Spider veins are known in the medical world as telangiectasias. They are small, thin veins that are visible near the surface of the skin. These small veins are connected with the larger venous system but are not an essential part of it.

Several factors contribute to the development of spider veins. These include pregnancy and heredity as well as weight gain, standing occupations and the use of some medications.

Spider veins are different from varicose veins in several ways. Varicose veins are larger - usually more than a quarter-inch in diameter and tend to bulge. Varicose veins are more likely to cause pain and can be related to more serious vein disorders.

We treat varicose veins using the Closure Procedure, a short outpatient procedure which is usually performed in the physician’s office. Spider veins are often treated with an injection of an agent that causes the vein to collapse. This procedure is called Sclerotherapy, which is performed in many of our VeinMed Centers. Sclerotherapy can improve your appearance as well as your self confidence. However it often takes two or more treatments to achieve the desired cosmetic result. It is important to remember that this procedure only treats veins that are visable. It does not treat veins that are not yet visable, nor does it treat the underlying venous condition that causes new spider veins to appear.