Cosmetic Dermatology and Hair Care

The increasing demand for cosmetic facial rejuvenation with minimal risk and no downtime has led a surge in minimally invasive procedures. However, injection of both neuromodulators and fillers may result in bruising even in experienced injectors. The AccuVein bruise prevention device (AccuVein Inc., Huntington, NY) helps minimize bruising following injectable treatments by visualizing veins that otherwise cannot be seen by the naked eye. The hand-held 9.7 ounce vein illuminator projects a steady and safe infrared beam onto the skin. The light is absorbed by hemoglobin and reflected by surrounding tissue. The competing VeinViewer (Christie Medical Holdings, Inc., Memphis, TN) appears to represent a feasible alternative for minimally invasive facial rejuvenation, while the Veinlite vein finder (Translite LLC, Sugarland, TX) is more suitable for venipuncture mostly due to its smaller area of illumination. The Site-Rite Prevue Ultrasound System (C. R. Bard Inc., Murray Hill, NJ) is also more suitable for peripheral venous access.  We use the AccuVein device mostly for neuromodulator treatment in the lateral canthal region and for filler injection in the tear trough, nasolabial folds and lips. In summary, both Accuvein and VeinViewer appear to be useful accessories for cosmetic facial injections. In conclusion, vein illumination will likely become a new standard of care for minimally invasive rejuvenation.