What are spider veins and how can you get rid of them?

If you’ve noticed thin, delicate, branching veins on your skin in shades of red, blue or purple, you’ve probably wondered what they are and why they look different from the rest of your veins. You’ll see that they appear in a pattern similar to a spider’s web (hence the name spider veins, sometimes also known as thread veins).

If you’ve ever found yourself asking “what are spider veins?” or even “Am I having spider veins?”, then this article is for you. We’ll explain everything you need to know about them: what they are, why they appear, whether they’re dangerous or not, and—most importantly—how to get rid of spider veins with modern, effective treatments.

Table of contents

What are spider veins?

Spider veins or thread veins (telangiectasias), are small, dilated blood vessels that are visible on the surface of the skin. They occur when capillaries weaken or become damaged, allowing blood to pool inside them. Over time, they widen and become visible beneath the skin in the form of those fine, branching lines.

You can have thread veins on your legs or on your face, but they may also appear on other areas of the body.

  • Spider veins on the legs – This is where they most commonly develop. Gravity and increased pressure on the veins contribute to their formation. They typically appear on the thighs, behind the knees, or around the ankles.
  • Spider veins on the face – Here, the skin is thinner and more frequently exposed to the sun. You may notice these tiny veins particularly on the cheeks, nose, or chin.

Do thread veins hurt?

A common question is whether these veins cause pain. The answer is that, in most cases, they don’t.

Thread veins are generally superficial and do not produce symptoms. However, if the appearance of spider veins is accompanied by pain, a feeling of heaviness or burning, this may indicate the presence of another condition such as varicose veins. In such cases, it’s very important to see a specialist in varicose and thread veins.

what are spider veins What causes spider veins?

Thread veins have a strong genetic component. If your parents or grandparents had them, your chances of developing them are significantly higher. The same applies if there are people in your family with varicose veins.

Veins in the legs contain one-way valves that keep blood moving upwards towards the heart, against gravity. If these valves become weak or damaged, blood can pool in the veins (a phenomenon known as venous stasis). The increased pressure causes the small capillaries to dilate, leading to the appearance of thread veins.

Are spider veins dangerous or just cosmetic?

In most cases, thread veins are considered a cosmetic issue rather than a serious medical problem. They are superficial and do not significantly affect circulation. However, sometimes they can be a sign of a more serious circulatory problem, such as varicose veins. If you have thread veins accompanied by:

  • A feeling of heaviness, fatigue or burning in the legs
  • Swelling of the legs or ankles
  • Night-time cramps
  • Visible varicose veins (large, prominent, swollen veins)

then it’s advisable to see a phlebologist or vascular surgeon for a full evaluation.

Even if, in your case, it’s purely a cosmetic issue, don’t underestimate the psychological impact. Some people are not bothered by the appearance of thread veins, while others experience lower self-esteem and become very self-conscious about them (especially in summer, when shorter clothing makes them more visible). If this sounds familiar, the good news is that there are modern and minimally invasive treatments that can help you get rid of them.

Spider vein removal – Effective treatments

Let’s now look at how spider veins can be treated. The most popular methods are:

Microsclerotherapy

This is the standard treatment for thread veins. Using a very fine needle, a doctor injects a special solution into the vein. This irritates the vein wall, causing it to close. The body then gradually absorbs it.

  • It is performed in the clinic without anesthesia
  • It is quick and effective
  • Results become visible within a few weeks

Laser therapy (laser spider vein removal)

If you’re not a fan of needles, laser therapy is your alternative. A laser beam is directed at the vein, and the heat produced causes the blood inside to coagulate, closing the vessel.

  • It is a non-invasive, needle-free method
  • Particularly suitable for fine veins on the face
  • Requires several sessions for optimal results

The choice of treatment method depends on the location and type of veins and is made together with your doctor.

Spider veins before and after – Real results

Pictures speak louder than words. Below, you can see before and after spider vein treatment images performed by Dr. Omar. Visible veins on the thighs, ankles, or behind the knees disappear completely after treatment, leaving the skin smooth and even, as if the thread veins had never existed.

what are spider veins

spider veins on legs before and after treatment
How to prevent spider veins from returning

Once treated, the eliminated veins do not come back. However, there’s no guaranteed way to prevent new ones from appearing, especially if there’s a genetic predisposition. Still, adopting a healthy lifestyle is highly recommended, not only to reduce the risk of developing thread veins, but also for your overall well-being.

  • Get regular exercise (walking, running, swimming)
  • Stay well hydrated
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Follow a balanced, fibre-rich diet.

Why choose Dr. Omar – The Veins Doctor

We all want the best when it comes to our health. Dr. Omar treats his patients with this in mind: to solve the problem and to reassure them that they’re in safe hands.

Dr. Omar – The Veins Doctor is a phlebologist and vascular surgeon with over 18 years of experience. He is one of the first surgeons in the world to treat varicose veins using High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) – SONOVEIN S, the most advanced method worldwide for varicose vein treatment.

He is:

  • A specialist in General Ultrasonography
  • A member of The International Union of Phlebology (IUP)
  • A member of The European Venous Forum (EVF)
  • A Fellow of The American College of Phlebology (FACPh)

Together with The Whiteley Clinic team, he received the award for “Best Varicose Veins Treatment – UK 2020” from Global Health & Pharma Magazine.

Patients call him “The Veins Doctor”. Discover in the testimonials below why:

  1. Dr Omar is a lovely and very professional doctor. He takes the time to explain everything and doesn’t mind being asked as many questions as required.
  2. I cannot recommend Dr Omar enough. He instantly made me feel at ease and kept me informed throughout.
  3. Very friendly and kind. Excellent explanations of my condition. Thank you.

Book your spider vein consultation in London

If you’re ready to say “Goodbye!” to thread veins, we invite you to book a consultation with Dr. Omar in London.

No investment is too great when it comes to your health and wellbeing. Take the step towards beautiful skin and full confidence in yourself. Contact us today and book your consultation with The Veins Doctor.

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