins in your hands may become more prominent as you age. While this typically is not a medical problem, cosmetic sclerotherapy can be done with excellent results. Varicose veins in the hands and arms are rare and should be evaluated by qualified vascular surgeon to rule out serious vascular conditions.
Why Do Hand Veins Become Prominent?
Visible hand veins are a common cosmetic concern that many people notice as they age. While prominent veins on the hands are completely normal and usually harmless, they may make a person look and feel older. Below are some reasons for developing visible hand veins.
Aging skin
As we age, the skin naturally loses collagen and elasticity. The skin on the hands also becomes thinner, making underlying veins easier to see.
Loss of Soft Tissue and Body Fat
Fat and soft tissue on the back of the hands decrease with age. This loss of volume allows veins to become more visible.
Genetics
Some individuals naturally have larger or more superficial hand veins.
Sun Exposure
Chronic sun exposure can accelerate skin thinning and contribute to the appearance of visible veins.
How to Treat Hand Veins?
Sclerotherapy is a widely used treatment for spider veins and varicose veins in the legs and can be used to treat hand veins as well. During the procedure, a specialized medication called a sclerosant is injected into the vein. The medication irritates the vein lining, causing the vein to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body. Once treated, blood is naturally redirected to other veins, and the treated vein gradually fades from view. The results of cosmetic hand sclerotherapy are excellent and long-lasting.
Hand sclerotherapy typically takes about 30 minutes. The patient is asked to wear compression gloves to reduce post-procedure swelling and to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.
Hand sclerotherapy typically takes about 30 minutes. The patient is asked to wear compression gloves to reduce post-procedure swelling and to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.
Risks of Cosmetic Sclerotherapy in the Hands
There are some risks associated sclerotherapy in the hands. After treatment, you may experience bruising, swelling, and skin discoloration. These symptoms are expected as normal course of recovery and are temporary. More rare but serious risks of hand sclerotherapy include deep vein thrombosis and loss of superficial arm veins for IV access.
Medical Conditions to Consider Before Treating Hand Veins
Cosmetic hand sclerotherapy is reserved for healthy individuals who are concerned about appearance of their hands. Patients with the following conditions should avoid sclerotherapy in the hands:
1. Chronic kidney disease. Patients with chronic kidneys disease may require their arm veins for hemodialysis and should preserve all upper extremity veins whenever possible.
2. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Patients with upper extremity DVT should not get sclerotherapy in the hands to prevent recurrence of blood clots.
3. History of central venous access. For patients who had central venous lines such as Power Port, Hickman catheter, Groshong catheter, hemodialysis catheter, or pacemakers may have unknown vein narrowing that makes them high risk for complications.
4. Patients who require frequent blood draws or IVs. Because frequent blood draws destroy arm veins over time, the hand veins become valuable places for IV placement.
5. Large varicose veins in the arms. While varicose veins are common in the legs, varicose veins in the arms are not common. Conditions such as breast cancer, lung cancer, central venous stenosis, and old dialysis fistulae may cause arm veins to enlarge. Some congenital conditions such as Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome may present as varicose veins and a swollen limb in an young individual and will require careful vascular evaluation before any treatment.
If you have hand vein concerns, please make an appointment with us. We will evaluate your hands and arms and make the best recommendation based on your unique situation.
1. Chronic kidney disease. Patients with chronic kidneys disease may require their arm veins for hemodialysis and should preserve all upper extremity veins whenever possible.
2. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Patients with upper extremity DVT should not get sclerotherapy in the hands to prevent recurrence of blood clots.
3. History of central venous access. For patients who had central venous lines such as Power Port, Hickman catheter, Groshong catheter, hemodialysis catheter, or pacemakers may have unknown vein narrowing that makes them high risk for complications.
4. Patients who require frequent blood draws or IVs. Because frequent blood draws destroy arm veins over time, the hand veins become valuable places for IV placement.
5. Large varicose veins in the arms. While varicose veins are common in the legs, varicose veins in the arms are not common. Conditions such as breast cancer, lung cancer, central venous stenosis, and old dialysis fistulae may cause arm veins to enlarge. Some congenital conditions such as Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome may present as varicose veins and a swollen limb in an young individual and will require careful vascular evaluation before any treatment.
If you have hand vein concerns, please make an appointment with us. We will evaluate your hands and arms and make the best recommendation based on your unique situation.