Spider veins often catch people by surprise. They can appear gradually, sometimes without discomfort, and suddenly they’re all you see when you look at your legs or certain areas of your face.
They’re very common and usually harmless, but for many people, spider veins can be frustrating or distracting. Wanting to improve their appearance is a reasonable and personal choice.
Visible blood vessels near skin surface
Legs, thighs, ankles, feet, face
Clearer, more even-looking skin
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are small, visible blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin. They appear as fine red or blue lines or a web-like network of blood vessels.
They’re considered a mild form of varicose veins, though they’re typically smaller and closer to the skin’s surface. Spider veins are different from varicose veins, which are larger, raised, and may cause discomfort or swelling.
Common locations include:
Spider veins often look red, blue, or purple and may form branching or web-like patterns that spread across the skin.
Why Spider Veins Develop
Spider veins develop when small veins weaken or become damaged over time. Blood can pool in these weakened vessels, making them visible through the skin.
Common contributing factors include:
Heredity — Genetics play a significant role. If family members have spider veins, you’re more likely to develop them.
Pregnancy — Increased blood volume and hormonal changes during pregnancy can contribute to spider vein formation.
Prolonged standing or sitting — Long periods of standing or sitting can put pressure on leg veins over time.
Excessive weight gain — Extra weight increases pressure on the veins in the legs.
Aging — Veins naturally weaken with age.
Hormonal changes — Fluctuations in hormones can affect vein walls.
Sun exposure — Can contribute to spider veins on the face by damaging blood vessels near the skin’s surface.
What doesn’t cause spider veins: Contrary to common belief, spider veins are not caused by wearing certain types of shoes or crossing your legs.
Do Spider Veins Need Treatment?
Most spider veins don’t need to be treated from a medical standpoint. They’re typically a cosmetic concern rather than a health issue.
Medical treatment may be recommended if spider veins result in:
Cosmetic treatment is appropriate when:
Wanting to remove spider veins for cosmetic reasons is a valid choice and the most common reason patients seek treatment.
How Spider Veins Can Affect Appearance
While spider veins are not typically a medical concern, they can affect how people feel about their skin.
Patients often say they:
For facial spider veins, concerns may overlap with overall skin tone and texture issues, which can sometimes be addressed alongside other skin treatments.
These feelings are very common and understandable.
What to Expect During a Consultation
Every patient has different needs. One treatment may be more appropriate than another, so a personal consultation is recommended to discuss your expectations and concerns, then determine a treatment plan.
During your visit, your provider will:
You’ll have time to ask questions and make informed decisions.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Spider vein treatments can significantly reduce visibility, but they don’t prevent new veins from forming in the future.
Results vary depending on factors like:
Maintenance treatments may be recommended over time as new spider veins can develop.
The goal is clearer-looking skin, not perfection.
Several treatments can reduce the appearance of spider veins. A consultation allows your provider to determine which option is most appropriate based on the location and severity of the veins.
Sclerotherapy is a common and effective treatment for spider veins, especially on the legs, ankles, and feet.
How it works: A solution is injected directly into each affected vein. This FDA-approved solution (Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate) causes the vein to collapse and gradually fade from view. The body then naturally absorbs the treated veins over time.
What to expect:
Multiple treatment sessions may be needed depending on the number and extent of spider veins.
BBL (BroadBand Light) can effectively treat spider veins, particularly on the face and smaller veins on the legs.
How it works: Light energy targets the hemoglobin in blood vessels, causing them to coagulate and gradually fade. The body naturally absorbs the treated vessels over time.
Best for:
Excellent results can be achieved, especially for fine, surface-level veins. Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal clearance.
Lasers provide a non-invasive treatment option for spider veins on the legs, ankles, and face.
How it works: Laser therapy targets the blood vessel with focused energy, causing the vein to collapse while preserving the surrounding skin. The body gradually absorbs the treated vessel.
Best for:
Excellent results can be achieved with laser treatment, particularly for fine, surface-level veins.
For some patients, the best results come from combining treatment methods.
Your provider may recommend:
The treatment plan is customized based on:
A consultation helps determine which approach — or combination — is right for you.
Text: If spider veins are something you’ve been thinking about treating, a consultation can help you understand your options. At Lazaderm, consultations focus on education, safety, and helping you feel comfortable moving forward.
