Our hands do a lot of work for us and are essential to go about our daily activities as normal. However, they can also visibly age faster than other parts of the body. Over time, many individuals experience bulging veins or varicose veins in their hands. Many people do not like the aesthetic appearance of swollen veins on the hands and seek out ways to remove the issue in order to feel more youthful and confident. Treatment from the team at Heart of Dixie Vein and Vascular Center can provide hand vein rejuvenation as well as relief from swelling, pain, and discoloration.
What Hand Vein Treatment Procedures Are Available?
- Sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for hand vein issues (and vein issues in general, regardless of location). During sclerotherapy, a special chemical is injected into a vein, which will cause it to collapse. After some time, this vein is reabsorbed into the body, and blood is redirected through other, healthier veins. This treatment is minimally-invasive and does not require anesthesia.
- Radiesse. Radiesse is a cosmetic filler that can be inserted into the skin to cover up the signs of aging that are often present on the backs of hands. The dermal filler works to smooth the skin and minimize the visibility of large veins and tendons, giving a healthy and natural-looking result.
- Microphlebectomy. Some veins are too large for sclerotherapy procedures, and in these cases, microphlebectomy is often a good addition to sclerotherapy. During a phlebectomy, the doctor will mark a specific vein or veins to remove, then apply a local anesthetic to the area. They will then make a series of small incisions on the skin above the vein and use a special hook-shaped instrument to collapse the vein and remove the damaged sections through the skin.
How Long Do Hand Vein Treatments Take?
Sclerotherapy, the most commonly-used hand vein treatment, is quick and easy. Each session takes between 30-60 minutes, and most individuals only require 1-2 sessions to see great results.
How Safe Are Hand Vein Treatment Procedures?
Each of the procedures available to treat hand vein issues are extremely low-risk. With sclerotherapy you may experience some inflammation and swelling, which is not dangerous and should go down in time. With any medical injection there is a small chance of infection, scarring, bruising, bleeding, and inflammation.
How Should I Prepare For Hand Vein Treatment?
To prepare for hand vein removal treatment, your doctor may ask you to avoid taking blood-thinning medication, if you have any. In addition, it may be wise to avoid smoking or prolonged sun exposure in the days leading up to the treatment. Your medical care team will ensure you know any necessary information before you come in for your hand vein treatment procedure.
What Does Recovery Look Like?
Recovery from hand vein treatment is fairly simple. You will be asked to wear compression gloves for a week following the procedure and avoid strenuous exercise for a short time. Icing and elevating the hands is recommended. We also suggest you avoid soaking/submerging the hands for about one week. You can rinse and wash the hand gently 24 hours after treatment.
What Will Happen If I Don’t Receive Treatment?
Choosing to receive treatment for hand veins is completely optional. Unlike other, more serious vein issues such as varicose veins in the legs, swollen veins in the hands are purely cosmetic problems that pose no serious health threat.
Help Your Hands Look and Feel Their Best with Hand Vein Treatments
If you’re experiencing prominent or swollen veins on the backs of your hands, the medical team at Heart of Dixie Vein and Vascular Center can help. We’re experts in vein and vascular health, and provide a number of safe and professional treatment options at our locations in St. George and Cedar City, Utah, and Mesquite, Nevada. Our cardiology professionals can provide a compassionate resource to identify and diagnose your vein issues and provide a variety of treatment options that can help you find relief. Contact us today for more information.
