Updated:
by
Omonuwa Adah, MD, BSN
Medically reviewed by Omonuwa Adah, MD, BSN, on January 5, 2026
Research shows that spider veins are very common, especially as people get older. According to the National Library of Medicine, most adults develop them between the ages of 30 and 50, and nearly 9 out of 10 women and 8 out of 10 men have spider veins. These thin, web-like veins often appear on the legs and can affect confidence, comfort, and clothing choices. While spider veins are typically not dangerous, they may signal underlying circulation changes and often worsen over time without treatment.
In this blog, Dr. Omonuwa Adah, lead vein physician at CVR’s Hamilton, New Jersey, vein clinic, explains how spider veins on the legs can be treated and what you can do to improve their appearance.
If your spider veins are becoming more noticeable or bothersome, a consultation with a vein specialist can help clarify your options. The board-certified experts at CVR offer personalized evaluations to determine the safest and most effective way to reduce or eliminate spider veins.
📅 To schedule an appointment with Dr. Adah in Hamilton, NJ, CLICK HERE.
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Spider veins are small, damaged blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin. They often look red, blue, or purple and may form branching or web-like patterns.
Spider veins differ from varicose veins in several ways:
Although spider veins are typically considered cosmetic, some patients experience discomfort such as burning, itching, or aching in the surrounding areas.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, spider veins can appear anywhere, but they usually form on the legs or face. Several factors can contribute to the development of spider veins, including:
Over time, weakened vein walls allow blood to collect in small surface vessels, making them visible through the skin.
Spider veins may occur on their own, but they can also be linked to underlying vein disease. In some cases, faulty valves in deeper veins increase pressure in surface veins, leading to spider vein formation.
A comprehensive vein evaluation is the best way to determine whether spider veins are isolated or linked to a larger circulation issue. Vein centers often use simple, painless ultrasound imaging to assess vein function and identify the best treatment option. This evaluation can also determine whether treatment will provide symptom relief, preventive benefits, or mainly cosmetic improvement.
If spider veins are bothering you, a personalized treatment plan can help. Get expert guidance from the nation’s largest physician-led vein center and book your consultation at CVR today.
Once spider veins are visible, they rarely disappear without treatment. While lifestyle changes may slow their progression, they typically don’t eliminate existing veins.
Wearing medical-grade compression stockings, staying active, and elevating the legs can help reduce symptoms and support vein health, but these remedies are most effective when combined with professional treatment.
Modern spider vein treatments are minimally invasive and performed in an outpatient setting. The most common and effective options include:
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is considered the gold standard treatment for spider veins on the legs. During this procedure, a specialized solution called a sclerosant is injected directly into the affected veins. The solution causes the vein walls to close, allowing the body to absorb the treated vein over time.
Patients often notice gradual improvement over several weeks, with continued fading in the following months.
Laser Treatments
Laser therapy uses focused light energy to heat and collapse small spider veins. This option is often used for tiny veins or areas where injections may be less suitable.
It’s important to note that this type of surface laser therapy is different from endovenous laser treatments (EVLT), which are used for larger varicose veins beneath the skin.
A board-certified CVR vein specialist will determine whether laser therapy, sclerotherapy, or a combination approach is most appropriate based on your medical history and treatment goals.
Spider vein treatments are generally quick and well-tolerated. Appointments typically last under an hour and require little to no downtime.
After treatment:
Be sure to follow all post-treatment instructions to support optimal cosmetic and medical results.
Here’s the good news: professionally treated spider veins generally don’t return. However, vein treatment does “cure” spider veins, and new spider veins can form, sometimes near areas that have already been treated.
Why? Because circulation changes, hormones fluctuate, or genetics continue to influence vein health.
Strategies for maintaining the cosmetic improvement that comes with these treatments may include:
Ongoing vein care helps preserve results and reduce the risk of future vein formation.
Successful spider vein treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. A vein specialist evaluates both surface and deeper veins to ensure treatment will address the underlying source of the problem.
At CVR, treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s anatomy, symptoms, and goals. This personalized approach improves outcomes and patient satisfaction.
A vein consultation is recommended for patients who have spider veins that:
If any of these signs sound familiar, scheduling a brief and painless consultation with our board-certified CVR experts can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Spider veins may be common, but they don’t have to be permanent or negatively impact your quality of life. Safe, effective treatment options are available to improve the appearance of your legs and support long-term vein health.
If spider veins are bothering you, the specialists at CVR are ready to help. Schedule a consultation today to explore personalized treatment options and take the first step toward smoother, more comfortable legs.
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