I have large, bulging veins in my arms and hands. I want to know if there's a way to hide them or get rid them? (Photo)

Question

Many months ago I had foam sclerotherapy in my hands to try to shrink the veins there. I had two total treatments in each hand. I can't see any difference at all (but I don't have a before and after image). These uploaded images are very recent - I was shopping - not doing anything strenuous. Everyone comments must be a body builder. I am fit, but I never, ever work out my upper body (because of this). I'm very self conscious of these veins. Is there anything I can do? I'm 41, 104 lbs.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It’s important to distinguish between varicose veins and spider veins when choosing between laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and vein surgery. With two board certified vein specialists, our center uses a combination of visual examination, functional flow measurements, ultrasound, transillumination, and infrared light to map out vein networks prior to therapy. Lasers can be used to treat deep varicose vein insufficiency, vein perforators, and varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is ideal for spider veins and reticular veins. Whereas surgery is reserved for severely incompetent varicose vein segments.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello,As the panel members suggested, there are treatment options that are more invasive to address the large bulging blood vessels.  Although we offer sclerotherapy for the hands, treatment outcomes vary and much has to do with the need to maintain compression to the vessels following the procedure.  In our practice, we have had better success using Radiesse filler for the hands to camouflage the vessels by restoring volume.  Results typically last 9 to 12 months, and the average patient requires 1 syringe (1.5cc) per hand.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question! Although sclerotherapy remains the gold standard when it comes to vein treatment, you may want to consider Endovenous Laser Ablation to eliminate larger veins. It uses laser to heat the veins instead of surgically removing them. The heat produces a steam bubble inside the vein, which destroys vein walls, causing the affected vein to collapse. The entire treatment lasts only 30-60 minutes. It requires no sutures and leaves no scars. 
An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and obtain expert medical advice. Best of luck!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a lot of veins there and the options of treatment are combinations of techniques: endovenous laser with several sessions of foam; endovenous laser with sessions of microphlebectomy. Either way, it is an expensive endeavor. But, considering what plastic surgeons charge for a 2 hour breast augmentation, the charges here are less but the work is more tedious and more time consuming. The end result is a more youthful and less masculine appearance. Dorsal hand veins can be hidden with Radiesse but this would require treatment with one or two vials for each hand every 8-14 months. Microphlebectomy would be a better option but the one time cost is higher than treatment with Radiesse.

John Landi, MD · Answer

I treat hand and forearm veins by a combination of endovenous laser (1470) for the larger veins and foam sclerotherapy for the smaller veins.  Laser is only done once and the sclerotherapy may require several treatments.  The results are very acceptable.  I only treat the veins on the top (dorsal surface) of the hands and forearms not the plantar surface.

I have large, bulging veins in my arms and hands. I want to know if there's a way to hide them or get rid them? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Abundant veins in forearms and hands - multimodality therapy

Answer: Abundant veins in forearms and hands - multimodality therapy

Answer: Hand and forearm veins.

Answer: Hand and forearm veins.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I have large, bulging veins in my arms and hands. I want to know if there's a way to hide them or get rid them? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Abundant veins in forearms and hands - multimodality therapy

Answer: Abundant veins in forearms and hands - multimodality therapy

Answer: Hand and forearm veins.

Answer: Hand and forearm veins.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.