They bother millions of women: spider veins — those small yet unsightly clusters of red, blue or purple veins that most commonly appear on the thighs, calves and ankles. In fact, it’s estimated that at least half of the adult female population is plagued with this common cosmetic problem. Spider veins, known in the medical world as telangiectasias, aren’t nearly as common in men. And some men who do have spider veins often don’t consider them to be a cosmetic problem because the veins are usually concealed by hair growth on the leg. However, Vein Treatments and Therapy are just as effective for women and men who seek treatment.

Spider veins usually take on one of three basic patterns. They may appear in a true spider shape with a group of veins radiating outward from a dark central point. They may be arborizing and will resemble tiny branch-like shapes. Or they may be linear and appear as thin separate lines. Linear spider veins are commonly seen on the inner knee, whereas the arborizing pattern often appears on the outer thigh in a sunburst or cartwheel distribution.

Varicose veins differ from spider veins in a number of ways. Varicose veins are larger — usually more than a quarter-inch in diameter — darker in color and tend to bulge. Varicose veins are also more likely to cause pain and be related to more serious vein disorders. Surgical treatment is often necessary for this condition.

A number of factors contribute to the development of darkened veins, including heredity, pregnancy and other events that cause hormonal shifts, weight gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and the use of certain medications.

Today, removal of spider and varicose veins can be accomplished safely with our medical lasers, which target individual veins for precise results.