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Spider Veins

3 min read·Last updated: 2026-01-29·Reviewed by Dr. Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD, FACMS

At a Glance

Spider veins are small, damaged blood vessels visible just beneath the skin's surface. They appear as thin red, blue, or purple lines, often forming web-like or branching patterns that give them their name. Spider veins can develop on the legs, face, and other body areas. Unlike varicose veins, which are raised and bulging, spider veins are flat and closer to the skin surface. They form when small blood vessels weaken and dilate, becoming visible through the skin. While typically harmless and primarily a cosmetic concern, spider veins on the legs may occasionally indicate underlying venous insufficiency requiring evaluation.

  • Spider veins form when small blood vessels weaken and expand, becoming visible under the skin[1]
  • Sclerotherapy causes treated spider veins to go away in approximately 3-6 weeks[1]
  • Laser therapy is typically preferred for facial spider veins, while sclerotherapy works well for leg spider veins[1]
  • Spider veins are flat and near the skin surface, unlike raised, bulging varicose veins[2]

What are the symptoms of Spider Veins?

  • Thin red, blue, or purple visible lines
  • Web-like or branching patterns under skin
  • Flat appearance (not raised like varicose veins)
  • Usually painless
  • May cluster in specific areas
  • Occasionally accompanied by mild aching in legs
  • Can appear on legs, face, chest, or other areas

When should you seek care for Spider Veins?

  • Cosmetic concerns about appearance
  • Spider veins accompanied by leg pain or heaviness
  • Swelling in the legs along with spider veins
  • Skin changes near spider veins
  • Desire for treatment options
  • Concern about underlying venous insufficiency

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What causes Spider Veins?

  • Weakening of blood vessel walls
  • Valve dysfunction in leg veins
  • Sun damage (facial spider veins)
  • Hormonal changes
  • Pregnancy
  • Prolonged standing or sitting
  • Obesity
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Aging
  • Previous trauma or injury

How are Spider Veins treated?

We offer a service to help manage this condition: Laser Treatment.

Prognosis

  • Spider veins are typically benign
  • Sclerotherapy success rates are high (60-80% improvement)
  • Treated veins usually go away in 3-6 weeks
  • Multiple sessions often needed for best results
  • New spider veins may develop over time
  • Underlying venous issues may require additional treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

What are spider veins?
Spider veins are small, visible blood vessels beneath the skin that appear as thin red, blue, or purple lines, often in web-like patterns. They form when tiny blood vessels weaken and dilate. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are flat and closer to the skin surface. They're usually harmless and primarily cosmetic.
What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?
Spider veins are smaller, flat, and closer to the skin surface, appearing as thin colored lines. Varicose veins are larger, raised, bulging, and often cause symptoms like aching or heaviness. Both involve weakened blood vessels, but varicose veins indicate more significant valve dysfunction.
When should I see a doctor about spider veins?
See a doctor if spider veins bother you cosmetically, if you have leg pain, heaviness, or swelling along with spider veins, if skin changes occur near the veins, or if you want to discuss treatment options. Leg symptoms may indicate underlying venous insufficiency requiring evaluation.
How are spider veins treated?
Sclerotherapy is the main treatment for leg spider veins–a solution is injected to close the vein. Laser therapy is preferred for facial spider veins. Treated veins typically fade within 3-6 weeks. Multiple sessions may be needed for best results. Compression stockings can provide supportive care.
Can spider veins be prevented?
While not all spider veins can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, wearing compression stockings if at risk, protecting skin from sun damage, and elevating legs when resting.
Is spider vein treatment permanent?
Treatment closes the existing spider veins, which typically don't return. However, new spider veins can develop over time, especially if risk factors like prolonged standing or hormonal changes continue. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps reduce the chance of new veins forming.

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Sources & References

This article draws from 3 peer-reviewed sources.

Medical Institutions

Medically reviewed by Dr. Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Last reviewed: 2026-02-20