Premier Vein & Body Blog

It's Only Fair to Share...

Do Spider Veins Go Away on Their Own?

If you have irritating purplish, reddish, or bluish veins that look like spiderwebs just under the skin, you might wonder what they are and if they will ever go away. These spider veins, while usually a cosmetic problem, can also suggest underlying causes. Dr. Craig Schwartz is a triple board-certified vein specialist with the experience and skill to treat your spider veins.

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins occur when blood pools in the small vessels beneath the skin. These tiny veins begin to bulge and become visible as blue, red, or purple discoloration. Spider veins look like spider webs or tree branches. Most do not require concern, but you should have a vein specialist assess the underlying causes of your spider veins. In some cases, spider veins can indicate a deeper venous circulation problem. Spider veins occur most often on the legs or the face. 

Before & After Photo Gallery

*Individual Results May Vary

Real Patients. Real Results. View before & after images of vein and cosmetic procedures in our photo gallery.

Do Spider Veins Go Away On Their Own?

If you have seen the appearance of spider veins, you may wonder how you can get rid of them. Unfortunately, spider veins rarely go away without treatment. Spider veins that occur during pregnancy may resolve afterward. In most other cases, the stretched, discolored veins will not return to normal. Fortunately, they respond very well to treatment by an experienced vein specialist like Dr. Schwartz. 

How are Spider Veins Treated?

The appropriate treatment for your spider veins often depends on size and location. Since spider veins will never shrink back to normal size, treatment collapses the problem veins, so they will break down and fade away. 

Sclerotherapy

Spider veins on the legs are usually larger than those on the face. Sclerotherapy is the preferred treatment for this area. This treatment uses an FDA-approved sclerosing agent injected into the vein. This solution causes the walls of the vein to collapse, stopping blood flow. The body absorbs these veins over time to remove unsightly discoloration. 

​​Topical Laser Treatment 

Topical laser treatment can target the pigments in spider veins to help eliminate them without penetrating or damaging the skin. The pigment molecules absorb the laser energy and break apart so the body can eliminate them. This treatment is a complementary treatment to sclerotherapy, allowing Dr. Schwartz to target the tiniest spider veins that sclerotherapy can not effectively treat. 

VeinGogh

The VeinGogh treats the tiniest of spider veins, usually under 0.3 mm.  It excels in treating spider veins on the face where sclerotherapy is not recommended. It uses a fiber about a hair’s thickness to transfer heat energy microbursts to the target veins. This microburst technology allows the heat to collapse the veins without harming the surrounding skin.

Will Spider Veins Come Back?

After your spider veins have been treated, those veins will not grow back. However, you can still develop new spider veins. You may have trouble avoiding some of the most common causes of spider veins. Heredity plays a substantial role, and if you have spider veins, you probably have family members who also have them. Hormones are also a significant factor. Women are more likely to develop spider veins, and hormonal changes like those during pregnancy increase the risk. A healthy lifestyle offers an excellent way to maintain healthy circulation. If you notice new spider veins, quick and convenient treatment can eliminate them. 

Consultations Available Now

To learn more, schedule your consultation with Dr. Schwartz by filling out the form on this page or by calling his practice at 913-451-8346. Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz serves patients throughout the Kansas City metro.

Are Spider Veins Different Than Varicose Veins?

People sometimes confuse spider veins with varicose veins. While spider veins are usually less than 1 mm and can occur in many places, including the face, varicose veins typically occur on the legs. These bulging, twisted veins occur when blood pools in the veins of the leg. Treatment for varicose veins often involves treating the Great Saphenous Vein (GSV), the longest vein in the leg. The valves in this vein can weaken, letting blood flow backward and pool in the surrounding veins. If you have varicose veins, we recommend you have an assessment by a vein specialist like Dr. Schwartz. 

What Results Will I See After Spider Vein Treatment?

After treatment collapses your spider veins, the body needs time to clear away the remains of the vein and pigments. You will see your treated spider veins start to fade after treatment. It may take several weeks for you to see the results you want. While most people only need one treatment, you might need another to achieve freedom from your spider veins. 

Is There Any Downtime After Spider Vein Treatment?

After spider vein treatment, you can return to your usual activities immediately. Dr. Schwartz will give you aftercare instructions that you should follow to achieve the best possible results. Most people experience few or no side effects from sclerotherapy or VeinGogh for spider veins. 

Should I Worry About my Spider Veins?

In most cases, spider veins should not cause you to worry. However, you can ease your mind by having a vein specialist check them, especially if they occur on your legs. Clusters of spider veins on the lower legs can cause concern about an underlying venous problem. If you discover that your spider veins stem from a problem with deeper veins, rest assured that these can also be treated to resolve the issue. 

Testimonials

*Individual Results May Vary

5/5

Read from real patients about their experiences with Dr. Schwartz and his team at Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz.

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about spider veins, call us at (913) 451-8346 or complete our online contact form. We look forward to meeting you and showing you how Kansas City’s premier vein center can help you!

Premier Vein & Body is located in Kansas City, MO and proudly also serves Overland Park, Johnson County, and the entire Kansas City metro area.

** This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

More To Explore

SPECIALS & EVENTS