Spider Veins

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are visible veins at the surface of your skin that often appear on your legs, face, or other areas of your body. They are smaller versions of varicose veins and usually look like red spider-like webs or tree branches. 

While they’re usually harmless, spider veins might make you feel self-conscious or cause aching, itching, or burning pain. Treatment can help you get rid of these unsightly veins.

What are the risk factors for spider veins?

Anybody can develop spider veins, but certain factors increase your risk of experiencing them, including:

• Family history of spider veins
• Being a woman
• Older age
• Pregnancy
• Being overweight or obese
• Sitting or standing for extended periods

If spider veins bother you or cause discomfort, see the Heart Vascular and Leg Center team for an evaluation to discuss your treatment options.

How does my provider diagnose spider veins?

Your provider reviews your medical history and symptoms to diagnose spider or varicose veins and develop a treatment plan. They examine areas of your body containing spider veins and might recommend you undergo an ultrasound to get an in-depth view of the veins.

What are my spider vein treatment options?

After diagnosing spider veins and their severity, the Heart Vascular and Leg Center team might recommend one of the following treatments to eliminate the veins:

Lifestyle changes

Making simple lifestyle changes can prevent spider veins from forming. Examples include maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and not sitting or standing for extended periods.

Sclerotherapy

During sclerotherapy, your doctor injects spider veins with a unique solution that creates scarring and closes off the veins. Blood reroutes to nearby healthy veins, and visible spider veins fade away over time.

Laser treatment

With laser treatment, your doctor uses laser energy to destroy spider veins and eliminate them. It’s a noninvasive treatment without any downtime.

Radiofrequency treatment

Like laser treatment for spider veins, radiofrequency ablation causes spider veins to fade away over time without any pain, surgery, or downtime.

Don’t live with uncomfortable or embarrassing spider veins when Heart Vascular and Leg Center offers noninvasive solutions to eliminate them. Call the office for an appointment or schedule online today.