Spider Veins Treatment

Quick Summary

Spider veins are small, visible veins that may appear red, blue, or purple on the skin. They are usually harmless but can cause itching, burning, or discomfort. Genetics, hormonal changes, aging, sun exposure, weight changes, and prolonged sitting or standing may contribute to their development. Treatment options include sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and ambulatory phlebectomy, depending on the size and location of the veins. Healthy habits may also support better circulation. NG Vascular & Vein Center offers personalized evaluation and minimally invasive spider vein treatments.

Spider veins are small, visible veins that can appear on the legs, face, and other areas of the body. While they are usually harmless, they can cause itching, burning, or discomfort and may affect your confidence. Spider veins treatment can improve their appearance and address symptoms when needed. At NG Vascular & Vein Center, our specialists evaluate your veins and recommend minimally invasive treatment options based on your condition, including sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and ambulatory phlebectomy.

What Are Spider Veins

Unlike varicose veins that rise above the surface of the skin, spider veins are smaller, surface level and sometimes red, blue or purple in color. They can appear on the legs, face or other parts of the body. They often form in web-like or branching patterns and are usually harmless. However, spider veins can sometimes cause symptoms or point to an underlying vein problem.

Like varicose veins, spider veins are caused by venous insufficiency, a condition where valves in the veins become faulty and allow blood to “pool” in the veins. They can be the result of genetics (family history), hormonal changes, sun exposure, weight gain or prolonged standing or sitting.

Other factors may also increase the likelihood of developing spider veins. These include aging, pregnancy, and changes in hormone levels. A family history of spider veins or other vein conditions can also increase your risk.

If spider veins are accompanied by significant swelling, pain, skin changes, or other unusual symptoms, a vein evaluation can help determine if an underlying venous condition is contributing to the problem.

Sclerotherapy

In most cases, spider veins can be treated with sclerotherapy. This involves the injection of a special medicine (a sclerosant) that causes the vein walls to swell and stick together, cutting off blood flow through the veins. The treated vein will then become absorbed by the body and disappear.

Laser Therapy

Using focused light energy, laser therapy heats and damages the spider veins, which causes them to collapse. Eventually, the veins are absorbed by the body and disappear. Blood is naturally re-routed through other, healthy veins in the body.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

During this procedure, the doctor makes tiny “punctures” in the skin and removes the spider veins with a special device. This approach is typically reserved for larger spider veins.

Your vein specialist can recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the size, location, appearance, and underlying cause of your spider veins. In some cases, more than one treatment may be recommended.

Preventing Spider Veins

There is no guaranteed way to prevent spider veins, especially when genetics or hormonal changes play a role. However, healthy habits may help promote better circulation and reduce factors that can contribute to vein problems.

Stay physically active and take regular walking breaks.
Avoid sitting or standing in one position for long periods.
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your veins.
Elevate your legs when resting if your legs feel tired or heavy.
Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure, especially when treating facial spider veins.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations if you have an underlying vein condition.

Spider vein treatment at NG Vascular & Vein Center

Our doctors are the region’s leading experts in varicose and spider vein treatment. We begin with a proper diagnosis of your condition, then take the time to explain your treatment options and what you can expect. Some spider vein treatments are covered by insurance, but sclerotherapy is not. However, you will find the cost of this procedure to be very reasonable and results are excellent.

If you are concerned about the appearance of spider veins or are experiencing symptoms, a consultation can help determine the right treatment approach.

To learn more about minimally invasive treatments at NG Vascular & Vein Center, please contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spider Veins

In most cases, no. Spider veins are usually harmless and are mostly a cosmetic concern. Some people do notice mild itching, burning, or aching around them. Sometimes they’re a sign of an underlying vein problem like venous insufficiency, so it’s a good idea to have them checked if they come with leg heaviness, swelling, or pain.

Spider veins form when small valves inside the veins stop working the way they should, which lets blood pool instead of flowing back toward the heart. Genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, aging, sun exposure, weight gain, and long periods of sitting or standing can all play a role.

Spider veins usually don’t disappear on their own. Some that show up during pregnancy may fade after delivery, but most stay the same or slowly increase over time. Healthy habits can help support circulation, but treatment is the most reliable way to clear them.

Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment. A medication is injected into the vein, which causes it to close and slowly fade as the body absorbs it. It’s quick, done in the office, and most people get back to their normal routine right away. Laser therapy or ambulatory phlebectomy may be recommended depending on the size and location of the veins.