Spider Vein Treatment

Quick answer

Spider veins are the thin red lines and web-like clusters that show up on your legs, feet or face. They are smaller than varicose veins and rarely dangerous, though they can ache or burn after you have been standing a while. Most people treat them for looks. Sclerotherapy injects a solution that closes the vein so it fades over a few weeks. Laser therapy uses light instead, with no needles.

Spider veins are thin red lines or web-like networks of blood vessels that appear on your legs and feet. These veins typically develop on the legs or face and can range from tiny clusters to more prominent networks.

While typically harmless, they can sometimes cause aching, burning, or pain, especially if you’ve been standing for long periods. That’s why we recommend you seek treatment if they cause discomfort or if you are unhappy with their appearance. Treatment options for spider veins include sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and some lifestyle changes, and on average, they cost $300-$3,000.

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Causes and Risk Factors of Spider Veins

One of the main reasons for spider veins is weak or damaged veins. This is because damaged veins fail to push blood efficiently, causing blood to pool and create visible spider veins. It could also happen due to poor blood flow or circulation. When there is inefficient circulation, especially in the leg veins, it leads to pressure buildup in the smaller veins.

Genetics is another cause of spider veins, as a family history of varicose veins or spider veins increases the likelihood of developing these conditions. Furthermore, hormonal changes from pregnancy, menopause, or the use of birth control pills can affect blood vessels and increase the risk of developing spider veins.

Generally, as people age, the vein valves weaken. This causes blood to pool in the veins and contributes to the formation of both varicose veins and spider veins. People who stand or sit for long periods are also at a greater risk of developing spider veins as blood pools in the leg veins, leading to both small varicose veins and spider veins. Moreover, excessive sun exposure can weaken the small blood vessels near the skin’s surface and lead to spider veins, especially on the face.

Typically, people with larger varicose veins are at a higher risk of developing spider veins. Likewise, people with conditions like superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are also at risk of developing spider veins. These conditions may cause blood clots in the legs and increase the likelihood of spider veins. Similarly, obese people are also at risk as excess weight puts added pressure on the leg veins. This disrupts blood flow and leads to both varicose veins and spider veins.

Varicose Veins vs. Spider Veins

Varicose veins are larger, bulging veins that often occur alongside spider veins. They are more likely to cause serious health issues like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or superficial vein thrombosis, leading to blood clots and potential complications like pulmonary embolism. In contrast, spider veins are smaller and rarely pose health risks.

Treating varicose veins may involve more aggressive approaches like endovenous laser therapy, vein surgery, or radiofrequency ablation, while spider veins often require less invasive treatments like sclerotherapy or laser therapy. Varicose veins pose a more serious concern and need invasive procedures. However, since spider veins are mostly seen as a cosmetic issue, less invasive treatments are suitable.

For any vein treatment, a physical exam and a medical history review by a healthcare provider are important to prevent complications and ensure effective treatment. This way, they get to come up with personalized treatment plans for you.

Treatment for Spider Veins

For those concerned about the appearance of spider veins, there are multiple forms of treatment available. One such treatment is Sclerotherapy. This involves the doctor injecting the veins with a chemical solution that scars and closes those veins, causing the blood to reroute through healthier veins. The treated spider veins fade within a few weeks. The same vein may need to be injected more than once, but sclerotherapy is usually effective if done correctly.

A second treatment option is laser surgery, which works by sending strong bursts of light or radiofrequency energy into the vein that make the vein slowly fade and disappear. No incisions or needles are used. The treatment is often less effective than sclerotherapy, particularly for larger veins. Side effects may include redness, bruising, itching, swelling, and permanent skin tone changes. After treatment, blood vessels fade over several months, but they may not disappear completely. Also, new spider veins can develop in the same area.

Another common treatment option is to wear compression stockings. Wearing compression stockings can improve blood flow in leg veins and help prevent the formation of new spider veins. Support stockings reduce pressure on blood vessels, minimizing blood pooling in the legs. This is particularly useful for those who spend long periods standing or sitting.

