Conditions
Spider & Reticular Veins: Cosmetic Treatment, Backed by Real Vascular Expertise
Spider veins are the fine red, blue, or purple lines that appear just under the skin, most often on the legs. They're usually harmless and treated for cosmetic reasons — but because they can occasionally signal an underlying vein problem, there's real value in having them treated by a vascular specialist who can tell the difference.
Cardentey Vascular Care treats spider and reticular veins with sclerotherapy, with the reassurance that comes from a board-certified vascular surgeon evaluating your leg veins first.
What are spider and reticular veins?
Spider veins (medically called telangiectasias) are tiny, thread-like veins visible at the skin's surface, often in a web-like or branching pattern. Reticular veins are slightly larger bluish veins that sit just beneath the skin and sometimes feed the spider veins. Both are very common and, in most cases, are a cosmetic concern rather than a medical one.
Are spider veins a medical problem or just cosmetic?
For most people, spider veins are purely cosmetic and not harmful. However, they can sometimes be the surface sign of underlying venous insufficiency — failing vein valves deeper in the leg. That's why it's worth having them looked at by a vascular specialist: if the spider veins are a standalone cosmetic issue, they can be treated directly; if there's an underlying problem driving them, treating only the surface veins would likely lead to them coming back.
What causes spider veins?
Spider veins form when small blood vessels near the skin's surface enlarge and become visible. Common contributors include genetics, hormonal changes (pregnancy, hormone therapy), prolonged standing, sun exposure, and aging. A family history of vein problems makes them more likely.
How are spider veins treated?
The most common and effective treatment for spider veins is sclerotherapy, in which a solution is injected into the vein, causing it to collapse and gradually fade from view. The treated veins are reabsorbed by the body over several weeks. More than one session may be needed depending on how many veins are present. Sclerotherapy is a quick, office-based treatment with little to no downtime.
Before treating, we check whether larger underlying veins are contributing. If reticular "feeder" veins are involved, treating them as part of the plan produces better and longer-lasting results.
Will insurance cover spider vein treatment?
Treatment of spider veins for cosmetic reasons is generally not covered by insurance, because it's considered elective. If an evaluation finds an underlying medical vein condition causing symptoms, that underlying condition may be covered — but the cosmetic portion typically is not. We're upfront about this so you know what to expect before any treatment.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Spider veins are usually harmless and treated for cosmetic reasons. Occasionally they point to underlying venous insufficiency, which is why a quick evaluation by a vascular specialist is worthwhile — to confirm they’re a standalone cosmetic issue rather than the surface sign of a deeper vein problem.
Spider veins are tiny surface veins that appear as thin red or blue lines and are usually cosmetic. Varicose veins are larger, bulging, rope-like veins more often linked to underlying venous insufficiency and symptoms like aching and swelling. They can occur together.
Yes. Sclerotherapy is the standard and effective treatment for spider veins. A solution injected into the vein causes it to collapse and fade over several weeks as the body reabsorbs it. Multiple sessions are sometimes needed for the best result.
Treated veins generally don't return, but new spider veins can form over time, especially if there's an underlying vein problem or ongoing risk factors. Checking for and addressing any underlying reflux first gives the most durable results.
Treat spider veins with vascular expertise behind you
If you'd like to treat spider or reticular veins, an evaluation confirms they're a cosmetic issue and rules out any underlying vein problem — so treatment is done right the first time.
Call our Largo office to schedule a consultation, or request an appointment online.