Spider Veins

Spider veins can develop for a number of reasons, but the primary causes appear to be heredity and hormonal shifts. They can occur in both men and women of any age, but are typically not a serious health problem. Age and lifestyle can also play a role in the development of spider veins.

Spider veins are capillary veins which are easily visible through the skin, and generally appear as tiny webs of red, blue, or purple lines. Spider veins can become quite noticeable when they accumulate in sufficient number. Because of their small size and superficial location, spider veins rarely account for any symptoms in the legs. Although they are rarely a medical issue, many of our patients seek to get rid of their spider veins to enhance the aesthetic appearance of their legs.

At Arteries & Veins clinics, we evaluate and treat spider veins in the legs, hands and face. We find that sclerotherapy, which involves introducing special medications into the veins using a tiny needle, offers the best results with the least discomfort. Over the years, there has been an evolution in the techniques and medications used for treating these tiny vessels. While saline solution was used many years ago, it was uncomfortable for patients and carried unnecessary risks. Newer FDA approved agents, such as Polidocanol (Asclera), are much safer, much less painful, and give better clinical results. We also use a specialized glycerin compound for the smallest of vessels, and we find this gives excellent results.