However, for larger varicose veins, endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) or endovenous laser ablation may be used. For this varicose vein treatment, a laser fiber is inserted into the affected vein, and laser energy closes the vein. This is an effective option for treating both larger varicose veins and some spider veins. The treated leg typically heals within a few weeks, and blood flow is redirected to healthy veins.

Vein surgery is another treatment option for larger varicose veins and spider veins. This involves removing or tying off the affected vein to improve blood flow and prevent blood clots or pulmonary embolism. Surgery is often reserved for severe cases or when other treatments fail.

Furthermore, lifestyle changes including good skin hygiene, weight loss (if needed), and walking can help treat varicose veins and spider veins. Wearing properly-fitting support stockings may also help, especially when the veins cause painful or uncomfortable symptoms.

Want To Get Spider Vein Treatment?

Spider veins, though primarily a cosmetic issue, can also indicate underlying circulation problems. If left untreated, they may lead to discomfort and potential complications such as blood clots. Fortunately, there are several effective treatment options available, including compression stockings, sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and endovenous laser therapy (EVLT). These treatments improve blood flow, reduce visible veins, and prevent the formation of new spider veins. Early intervention is key to avoiding future issues.

If you’re considering getting spider vein treatment, CACVI offers advanced minimally invasive procedures to help you regain your healthy and attractive legs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and explore the best treatment options for you.

What our patients say

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Michael Prae

A little blonde Russian woman named Natasha asked me to post about her renal procedure. It was done by Dr. Khorsandi at CACVI. They took absolutely amazing care of her and went above and beyond to treat her terribly high blood pressure. They lasered her renal artery. After the procedure it wouldn’t stop bleeding so they ended up staying w her at the center until 9pm. That’s when they finally had to call the ambulance to move her to E.R. All of the staff were incredibly professional and their care was second to none. Dr. Lala promised her that her high blood pressure would go away. It has and now she’s throwing out all her old med’s just like Lala promised. This group of Doctors is like no other. If you have any of these cardiac issues then you’ve found your saving grace. No need to look any further. They were incredibly patient and helpful in every medical way possible. Natasha has found a new way of living. Without her terrible pounding migraines she had on a daily basis. 5 stars all the way. They deserve all the praise possible. They provided a miracle. Thank you Dr’s Lala & Khorsandi.

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Nick Derian

On behalf of my father, a patient of CACVI, I wanted to acknowledge and praise the entire team of this organization for its outstanding surgical expertise and knowledgeable/warm supporting staff. We had gone through countless recommendations that all claimed there was only one last option for treatment, amputation. That news is devastating for anyone to hear, and resulted in my father having little faith that the quality of his life would ever be the same... All that changed the moment we had our first interaction with this organization. The care, knowledge, and most importantly hope that there was still options if we acted fast was single moment that turned this entire nightmare around. Thank you CACVI for being the single most important piece to solving my father's health crisis. Dont think twice, make the appointment and atleast go meet and see them-- for us it was the moment that changed the trajectory of our situation forever for the better.

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Matt Golad

I’m 41 years old, and I have something called May-Thurner’s Syndrome. However, it wasn’t until I saw Dr. Vasim Lala a couple years ago that I was diagnosed with it. May-Thurner’s syndrome is when the main veins that split off into your legs is compressed by the main arteries that split off into your legs. The result is that the blood that should be coming back up through the leg veins pools at your ankles. My whole life until I was diagnosed, I was lethargic. My legs felt heavy. I started to develop purple bruising around my ankles in my twenties. I started to get varicose veins on my calves. I thought this was normal. I was living on “hard mode” and didn’t know it. If I was on my feet for extended periods of time, my legs would swell a lot. I thought maybe I need to lose some weight. When I started teaching a few years ago, I would be on my feet 6-8 hours a day. One day, I got home, and my left leg was so swollen my wife was concerned I had a blood clot. I went to the emergency room, and thankfully it was just superficial. I temporarily went on blood thinners and was recommended to see Dr. Lala. He changed my life. I’d shown my purpling ankles to GP’s. They’d seen my varicose veins. But none if them put all the signs together until I saw Dr. Lala. He diagnosed me with May-Thurner’s syndrome and recommend we put stents in my veins to prevent them from being compressed by the arteries. So we did the surgeries. Out patient procedures. My legs stopped swelling a lot. I started wearing compression socks. I had to be on blood thinners for a year, but eventually I was able to stop taking them which was great. But I still had varicose veins in my legs because they had widened from the blood pooling in them for years. I’ve had two ablations per leg since them, which closes the affected veins, and I’ve got a new lease on life. My legs feel lighter. They don’t swell nearly as much. The varicose veins have disappeared. Now, I’m lighter on my feet. I’m not lethargic. There’s a pep in my step. I have one more ablation each being scheduled. I’m thankful for Dr. Lala and his incredible team at CACVI for their diagnosis and treatment. It truly changed my life.

