As our skin thins with age, some of the veins and tendons that become more obvious on the backs of the hands are inevitable. Our production of collagen declines by one additional percentage point every year after we hit the age of 20, so by the time we are in our 50s and above, the declining skin support on the backs of the hands really allows the veins to show. It doesn’t help that they are purple or dark blue because they are carrying deoxygenated blood back to the heart from the hands and fingers.

Dr. Brian Heeringa provides the following hand and facial vein treatment:

• Hand Microphlebectomy
• Hand Microphlebectomy with Sclerotherapy
• Facial Sclerotherapy
• Facial Phlebectomy

In a microphlebectomy, Dr. Heeringa removes the bugling vein section by section through a series of tiny holes. After numbing the vein(s) and the surrounding tissue, Dr. Heeringa makes a series of tiny punctures down the line of the targeted vein. He then goes in with a special hook-like instrument through the tiny holes and pulls out pieces of the vein.

This is repeated until the visible portion of the vein is fully removed. The micro-punctures used are so small that they do not require stitches and show up as just a series of dots for a few weeks before fully vanishing. Patients have no downtime after microphlebectomy.

Sclerotherapy a treatment that involves the injection of a sclerosing agent indicated to treat uncomplicated veins. Dr. Heeringa injects the medication into the target veins, which causes irritation and scarring of the treated veins, causing them to close down. Your body will then absorb those veins over time and will automatically direct the blood flow to healthy veins.

During a microphlebectomy procedure, an anesthetic solution used. This solution is injected to numb and compress the vein (s) that will be removed. Therefore there is no pain during the procedure.

Sclerotherapy involves the use of a needle and syringe to inject the sclerosis agent into the bulging vein(s). The solutions work by causing the veins to shrink, close off, and gradually disappear.

Post-procedure you may experience mild soreness which can be relieved by taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen

“Thank you for the beautiful new leg. You made it easy-peazie! You’re all amazing at your jobs. Forever Pleased” – Mariem

A compression hand glove will be required to wear for 1-2 weeks except during showering. This glove will be provide to you at no charge. A 10-day post-op visit will be required.