Why do you avoid Sclerotherapy/laser ablation on the hands and arms?

I have treated arm and hand veins for over 18 years with both endovenous laser and sclerotherapy with excellent results and NEVER any significant complications. Swelling and bruising can occur but is self limiting.  This is strictly a cosmetic procedure.  Once these veins are treated they will no longer be available for an IV. The antecubital vein and the palmar surface veins are always left intact so that these can be used if required for an IV.

Sclerotherapy on the hands and arms can be safety done from a purely medical standpoint.  The bigger issue is the loss of those veins as a possible IV access point in the future, especially in an emergency situation.As far as risks, the hand and arm veins carry the same risks as injecting the legs.  Irritation from the medication, discoloration or staining, possible DVT, etc.  I am in the camp to not inject the veins, but instead to mask them with fillers or a fat transfer.Good luck to you,Dr. Powell