Developing in adulthood, spider veins may prevent one from desiring to wear leg baring clothing such as shorts or skirts. Most women who have them are embarrassed because their legs begin to look like “grandma’s”. One option to remedy this problem is to have spider vein treatment.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are a small type of varicose veins, also known as telangiectasias which are stretched out blood vessels that appear on the surface of the skin.
They are called spider veins because the appearance is that of a red or blue web of veins similar to a spider’s web. Usually they appear on the legs of women as they age but sometimes other locations and in men as well.
Varicose veins are caused by loss of elasticity in the blood vessels causing a swollen appearance near the skin surface. Many people are genetically prone to the condition but some develop it as an occupational hazard. Men are not generally as likely to pursue spider vein treatment as women are.
Who Is Most at Risk for Spider Veins?
Spider veins can affect both men and women, but women over 30, especially those who are pregnant, overweight, or stand for long periods, are more likely to develop them.
Hormonal changes from pregnancy, menopause, or birth control pills can weaken vein walls, making them more prone to enlargement.
Genetics also play a major role—if your mother or grandmother had spider veins, your chances of developing them are higher.
People researching how to prevent spider veins or manage early symptoms often find that regular movement, wearing compression stockings, and elevating the legs can help reduce risk.
Spider Vein Treatment Options
There are several treatment options for those who wish to improve the appearance of their legs including:
- Topical Skin Creams
- Laser Treatment
- Sclerosing Therapy
- Surgical Removal
Several topical skin creams are available that claim to be effective spider vein treatments. These creams may contain a variety of ingredients that are reported to strengthen or shrink swollen blood vessel tissue such as Vitamin K, Aloe Vera, Theophylline and Horse Chestnut. Some people experience positive results from the use of topical creams while others see little improvement.
Laser Treatment may be an option for people with spider veins. Laser treatments can be performed at many plastic surgery centers and will use focused light to destroy the veins. Destruction of these small veins will reduce the appearance of the spider vein web without harm to the surrounding tissue. Laser treatment for spiderveins should be performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon as it requires specialized training.
Sclerosing Therapy involves injection of a concentrated saline solution into the affected veins. This method of spidervein treatment will also destroy the small blood vessels with little effect on the rest of the leg though some pain and bruising may be experienced. Sclerosing therapy should only be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon or certified physician.
Surgical Removal is generally reserved for more serious cases of varicose veins where the affected veins are large and swollen. Some types of varicose veins can be extremely painful which causes the need for immediate treatment. Surgical removal of veins should only be performed by a qualified physician as it is an actual surgical procedure. Surgery is an extreme option for removal of irritating or painful veins but it is usually not required for spider vein treatment.
What to Expect After Spider Vein Removal
Recovery after spider vein treatment depends on the method used. Most non-surgical options like laser therapy and sclerotherapy allow patients to return to daily activities almost immediately, though some swelling or bruising may occur for a few days.
Compression garments may be recommended to improve blood flow and enhance results. It’s also important to avoid prolonged sun exposure and strenuous exercise during the healing process.
Many patients see visible improvement in as little as 3 to 6 weeks, though multiple sessions may be required for full results.
Are Spider Vein Treatments Permanent?
While spider vein removal treatments are effective, they do not prevent new veins from forming in the future. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding sitting or standing for too long can help prevent recurrence.
Patients often ask, “Do spider veins come back after treatment?” The answer is: treated veins typically don’t return, but new spider veins may develop over time due to underlying circulation issues or aging. Regular follow-ups and healthy habits are key to long-term leg vein health.