Spider Vein Treatment: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Raghuveer Boddireddy, MD, Interventional Radiology. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Spider Vein Treatment?
A dermatologist, a skin doctor, often treats spider veins. An interventional radiologist, a doctor who uses imaging to guide treatment, may also treat them. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Spider veins often look like webs. Spider veins are damaged veins. They develop when tiny, one-way valves inside the veins weaken.
If blood relatives have them, you have a higher risk. Many people get them because they sit or stand for long periods most days of the week. These veins also become more common with age and during pregnancy. Spider veins can also be caused by sunlight, hormonal changes, or an injury.
Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for leg veins. Lasers are another option.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Sclerotherapy is used to improve the look of spider veins. It is also used to relieve some symptoms of spider veins, including aching, burning, swelling and night cramps.
How to prepare
Your dermatologist will look closely at your leg veins and ask about your medical history. A Doppler ultrasound shows the blood flow in your leg veins.
Before sclerotherapy, you can do the following.
- Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including herbal supplements.
- Tell your doctor if there is a possibility you are pregnant.
- Do not put lotion on your legs before or after sclerotherapy.
Your doctor may tell you to stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medicines called NSAIDs, or blood thinners before the procedure.
What happens during it
During sclerotherapy, a sclerosing solution is injected into the affected veins. The injection irritates the inside of the vein. Over time, the vein will collapse and fade from view. If you have multiple spider veins, the treatment will require multiple injections to collapse all the veins.
In laser treatment, an intense beam of light is directed at the spider vein. Laser light can destroy the vein without damaging your skin. More than one laser session may be needed to obtain the desired results. Sometimes, laser therapy is used in combination with sclerotherapy.
Recovery
After sclerotherapy, the area may be dressed with compressive tape or stockings, or an elastic Ace wrap for a period of time. The veined area often looks a bit bruised at first. The color slowly fades over a few weeks. Most patients wear the compression stockings for 2 to 3 weeks. You can return to work and most activities the next day. Spider veins usually disappear in 3 to 6 weeks after sclerotherapy.
After laser treatment, small spider veins may disappear immediately. Larger spider veins will darken. You will likely see them for 1 to 3 months before they disappear. Protect the treated area from the sun for 3 to 4 weeks to help prevent dark spots. During a follow-up visit, tell your doctor if you have noticed any side effects or changes.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Side effects can include the following.
- Some people have a bit of brownish skin discoloration, called hyperpigmentation, during healing.
- This discoloration fades, but it may take months.
- Bruising may occur around the injection site and can last several days or weeks.
Any procedure that penetrates the skin carries a risk of infection.
Other risks of sclerotherapy include the following.
- Blood clots in the veins
- Severe inflammation
- Allergic reactions to the solution
- Skin injury that could leave a small but permanent scar
Who performs it
A dermatologist can perform these treatments during an office visit. An interventional radiologist may also inject the solution. The results you see depend largely on the person who performs the treatment. When you call the office, ask if the dermatologist regularly treats leg veins.
Common questions
Can a laser treat spider veins?
Yes, dermatologists use lasers to treat spider veins and small varicose veins.
Will insurance cover spider vein treatment?
It may not if the treatment is only to improve the look of your legs. Be sure to ask whether insurance will cover it.
Can self-care get rid of spider veins?
No, self-care cannot get rid of spider veins you already have. Self-care tips can help prevent new ones.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Spider Vein Treatment Procedure Steps
- American Academy of Dermatology - Leg veins: Why they appear and how dermatologists treat them
- RadiologyInfo.org - Sclerotherapy of Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
