Hand Veins and Skin Discoloration on the Hands

Unsightly hand veins and skin discoloration can make patients feel less youthful. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a low-power laser treatment that can lessen pigmentation from sun damage on the back of the hand. Dilated veins can be masked by injection collagen filler around the veins, adding depth to the skin and subcutaneous tissues which usually experience thinning with age. Fillers such as Radiesse® or Restylane® can be placed in the back of the hand for rejuvenation. This will help mask the prominent tendons and ligaments that appear with age. Eliminating pigmentation and plumping up the skin restores the hand’s youthful appearance. Another alternative to unsightly hand veins is to eliminate the veins by removing them or using sclerotherapy to shrink them in place.

How can I reduce the visibility of these veins?

Sclerotherapy is a simple treatment that can be used in the hands to allow unsightly veins to shrink and be absorbed. The procedure is generally very tolerable and causes very little discomfort. As with the legs, several weeks are needed to allow these veins to resolve. Some larger hand veins can also be treated with phlebectomy (vein removal), which is done under local anesthesia in the office with immediate return to normal activity. Both procedures require a brief period of compression and may be associated with some temporary bruising.