I have large, purple veins on the underside of my wrists that I'd really like to get rid of because they really show my age. Is there a safe way to do this?
It is safe to treat veins on the hands or wrists with either sclerotherapy or, if they are large, with laser closure. It is important, however, to ensure that there are other veins available for future use for things such as blood draws and iv insertion.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sclerotherapy can be used to eliminate hand and wrist veins safely-HOWEVER the real question is : is it a wise and safe goal to do so? As you indicate, you feel that these veins are signs of your age. Almost certainly, these veins are normal and may become more visible due to the reduction of the normal fatty layer which accompanies aging.
Normal veins on the wrist are considered valuable for blood draws and IV access among health care professionals. There are so many reasons to save normal veins for medication treatments, potential dialysis, trauma, that most Vascular Surgeons may be reluctant to destroy them.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If the vein is a normal vein, I usually recommend not treating it. There is increased risks for treating normal veins. Also, this vein could be used for venous access at a later date.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes it can.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Possible to do but not generally recommended as some of these veins could possibly be used for medical IV's in the future. I would have to evaluate them.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Some doctors do treat these types of veins, however I do not. You may wish to consult with a plastic surgeon, but certainly check with the vein MD you see first as many do not treat these veins. Some of the techniques used on the legs can be applied to these types of veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
In a technical sense surface veins can be treated regardless of their location. Sclerotherapy or laser can be used for these types of veins, but commenting on the veins without seeing them is somewhat difficult. But in general, hand veins can be treated. I personally treat them with injections or sclerotherapy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012