Is it safe to perform sclerotherapy on the arm veins?

My right arm (where IV is taken) has very visible blue veins. They are not bulging but it looks quite unattractive. Most Drs I saw said they can't treat the arm due to the IV need, but my left arm can be used for this. Is it safe to perform sclerotherapy on the arm veins? Why would a doctor refuse to perform the procedure when only one arm is needed for IV?

Answers from doctors (8)


Artery and Vein Specialists of Idaho

Published on Apr 17, 2014

Not proven yet

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Answered by Artery and Vein Specialists of Idaho

Not proven yet

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Mar 10, 2014

There are few reasons why a doc wouldn't want to treat those veins. First, there is always a risk of having that sclero travel into an artery, which the risk in the arm is much greater than in the legs. If that were to happen, you would most likely lose your arm. Second, since those veins are prominent, the sclero can stain and those veins would look quite brown anywhere from a few months to permanently. Third reason would be the venous puncture procedures that the doctor mentioned already. Honestly, I would not have a doctor inject my arm no matter what the circumstances; it is very risky.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

There are few reasons why a doc wouldn't want to treat those veins. First, there is always a risk of having that sclero travel into an artery, which the risk in the arm is much greater than in the legs. If that were to happen, you would most likely lose your arm. Second, since those veins are prominent, the sclero can stain and those veins would look quite brown anywhere from a few months to permanently. Third reason would be the venous puncture procedures that the doctor mentioned already. Honestly, I would not have a doctor inject my arm no matter what the circumstances; it is very risky.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Mar 01, 2014

Can probably be treated with laser.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Can probably be treated with laser.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Feb 28, 2014

I don't recommend for the same reason most of the other doctors say. You will need the vein for IVs and blood draws. Eliminating the vein may put at risk, especially if the medical professional has to draw blood from veins in other areas as a result.


Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

I don't recommend for the same reason most of the other doctors say. You will need the vein for IVs and blood draws. Eliminating the vein may put at risk, especially if the medical professional has to draw blood from veins in other areas as a result.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Feb 27, 2014

Hi,
It is not commonly done on the arm veins, but it is not to say that some doctors will not attempt the procedure. Should you choose to have the procedure, be sure to find a skilled specialist who has successfully performed sclerotherapy on arm veins, or veins in other delicate areas like the feet. You will want to consult with that accredited doctor and get evaluated.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Hi,
It is not commonly done on the arm veins, but it is not to say that some doctors will not attempt the procedure. Should you choose to have the procedure, be sure to find a skilled specialist who has successfully performed sclerotherapy on arm veins, or veins in other delicate areas like the feet. You will want to consult with that accredited doctor and get evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Feb 27, 2014

Because that leaves you with only one arm for venous access in an
emergency, which would be a problem if that arm was injured. I agree with the majority of vein specialists and do not treat arm veins for that
reason. However, I do treat prominent normal hand veins which are a common cosmetic complaint.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Because that leaves you with only one arm for venous access in an
emergency, which would be a problem if that arm was injured. I agree with the majority of vein specialists and do not treat arm veins for that
reason. However, I do treat prominent normal hand veins which are a common cosmetic complaint.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Feb 27, 2014

Arm veins can be treated by sclerotherapy or by endovenous laser if large. This is usually strictly a cosmetic procedure. I never treat the back of the arm or beyond the mid forearm to preserve veins for arm drainage and possible future IV use or blood drawing.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Arm veins can be treated by sclerotherapy or by endovenous laser if large. This is usually strictly a cosmetic procedure. I never treat the back of the arm or beyond the mid forearm to preserve veins for arm drainage and possible future IV use or blood drawing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Feb 27, 2014

Yes.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Yes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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