Spider Veins

Most often found on the legs, spider veins are a cosmetic concern that does not require medical treatment. Still, visible veins on the legs and face can be a cosmetic burden on the patient who feels self-conscious about wearing shorts or going out without makeup.

If you have visible veins and would like to reduce their appearance or eliminate them entirely, our expert dermatology providers at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana can help.

What Causes Spider Veins?

There are many reasons you may develop spider veins, including genetics, lifestyle, and medical history. You are more like to develop spider veins if you have a family history of visible veins (including spider and varicose veins), take certain types of medications that affect your circulation, or if you’re overweight.

Do You Have Spider Veins?

Before we can administer any vein treatments, we must first evaluate and diagnose your visible veins. Many patients don’t know whether or not their visible veins are varicose veins, spider veins, or linked to a different skin condition that requires specialized treatment. Because these conditions are often confused, a board-certified dermatologist should evaluate your condition to determine the diagnosis and appropriate solutions.

Skin Evaluation and Consultation

During your first appointment at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana (LASSI), we will evaluate your skin to determine if a diagnosis of spider veins or other skin conditions is appropriate. We will discuss medical history, current prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you’re taking, family history, and other details to help us get the whole picture about your health and condition.

Diagnosing and Treating Visible Veins

Once we determine that you have spider veins, we will decide which treatment method will work best for you. Our recommendation is determined by the extent and location of your visible veins.

Why Choose the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana for Vein Treatments?

Unlike many clinics that treat spider veins in Indianapolis, the LASSI is led by board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. C. William Hanke.

In addition to providing spider vein treatments to patients in our Indianapolis dermatology practice, Dr. Hanke and our team have led clinical research trials for a variety of medical and cosmetic treatments. Dr. Hanke is recognized as a leader in dermatology and has held numerous board positions, including as past president of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Solutions for Spider Veins in Indianapolis at the LASSI

At the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, we offer two primary treatments for the treatment of visible veins: sclerotherapy and lasers.

The procedure we choose for you depends upon the location and type of visible veins you have. For leg veins, sclerotherapy is most often recommended. For facial veins, laser vein removal is prescribed.

What to Expect During Your Vein Treatments

To understand what to expect during your vein treatment at the LASSI, visit these procedure pages for more information:

• Broadband Light (BBL)
• Sclerotherapy
• Laser Blood Vessel Removal

Spider Veins FAQs

Below you will find the most common questions and answers about spider veins at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana. If you have more questions that aren’t included below, please call our practice to speak with our staff and schedule a consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. C. William Hanke.

What’s the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?

Spider veins are very thin, visible veins that are red, blue, or purple and appear as if you drew them on with a fine tipped pen. Varicose veins are larger. They aren’t always visible, but when they are, they can bulge, twist, and even be rope-like. They can cause severe discomfort, heaviness, and even pain.

I heard that crossing my legs while sitting can cause spider veins. Is that true?

Too much pressure on your veins isn’t good for your circulation. It can damage the more fragile capillaries. Crossing your legs isn’t recommended for these reasons.

Can high heels cause spider veins?

If you wear high heels too frequently, they can contribute to the development of varicose veins and spider veins. This is because high heels can affect healthy circulation. It’s often recommended that you limit the use of high heels to about once per week.

What causes facial veins?

Facial veins can be caused by rosacea, a chronic skin condition in which the face flushes and turns red. For others, facial veins can be caused by trauma. If you are too hard on your skin, such as performing your own extractions and squeezing pimples or cysts on your face, you can damage the blood vessels and create spider veins. Sun damage also contributes to visible facial veins.

Are spider veins a sign of a serious medical problem?

Not usually. Spider veins can be a sign of hidden varicose veins, however. It’s important to have your legs evaluated if you have other symptoms, such as aching, pain, or heaviness that cannot be explained by injury or fatigue following a strenuous leg workout.

Will my spider veins return after my treatments?

Sclerotherapy seals leg veins shut; lasers vaporize facial spider veins. Blood flow is automatically rerouted to healthy veins. The offending veins will never return; however, that doesn’t mean that you cannot develop new spider veins. It’s important to follow post-care instructions to prevent new spider veins from forming or seek additional care for any hidden varicose veins you may have that contribute to the formation of spider veins nearby.

Will insurance cover vein treatments?

No. Spider veins do not require treatment; rather, they are considered a cosmetic concern. Any treatments for spider veins will be considered cosmetic. Discuss your payment options with our team.

Schedule Your Consultation for Spider Veins in Indianapolis

Are you ready to reduce the appearance of visible veins on your legs, face, or elsewhere on the body? Schedule a consultation at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana today. Dr. Hanke and our team of dermatology providers in Indianapolis look forward to speaking with you about your concerns and helping you look and feel your best.