Prominent Hand Veins: Causes and Treatment in Korea

Why are the veins on my hands so visible?

The veins on the back of your hands are normal surface veins that carry blood back from your fingers. Everyone has them; what changes is how much they show. The main reasons are:

• Thinner skin: skin loses collagen and elasticity with age, so veins underneath show through.
• Less fat under the skin: the cushion over the veins shrinks with age, weight loss or a naturally lean build.
• Exercise and muscle tone: working muscles increase blood flow and push veins closer to the surface.
• Heat: warm weather, hot water and saunas widen veins.
• Genetics: some people simply have larger or more superficial veins.

LEDAS describes this as angiectasia — widening of the vessels — rather than true disease. Many people seek treatment because the veins make their hands look older than they feel.

Are prominent hand veins a medical problem?

Usually not. In most people they are a normal feature and cause no symptoms. Occasionally, though, bulging veins in the hands or arms have a medical cause, such as:

• A venous malformation — an abnormal vein present from birth
• Reflux in a vein, similar to varicose veins in the legs
• Inflammation or a clot in a surface vein (thrombophlebitis), causing a hard, red, tender vein

Seek medical advice if a hand vein suddenly becomes painful, hard or red, if your arm swells, or if veins appear on only one side without clear reason. Sudden arm swelling with pain or breathlessness needs urgent care.

How does LEDAS treat hand veins?

Step 1: Ultrasound diagnosis

Dr. Kim Byoung Joon examines the veins with Philips EPIQ Elite ultrasound to judge whether they are simply a sign of ageing, or whether there is pathological reflux or a venous malformation. This decides whether treatment is appropriate and which veins can be safely closed. Hands rely on several veins to drain blood, so closing selected visible veins leaves others to do the work.

Step 2: Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy

A sclerosing medicine, mixed into a fine foam, is injected into the selected veins under ultrasound guidance. The foam pushes blood aside and irritates the vein lining, so the vein closes and is gradually absorbed. The concentration is carefully controlled for the back of the hand, where skin is thin and tissue is delicate. See hand vein treatment and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy .

What to expect afterwards

• No special preparation is needed and you can continue your daily routine.
• Treated veins may feel firm and look slightly dark for some weeks before they fade.
• Mild bruising or swelling can occur and settles over time.
• A light compression bandage may be advised for a short period.

As with any treatment, side effects are possible. They will be explained at your consultation. See side effects and risks .

Who is a good candidate?

Hand vein treatment suits healthy adults who are bothered by the look of their hands and whose ultrasound shows suitable veins. It may be postponed if you are pregnant, have an active infection or certain clotting conditions. Some people prefer to keep visible hand veins accessible for future blood tests or drips; discuss this with the doctor.

How much does hand vein treatment cost?

The first visit, including consultation and ultrasound, is 180,000 KRW. The treatment cost depends on how many veins are treated and is quoted exactly after your ultrasound. See treatment cost in Korea .

Cosmetic vs medical hand veins

Prominent hand veins – frequently asked questions