Spider Veins
Small, damaged veins that can appear on the surface of the legs or face, looking like spider webs.
Spider veins are small, visible surface vessels on the legs or face — treatable with sclerotherapy or laser therapy. A vascular assessment is recommended to exclude underlying venous insufficiency before treatment begins.
Book a Consultation
Spider veins are typically a cosmetic issue but can sometimes signal underlying venous problems that require professional evaluation.
Overview
Spider veins appear as fine, web-like clusters of red, blue, or purple vessels — typically on the thighs, calves, ankles, and face. While primarily a cosmetic concern, they can cause localised discomfort and may indicate deeper venous issues when paired with varicose veins or leg swelling.
Causes & Risk Factors
- Family history of venous disease
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Hormonal influences: pregnancy, oral contraceptives, hormone therapy
- Ageing and sun exposure
- Obesity and prior leg injury
Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins
Spider veins are superficial vessels under 1mm in diameter. When accompanied by leg aching, heaviness, or swelling, duplex ultrasound assessment is recommended to exclude underlying valve disease.
Treatment Options
- Sclerotherapy — gold-standard treatment using fine needle injection to collapse vessel walls; in-clinic, no downtime; typically 2–4 sessions; vessels fade over 4–8 weeks
- Laser therapy — effective for very fine spider veins, especially facial ones; often complements sclerotherapy
Concerned About Spider Veins?
Dr. Peter Chang offers specialist assessment and personalised management at Paragon Medical Centre, Singapore.