Legs are not the only place that varicose veins are found
While most people know that the legs are the most common site for varicose veins to be treated, there are many other areas on the body where veins are found to be problematic. Some of these sites are symptomatic, while others are more of a cosmetic concern. At The Boca Vein Center, we can treat these additional areas with a variety of techniques. Below is a summary of the more common sites not on the legs that patients are concerned about.
Facial veins
Facial veins these veins can occur in various locations, but are usually found around the nose, chin and cheeks. Because of their small size, the best treatment is with laser ablation. At The Boca Vein Center, we use a hand held surface laser to close these veins. Often a series of 2-3 treatments are necessary over a period of several weeks. It is very important to stay out of the sun both prior to and following the laser treatments to the face to avoid long term scaring. Reoccurrence is not uncommon, especially in Florida, due to ongoing sun exposure. Rosacea is not well treated with laser, unless it is in a very limited area.
Breast veins
Breast veins are commonly seen as bluish green prominent veins that are large and more noticeable following breast augmentation surgery, after nursing and with age. While this is not dangerous and rarely symptomatic, it can be cause for cosmetic concern for many women. Treatment is both simple and highly effective with foam Sclerotherapy. A tiny needle is used to access the veins near the areola to inject the solution. A tight bra with additional padding is used for 24-48 hours to help compress the vein. Cosmetic results are usually excellent, and are often the vein disappears within a week
Vulvar veins
Vulvar veins are noted most commonly on women following pregnancy. As the uterus enlarges and increases pelvic pressure, these veins can become dilated and incompetent. This is also seen in association with hemorrhoids (another type of varicose veins). While this condition is unattractive to many women, more importantly it can be painful and can interfere with sexual relations. Treatment involves inserting a tiny needle into the vein and injecting a sclerosing solution. It is sometimes necessary to repeat the procedure two or three times over the course of several weeks to get the veins to collapse and close by internal scaring.
Hand veins
Hand veins are a common concern, especially in women who are thin. Over time, as the body fat stores diminish, the veins in the hand become more noticeable. While not truly varicosed, they are of cosmetic concern to many patients. We have two options for these veins, depending on the extent and location on the hand (we never treat veins on the palmer side). Either Sclerotherapy or a limited microphlebectomy can be done in the office as simple procedures with a low complication rate and generally very good cosmetic outcomes.
Foot veins
Foot veins are often due to venous insufficiency in the leg. Once the leg veins are effectively treated, the foot veins often regress. However, in some patients, they remain enlarged, painful and disfiguring. Treatment options include Sclerotherapy and microphlebectomy, but due to the location of various anatomic structures (like nerves in the area), treatment should be limited to the most advanced cases. An individual evaluation on each patient with this area of concern will lead to a discussion of the specific risks and benefits, and the best treatment option will be advised.
