Spider Veins

You glance down at your legs and notice a faint web of red or purple lines that were not there a few years ago. Or maybe they have been there for a while, and you have simply been covering them up. Either way, you are not alone. Spider veins are one of the most common vein conditions in adults, and the good news is that they are both well understood and very treatable.

At Miller Vein, we help patients across Michigan understand what is happening with their veins, what is causing their symptoms, and what their options are.

Modern care has come a long way — see spider vein treatment options for what treatment involves.

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins form when the walls of small blood vessels weaken or when pressure causes them to dilate over time. Several factors can contribute to this process, and for many people, more than one cause is at play. Some of the most common causes of spider veins include:

For a closer look at this topic, our article on spider veins vs. varicose veins is a helpful read.

Genetics

Family history is one of the strongest predictors of spider veins. If one or both of your parents had them, your likelihood of developing them is significantly higher. The structural integrity of your vein walls and valves is largely inherited, which is why spider veins often run in families across generations.

Depending on your evaluation, options like VeinErase spider vein program may also play a role in your care plan.

Hormonal Changes

Hormones play a meaningful role in vein health. Estrogen in particular can weaken vein walls, which is why spider veins are more prevalent in women than men. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as the use of hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy, are all associated with an increased risk.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most common triggers for spider veins. Increased blood volume puts greater pressure on the veins throughout the body, and the growing uterus adds additional pressure on the veins in the pelvis and legs. Many women notice spider veins appearing or worsening with each pregnancy.

Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Occupations or lifestyles that involve standing or sitting for long stretches of time put sustained pressure on the leg veins, making it harder for blood to flow efficiently back toward the heart. Over time, this increased pressure can cause small vessels to dilate and become visible at the skin’s surface.

Sun Exposure

On the face, prolonged or repeated sun exposure is a significant contributing factor. UV radiation can damage the skin and the tiny blood vessels just beneath it, leading to spider veins on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. People with fair skin or a history of significant sun exposure are particularly susceptible.

Age

As we age, the tissues supporting our veins naturally lose some of their strength and elasticity. Vein valves that help push blood upward against gravity can weaken over time, and the cumulative effects of years of standing, hormonal shifts, and other risk factors become more apparent. Spider veins are extremely prevalent by middle age.

Weight

Carrying excess weight increases the pressure placed on the veins in the legs and pelvis, accelerating the development of spider veins. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective lifestyle measures for slowing the progression.

Patient Stories to
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The front desk personnel were very professional and welcoming. I was seen by one of the most welcoming and patient ultrasound technicians. She was very pleasant and informative. She explained every step and made me feel comfortable throughout the exam. The doctor is the reason the office is so calm and welcoming. The doctor was informative as she explained the diagnosis and plan of care needed. I would definitely refer someone in need of their services.

— Brenda F.

I was extremely happy with my results. I was treated with Sclerotherapy. Before and after pictures are incredible! I was very self-conscious about how my legs looked and always wore long capris in the summer to cover them. I wish I had done this sooner. The staff was very professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. They made me feel very comfortable.

— Diane D.

Very friendly staff and very thorough. They explained everything as they went through the different steps during the appointment. I felt very at ease here. I am very happy I chose them.

— Angela H.

The staff was wonderful and really took my concerns and put my mind at ease. I would definitely recommend them to everyone. Staff on time, and had my ultrasound done and saw the doctor and was out of the office start to finish 90 minutes, was first visit. The Dearborn office was wonderful.

— Theresa H.

The office was clean and very visually appealing. The staff were all courteous and professional. Each part of the exam was well described prior to it happening. The doctor listened intently and explained thoroughly. This was an enjoyable experience putting my anxiety at ease.

— Rosalind D.

Spider Vein Symptoms

For many people, spider veins are primarily a cosmetic concern. They may feel self-conscious about them, but there are no other noticeable symptoms. For others, however, spider veins can cause physical discomfort, and in some cases, they are a visible indicator of a more significant underlying condition.

Common Physical Symptoms

Even in the absence of a deeper vein problem, spider veins can cause:

• Itching or a burning sensation around the visible veins
• Mild aching or tenderness in the legs
• Swelling around the ankles or lower legs, particularly after long periods of standing
• A feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the legs by the end of the day

These symptoms tend to be worse during warm weather, after prolonged standing, or at certain points in the hormonal cycle.

When Spider Veins Signal a Deeper Problem

Spider veins can sometimes be the visible surface sign of venous reflux disease (VRD) or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). These conditions occur when the one-way valves inside the deeper veins of the leg stop working properly. Instead of moving blood efficiently back toward the heart, the valves allow blood to flow backward and pool in the lower leg.

Symptoms of venous reflux disease and chronic venous insufficiency include:

• Persistent leg pain, throbbing, or cramping
• A heavy or tired feeling in the legs that does not improve with rest
• Noticeable swelling in the lower legs, ankles, or feet
• Skin changes such as darkening, thickening, or a brownish discoloration around the ankles
• Itching or a rash on the lower leg
• Slow-healing wounds or open sores on the lower leg or ankle

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms alongside your spider veins, it is important to seek a thorough vein evaluation rather than simply treating what is visible. Addressing an underlying condition is key to achieving results that are both lasting and safe.

