Hand Veins:
Many patients seek consultation for unsightly bulging veins on the back of their hands. The reasons for bulging veins are many, but usually are related to a gradual increase in size of the veins over a period of years since the hands are below the heart level. Your doctor should make sure that there is no blockage in the veins in the shoulder area. This can be determined easily by raising your hand above the heart level and the bulging veins should empty quickly. The treatment for this condition in our clinic is called a phlebectomy.

A phlebectomy is the removal of these veins through very small incisions and will give you a superior cosmetic result. As you can see from the pictures below, there are no visible signs of the incisions.

Other techniques used have included sclerotherapy and laser. In our clinic, we prefer performing a phlebectomy, since it is easily done, well tolerated by the patient, and the veins require no further treatment. This technique can be done in the office with local anesthesia. The procedure takes 20-30 minutes. One hand is done at a time. Post treatment, there is minimal amount of discomfort.

Breast Veins:
Many patients seek consultation for prominent veins on the breast. These bluish green veins many times occur after breast augmentation but can also occur after nursing or with age.

The treatment is simple and safe. Foam sclerotherapy is the preferred method of treatment. Most patients respond in 1 or 2 sessions. Foam is injected from the areola region outwards.

In our clinic, we have seen no complications with this procedure.

When seeking consultation, make sure your physician is familiar with this technique.

Veins in Foot Area
Often, patients seek consultation for large and unsightly veins on the top of the feet. These veins may be related to Greater Saphenous reflux or they can occur as an isolated problem.

These veins are best handled by doing a phlebectomy. In our clinic, we place sutures for 1-2 days after the procedure. There should be minimal post-operative pain. Normal activities can be resumed in one day.

The only difference between phlebectomies on the foot than other areas is that incisions may be slightly larger. If done by an experienced venous specialist, the cosmetic result is excellent.

Eye Veins:

We see many patients in our clinic that complain about veins around their eyes. These veins can be large and are usually bluish, green in color. They can be safely treated with foam sclerotherapy.

Other veins on the forehead have a different site of drainage and should be approached with caution.

If the vein is large, a phlebectomy can be safely done. Make sure your venous specialist is experienced in this technique.

Ron Bush, MD, FACS
Peggy Bush, APN, CNS, MSN