Spider (Varicose) Veins

Joseph M Caruso, MD, FACS

Board Certified Vascular Surgeon located in Arlington, TX

Spider Veins Q & A

What are spider veins?

Spider veins, which are sometimes referred to generally as varicose veins, are raised blood vessels that are visible underneath the skin.

While varicose veins are usually larger, spider veins are smaller and tend to twist and turn. They can appear as blue, purple, or red, and they are often visible on the legs or the face.

What causes spider veins?

Numerous factors can cause spider veins. You may be more likely to develop them if you have a family history of the condition, if you are obese, or if you have taken birth control pills.

Other causes of spider veins may include occupations that require a lot of standing, hormonal changes, a history of blood clots, or certain medical conditions.

How are spider veins treated?

The traditional method for treating spider veins is sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive and non-surgical procedure that involves injecting a medication into the affected veins. The injection works to shrink spider veins, causing them to disappear over time.

Other treatments may include intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy or various laser procedures. These are noninvasive procedures that typically entail little or no downtime.

You will work with Dr. Caruso to choose the treatment that is best for you and your goals. Generally, the procedure you choose can be completed during a short office visit. You can also expect to return to your normal activities right away.

What are the benefits of spider vein treatment?

Spider veins can develop into larger, varicose veins if left untreated. If this happens, it could increase your risk of developing blood clots. Early intervention with spider veins can help you avoid medical complications and preserve your skin’s appearance.

With spider vein treatment, you not only address the existing problem veins, but you may be able to prevent new ones from forming. You don’t need an extended recovery period, and you don’t have to worry about invasive surgery.

If you’d like to learn more about how to treat your spider veins, book a consultation using the online scheduling system. You can also schedule by calling the office and speaking with a member of the team.