Spider Vein Treatment and Removal

Spider veins are small red, blue or purple veins near the skin’s surface, often on the legs or face. Spider vein treatment and removal options include sclerotherapy for many leg veins and laser treatment for tiny veins on the face or legs. The best fit depends on the veins you want treated.

What Do Spider Veins Look Like?

Spider veins can form fine lines, starbursts or branching, web-like patterns. They may appear on the inner thighs, calves and ankles, as well as the face and other areas.

• Spider veins are small, usually less than 1 mm across, close to the skin’s surface and typically painless.
• Varicose veins are larger, raised or twisted veins that may cause discomfort or swelling.

Spider veins are commonly treated for appearance, while symptoms and underlying vein disease can also influence treatment decisions for varicose veins.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to the development of spider veins, including:

• Genetics: Family history plays a significant role.
• Age: Vein elasticity decreases over time.
• Gender: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or hormonal treatments increase the risk.
• Pregnancy: Increased blood volume and pressure strain veins.
• Lifestyle: Long periods of standing or sitting can weaken vein walls.
• Obesity: Extra weight puts pressure on veins.
• Injury or trauma: Can damage vein structures.

Can Spider Veins Be Prevented?

Spider veins cannot always be prevented. Family history, age and hormonal changes can contribute to their development. It helps if you can stay active, maintain a healthy weight, take breaks from long periods of standing or sitting, and protect your skin from the sun. Compression stockings may help circulation and leg symptoms when appropriate, but these measures do not guarantee that new spider veins will not appear.

Diagnosis of Spider Veins

Spider veins can usually be recognized by their appearance. Visible spider veins alone do not always require an ultrasound. If you also have leg swelling, heaviness, discomfort or larger veins, we can examine your legs to see whether venous insufficiency or another vein problem is present. Ultrasound may be useful when the examination and symptoms suggest an underlying blood-flow problem.

Spider Vein Treatment Options

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is used for many leg spider veins and reticular veins. We inject a solution into the selected vein to close it, allowing it to fade over time. Read more about what to expect before, during and after sclerotherapy.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment uses light through the skin to treat some tiny visible vessels on the face or legs. Which treatment fits best depends on the size, location and other features of your veins.

Can Spider Veins be Removed Permanently?

Treated spider veins may fade, but new spider veins can develop. Family history, hormonal changes and underlying vein problems can affect whether more veins appear. Some people choose repeat treatment. Learn more about why spider veins come back after treatment.

Cost and Insurance

Spider vein treatment performed only to improve appearance is generally not covered by insurance. Coverage for treatment associated with an underlying vein condition depends on the treatment and your plan’s requirements. Read more about insurance for vein treatment.

Scheduling Spider Vein Removal

To discuss spider vein treatment, call our office or use our appointment request form to arrange a consultation.