4 months ago Tarzana Read on Google

PAK SHIP ALL

On August 27, 2025, I had my leg Angio done with Dr. K. who is best of the best. Amazing Doctor and extremely knowledgeable. The nurse who helped me, JULIAN she has a very kind heart. She has a lot of knowledge and made me feel extremely relaxed. She went above and beyond her responsibilities. It seems God made her to be kind and caring for all the patients. I salute her and look forward to having same nurse for procedure in my other leg. I came home with a big Smile. Thank you Thank you Thank you

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Ready to Find Out What is Causing Your Vein Symptoms?

A venography remains one of the most effective ways to diagnose deep vein thrombosis, detect blood flow problems, and uncover other abnormalities that may not appear on routine tests. Still, this procedure may not be suitable for everyone, especially people who have kidney failure and other severe conditions. That is why it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking this test.

If you suspect you have any type of vein problem and want to know the cause, CACVI is here to help. Backed by more than 30 years of experience, our medical team is in the best position to accurately diagnose your condition and guide you toward the right treatment. Schedule a free consultation today.

FAQs

Our expert medical team gathered the most common questions patients ask about venograms so you can understand exactly what to expect. If you don’t see your question here or want a more detailed explanation, you are welcome to book a free consultation to get personalized guidance for your situation.

What Are the Risks and Safety Considerations of Peripheral Venography?

Even though a peripheral venography is generally safe, there is a small risk of allergic reactions to the contrast dye. Some people may experience bruising, vein irritation, or mild discomfort at the injection site. In rare cases, kidney issues can also occur, especially in patients with existing kidney diseases.

How is Recovery After Peripheral Venography?

Recovery is usually quick, and most people can resume their normal activities shortly after the test. You may experience some mild soreness or bruising at the injection site but this typically goes away in a few days. It also helps to drink plenty of water because it helps your body flush out the contrast dye.

Why Would Someone Need a Venogram?

A venogram is ordered when doctors need a clearer view of your veins. It may also be used before surgeries or to guide treatments like thrombectomy. Essentially, it gives a detailed map of your veins to support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Is a Venogram Painful?

Most people describe the procedure as mildly uncomfortable but not painful. You might feel brief pressure during the IV insertion and a warm sensation as the contrast dye moves through your vein. These feelings are temporary and pass quickly. The rest of the procedure is generally well-tolerated.

Are You Sedated for a Venogram?

Because the procedure is a quick and minimally invasive one, sedation is not necessary. However, your provider may use a local anesthetic to numb the injection area. Sedation is only used in special cases or if a patient has significant anxiety.

Is a Venogram a CT Scan?

No, a venogram is not a CT scan. It is an X-ray procedure that uses contrast dye to visualize your veins in real time. However, a CT venogram is a different type of test that uses CT imaging with contrast to assess veins in certain areas of the body.

Dr. Moinakhtar Lala and Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi of CACVI

Dr. M Lala, Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi and Dr. V Lala

Meet Your Specialists

The Center for Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Interventions (CACVI) is led by Dr. M Lala, Dr. Khorsandi, and Dr. V Lala, who have over thirty years of practice with over 15,000 vascular and cardiac procedures performed. Our physicians are determined to provide each patient with experienced, compassionate care as they work diligently to improve your health.