Can I have an ugly, but 'normal' vein removed from my bicep for cosmetic reasons?

I've always had a very ugly vein on my right bicep. I am sure it is perfectly normal and not varicose. It does not protrude, but is a very dark blue and is just below the surface. Would it be possible to remove this 'normal' vein for cosmetic reasons?

Answers from doctors (6)


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Feb 18, 2013

If the arm vein does not protrude, my guess would be no. The key is to find a doctor who would remove that vein. If it is a normal vein, then it will be difficult to take out because the vein is very soft and will probably break, causing bruising/lumps in the vein and other complications. Those things are not permanent, but cosmetically it may look worse for a short period of time.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1153_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

If the arm vein does not protrude, my guess would be no. The key is to find a doctor who would remove that vein. If it is a normal vein, then it will be difficult to take out because the vein is very soft and will probably break, causing bruising/lumps in the vein and other complications. Those things are not permanent, but cosmetically it may look worse for a short period of time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 14, 2013

I agree that having a normal vein removed is cosmetic in nature. I don't see a problem removing it, although it's not something I have ever been asked to do.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/464_1408044069.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

I agree that having a normal vein removed is cosmetic in nature. I don't see a problem removing it, although it's not something I have ever been asked to do.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Feb 13, 2013

Have a vascular surgeon "eyeball" the vein for your answer.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1365_1408044094.jpg
Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Have a vascular surgeon "eyeball" the vein for your answer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Feb 13, 2013

If it's a normal vein, we would recommend you not treat it.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/922_1408044082.jpg
Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

If it's a normal vein, we would recommend you not treat it.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Feb 13, 2013

Yes, the vein could be removed. You should see a vein specialist.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Yes, the vein could be removed. You should see a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Feb 13, 2013

Yes, you can have the ugly vein on your bicep removed. However, the better question is should you have it removed. Generally, I don't recommend removal of working/normal, but ugly veins on the arms because you may need them for medical reasons (IV access, blood withdrawal, etc). I would talk with a vein specialist and make sure you understand all the risk and benefits.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Yes, you can have the ugly vein on your bicep removed. However, the better question is should you have it removed. Generally, I don't recommend removal of working/normal, but ugly veins on the arms because you may need them for medical reasons (IV access, blood withdrawal, etc). I would talk with a vein specialist and make sure you understand all the risk and benefits.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Varicose Vein Surgery

Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I am 21 years old and recently I have developed a varicose vein on my penis. The vein gives me slight discomfort. I am not sexually active. How can I fix this vein? Is there any medication or procedure which can fix it? I don't like the look of the vein.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
And, are there any options in terms of colors or styles?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -10 answers
I am 21 years old and within the past four years I have developed spider veins and large veins that are visible in my legs. They are also elevated over my shins. Varicose veins run in my family, but is this really all genetic or do I have a health problem?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -4 answers
Had a phlebectomy and VNUS done 4 weeks ago. I have lumps all along where the vein used to be (ranging from pea size to walnut size). They were painful & had them drained twice now. I still have lumps. What can be done? Will these resolve?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -7 answers
How long should I wait after varicose vein surgery to take an airplane trip, or does it matter?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
My wife had superficial blood clots in leg. They took ultrasound and she just collapsed 13 days ago in my arms and died in the hospital of a blood clot in the lung. She was healthy and young. No history, sickness, fever. How can this happen?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
I had a phlebectomy that was not successful, then laser ablation and sclerotherapy within 2 months of each other. I now have shooting pains in my leg... is this something that is normal?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I am getting ready to have a varicose vein treatment but am afraid that I may develop blood clots and die. What should I do? Thanks.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
This pain occurs after I have been active on my legs. My varicose vein surgery was about five months ago.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I had a main vein stripped and incisions by knee done 4 days ago. It looks like its healing well, but I am getting a burning sensation. What does this mean?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Varicose Vein Surgery -6 answers
What is the recovery procedure after the vein is removed? For example, do I have to sit and rest it and how long will i need off work?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
I'm scheduled for weight-loss surgery, and I have large varicose veins on both legs. Will losing the weight change the pressure in my legs enough to make the varicose veins go away, or will I need surgery or other treatments?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I am 24 yrs old, and after i had my daughter i noticed my legs are veiny. The veins don't bulge out nor are spidery. i was wondering what are they? How should I get rid of them?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I had varicose vein surgery 14 years ago to strip veins from my right leg. I have had severe pain in my groin and lower abdomen for years. Just found out the surgeon left three surgical clips in my groin. They are to be removed. Why would he do this?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -10 answers
Is this a side effect of having varicose veins and can varicose vein surgery effectively treat this condition?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I have a large number of varicose veins covering both legs. I want to get them treated but I'm afraid I won't have many veins left! Is there a point where you shouldn't have them all removed/injected because there won't be enough circulation?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -12 answers
One week after varicose vein surgery I developed a golf ball size swelling on the inside of my ankle that is very sensitive to touch. Is this normal?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
Can you fly safely with a superficial vein? I had some bleeding under the skin and I'm taking antibiotics. I fly on Friday and have a surgical stocking to wear. Is this OK?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -4 answers
If someone has had varicose vein surgery, can they come back? At any time? What are the odds of this?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I have spider veins and varicose veins. Will my insurance ppo bluecross pay for it? I was told by my insurance co they would pay if it is medically necessary, they hurt and are getting worse, I am a nurse.
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR