Hand Vein Treatment
What is Hand Rejuvenation?
The Hand Rejuvenation Programme aims to shrink the hand veins to a more normal size and to restore collagen to reverse the bony appearance and to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Some people also require age spot reduction. For a full description click here
The Treatment:
Involves the injection of a sclerosant solution (a prescription medicine called Fibrovein®) into the veins of the hand and a collagen stimulator (called Radiesse®) around the veins. Age spots are sometimes treated by cryotherapy.
Intended Benefits:
To improve the appearance of the vein(s) in the treated area. The treatment involves a healing process that is of variable duration from person to person. Initially, the treated area(s) may look worse and they may be red, lumpy and tender. The final outcome cannot be guaranteed, but in general, most people are pleased with the improvement.
Sclerotherapy requires a series of 5 appointments separated by 2 weeks. Patients need to commit to a course of treatment appointments and failure to do so may reduce the overall anticipated improvement in appearance. In addition failure to attend an appointment may result in Dr Gajraj not being able to aspirate trapped blood within the vein leading to hard protruding veins which may not resolve completely.
Serious or frequently occurring risks:
Serious complications such as thrombosis, allergic reactions, major nerve injury or infection are very rare (much less than one in a hundred risk). After treatment there may be residual veins requiring further treatment.
The treatment may cause discolouration and tenderness lasting many months. These usually resolve completely.
Occasionally the treatment may cause migraine with headache and visual symptoms for a short period during or immediately after the treatment. As the years pass, the treated veins may reappear. Bruising and redness of the treated area are common and will usually disperse in a few days. Lumpiness, Tenderness, Tingling, Stinging and Sensitivity may persist for longer. You should consider protecting your hands with sunscreen for 3 months.
There is a theoretical risk that hand vein reduction treatment may impede the ability of healthcare professionals to access your veins in the treated areas and this may delay treatment in an emergency situation.
After the first treatment session, most patients have very little discomfort, but some people find that their hands are very uncomfortable and for this reason, Dr Gajraj advises against driving. You may be able to drive after subsequent treatments.
Pain and discomfort after hand vein treatment may interfere with your ability to use a keyboard or to type. Bare this in mind when considering whether to take time off work.
The procedure involves local anaesthesia.
All procedures carry the risk of unsuccessful results, complications, injury or even death from both known and unforeseen consequences. If you should experience significant complications, it may require your care to be transferred to the National Health Service. Due to the prevalence of COVID-19 the VeinCare Centre has taken recommended steps to reduce the risk to both staff and patients, however there may be some residual risk remaining of contracting COVID-19 while at the clinic.
Treatment Day
On the day of your procedure:
Please arrive promptly, be aware of traffic conditons and plan your journey carefully.
It is better to arrive early rather than late. There is plenty of car parking at The Clinic, which is situated about six miles south of Yeovil, just off the A37 Yeovil to Dorchester road, at Holt Mill.
Dr Gajraj will confirm your consent to treatment, answer any questions that you may have and then he may take clinical photographs.
You will be asked to remove any rings or wrist jewellery.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you will be fully awake.
Please note that we strongly advise you against driving after your first treatment session. You may be able to drive after subsequent treatment sessions depending on your recovery after the first.
You should plan to be at the Clinic for up to one hour.
After the procedure when the local anaesthetic wears off, you may have some discomfort. Please arrange to have some Paracetamol and Ibuprofen to take during your recovery. If you are unable to tolerate Ibuprofen, you may wish to obtain Codeine Phosphate and your Chemist can advise.
Before you leave the Clinic, you should already have your appointments for the remaining treatment sessions with Dr Gajraj.
What happens after treatment?
Aftercare Advice
The wearing of compression gloves is optional. If your hand veins are particularly large, you will be supplied with gloves and you will be advised how long to wear them. There is some evidence that the healing process may be promoted by wearing compression gloves in the first 24-48 hours after treatment.
Most people have very little discomfort however, if you do need pain relief, Paracetamol or Ibuprofen are usually sufficient (always read the label and do not take these if you are allergic to them, or if you have been advised not to take them for medical reasons).
Do not be alarmed if your hands are bruised or if there are lumpy, tender areas. These will settle over the course of a few weeks. You may find that rubbing in Ibuprofen gel and/or Arnica cream to these lumpy, tender areas may help them settle more quickly.
From a medical point of view, you can drive when you feel able to grip the steering wheel and when you are able to perform an emergency stop, usually the day after your treatment. Some people need a bit longer before they feel confident to drive. Do check with your motor insurance company, and do not drive if you feel uncomfortable.
You can resume exercise, going to the gym and sports when your hands feel comfortable. We generally advise avoiding contact sports (where your hands are likely to be knocked) for about fourteen days after treatment.
There are often harsh chemicals in swimming pools, so it may be a wise precaution to avoid swimming for fourteen days as well.
Tenderness and lumpy areas along the course of the treated vein are quite normal. You may also experience tingling, stinging or irritation along the course of the veins treated after about a week. Continue to rub in Ibuprofen gel to the areas that are uncomfortable.
If your job involves using a keyboard for long periods (typing or data input), you may need to consider some time off work.
Serious complications are very rare indeed. However, if you develop a fever and feel unwell, please make contact with The VeinCare Centre for advice. It may be you have developed an infection. Out of hours, call 111.
To contact us call 01935 873951