Are Spider Veins Dangerous?

In most cases, spider veins themselves are not medically dangerous. They do not carry the same risk of blood clots or serious complications as deep vein problems. However, they should not be dismissed entirely.

Spider veins can cause genuine physical discomfort and can meaningfully affect quality of life and self-confidence. They can also, as discussed above, be a sign of underlying venous disease (like deep vein thrombosis) that does warrant medical attention. A proper evaluation helps determine whether your spider veins are a standalone cosmetic concern or part of a bigger picture.

If you have spider veins and are experiencing significant leg symptoms, it is worth speaking with a vein specialist rather than assuming the veins are purely cosmetic.

Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins: What Is the Difference?

Spider veins and varicose veins are related conditions, but they are not the same thing, and understanding the difference matters when it comes to choosing the right treatment.

Spider Veins

• Small, measuring 1mm or less in diameter
• Flat or barely raised at the skin’s surface
• Red, blue, or purple in color
• Web-like or branching in appearance
• Found on the legs or face
• Usually a cosmetic concern, though it can cause mild discomfort
• Treated with sclerotherapy or VeinGogh™

Varicose Veins

• Larger, often several millimeters or more in diameter
• Raised, bulging, and sometimes twisted under the skin
• Blue or green in color
• Found primarily on the legs
• More likely to cause significant physical symptoms, including pain, swelling, and heaviness
• Can indicate underlying venous disease
• Treated with procedures such as thermal ablation or microphlebectomy

Some people have both conditions simultaneously. Varicose veins can contribute to the development of spider veins by increasing pressure in the surrounding vessels. If you are unsure which condition you are dealing with, a vein evaluation at Miller Vein will give you a clear answer and a path forward.

Can Spider Veins Be Prevented?

While spider veins cannot always be prevented, particularly when genetics are a strong contributing factor, there are practical steps you can take to slow their development and reduce your risk, including the following:

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• Stay active
  Regular movement, especially walking, helps stimulate circulation and reduces the amount of time blood spends pooling in the leg veins. Even short walks throughout the day make a difference if your job involves prolonged sitting or standing.
• Wear compression stockings:
  Graduated compression stockings apply gentle pressure to the legs that helps support healthy vein function and reduces pooling. They are particularly useful during long flights, road trips, or shifts that involve extended standing.
• Maintain a healthy weight
  Reducing pressure on the veins in the pelvis and legs is one of the most effective things you can do. Even modest weight loss can have a noticeable impact for people who are overweight
• Protect your skin from the sun:
  For facial spider veins, daily sunscreen use and limiting prolonged direct sun exposure can help prevent new vessels from forming or existing ones from worsening.
• Avoid prolonged crossing of the legs:
  This position can restrict blood flow in the lower leg and add pressure to already-stressed vessels.

When Should You See a Vein Specialist?

You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe before scheduling an evaluation. Many people come to Miller Vein simply because they are bothered by how their spider veins look, and that is a completely valid reason to seek care.

That said, there are specific situations where seeing a specialist sooner rather than later is especially important:

• You are experiencing leg pain, aching, or heaviness alongside your spider veins
• Your legs feel swollen or tired at the end of the day
• You have noticed skin changes, such as darkening or thickening, near the ankles
• You have a wound on your lower leg that is slow to heal
• Your spider veins have appeared suddenly or new spider veins are multiplying quickly
• You have a family history of venous disease and want a baseline evaluation

A vein specialist can determine whether your spider veins are a standalone cosmetic issue or a sign of something that needs medical attention. Getting that clarity is valuable regardless of what the answer turns out to be.

Board-Certified Specialists That Practice with Care

Our dedicated Team

Dr. Rana Burek, DO

Jeffrey H. Miller, MD

Jennifer Malicke, DO

Krista M. Bannon, MD

Madeline Paquette, DNP

Michael E. Lulenski, MD

Robin Doak, CLT

Steven K. Wang, MD

How Are Spider Veins Treated?

Spider veins are very treatable, and the options available today are more comfortable and effective than they have ever been. At Miller Vein, we offer two primary treatment methods depending on the type, size, and location of the veins.

Sclerotherapy is the gold-standard minimally-invasive treatment for spider veins on the legs. It involves injecting a small amount of FDA-approved medication directly into the affected vein, causing it to close and gradually fade from view. The procedure is quick, involves no downtime, and most patients find it significantly more comfortable than laser-based alternatives.

VeinGogh™ is an FDA-approved device used for very fine or delicate spider veins, particularly on the face. It delivers a precise microburst of heat through a hair-thin probe to collapse the targeted vessel without affecting surrounding skin. It is an ideal solution for facial spider veins that are too small or delicate for injection treatment.

Both treatments are available through our VeinErase® method, Miller Vein’s signature approach to spider vein care that combines clinical effectiveness with a genuinely comfortable, patient-centered experience.

Schedule a Consultation to Learn More About Spider Vein Treatment

Whether you are dealing with a few small veins that bother you cosmetically or you are experiencing symptoms that have been affecting your daily life, Miller Vein is here to help. A vein evaluation is the first step, and it is easier to schedule than you might think.

Book your consultation with Miller Vein today and find out exactly what is going on with your veins and what can be done about it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spider Veins