Specialties & Procedures: Spider Veins
Also known as telangiectasias

Spider veins, also called telangiectasias, are tiny visible vessels within the skin. They develop most commonly on the face and legs. Varicose veins are distended veins beneath the skin. They may appear as bluish bumps and often cause discomfort.

Those with unsightly varicose veins and aching pain often choose to have surgery to remove their varicose veins. Because varicose veins are no longer functional, their presence is not missed. Ask your general surgeon about varicose vein treatment. If you have both varicose and spider veins, your varicose veins must be treated first. Treating spider veins first is generally futile because, in the presence of varicose veins, they are bound to return soon.

During laser treatment, the laser is applied to the skin over your spider veins. Laser energy causes your spider veins to coagulate and shrink. Laser therapy is most effective for small and medium size spider veins. Large spider veins respond poorly and are best treated with sclerotherapy. Treatments are associated with mild discomfort, not unlike a small rubber band snapping against skin.