Medically reviewed by Michael Cornwell, MD, FACS, on April 30, 2024
Reticular veins are enlarged veins that appear just beneath the skin's surface. Similar to spider veins, they are commonly found on the inner and back of the thighs, lower legs, and ankles. While seemingly harmless, left untreated, reticular veins can pose health risks.
For this blog, we interviewed a Center for Vein Restoration vein doctor to explain these problem veins, including why they develop and the treatment options available to address them.
We spoke to Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein specialist Dr. Michael Cornwell about these small, web-like veins. We asked about the similarities and differences between reticular veins and spider veins, how reticular veins develop, and the treatment options. Dr. Cornwell is the lead physician at CVR’s Horsham, Pennsylvania, and Bensalem, Pennsylvania, vein clinics.
Dr. Michael Cornwell: “Reticular veins are what most people would understand to be spider veins, that is, veins in the skin that have become enlarged. However, reticular veins are spider veins that have become much larger. It's simply a larger vein.
‘Reticular’ also refers to the layer of skin where the veins are situated if you look at them under a microscope. They are a little deeper in the skin, but that's more of a technical aspect.
As vein doctors, we typically view reticular veins as enlarged skin veins that have grown larger over time. Initially, these veins may have appeared as fine, spider web-like strands - which is where the term "spider veins" comes from.
However, as the veins have expanded and thickened, they no longer resemble delicate spider webs but instead look like prominent, substantial veins under the skin. So, in essence, reticular veins are simply the next stage of development from spider veins. They start as small, thread-like vessels but gradually increase in size and visibility. They may have a circular or spherical appearance as they grow.”
Dr. Michael Cornwell: “As that vein gets bigger and gets stretched out, it now carries a risk of bleeding. These are the veins people who sometimes come into the office and say, ‘Wow, this vein just started bleeding on me suddenly, or I bumped something, and they bled.’
And when reticular veins bleed, they bleed a lot.
Dr. Michael Cornwell: “If you're dealing with reticular veins, I encourage you to come in so we can take a closer look and assess the best treatment approach. The good news is that there are effective treatments available.
Our primary treatment is sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a specialized chemical into the affected vein using a tiny needle.
This chemical damages the vein's inner lining, causing it to close up and collapse. This is essentially a "shutdown" or closure procedure that either makes the vein disappear completely or significantly reduces its size.
This is especially important if the reticular vein has been prone to bleeding, as the sclerotherapy treatment helps shut down the blood flow and pressure feeding into that area.
It's important to understand that the venous system is incredibly complex, with hundreds or even thousands of interconnected veins, especially in the skin. When treating a specific reticular vein, the body automatically reroutes blood flow to nearby veins without any adverse effects. The body is remarkably adaptable in accommodating these changes to the vascular network.”
According to Healthline, reticular veins are symptoms of an underlying vascular condition called venous insufficiency, which refers to the improper functioning of the valves within the leg veins.
When functioning normally, these tiny vein valves keep blood flowing efficiently back towards the heart. However, if one has venous insufficiency (also known as vein disease), vein valves become damaged or weakened, allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the veins.
This backflow and pooling of blood can then lead to the development of different types of problem veins, including:
Because reticular veins result from an underlying vascular issue, addressing the root cause of this venous disorder is vital to properly treating and managing them and preventing their worsening over time. The specific treatment approach will depend on the severity of the condition. Treatment for reticular veins typically focuses on improving symptoms and minimizing their appearance.
Here are some common treatment options:
Reticular veins are enlarged veins that appear just beneath the skin's surface, often resembling spider webs. As Dr. Cornwell explained, reticular veins are essentially the next stage of development from spider veins. As the veins expand and thicken over time, they lose their delicate, web-like appearance and become more prominent under the skin.
If you relate to this description, it's essential to seek professional evaluation and treatment by a vein disease expert. Reticular veins can pose health risks if left untreated, and addressing the underlying vascular condition is key to managing them effectively.
The vein experts at Center for Vein Restoration can assess the severity of your reticular veins, recommend appropriate treatment options, and help you develop a plan to improve the appearance and health of your legs. CVR is America's largest physician-led vein center and offers comprehensive treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. With 110+ centers in 22 states and 70+ active physicians, CVR boasts a 98 percent patient satisfaction rating.
Don't hesitate to take the first step towards addressing this common but potentially problematic vein condition! Call CVR today at 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR vein clinic location near you today.
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