Spider and Varicose Vein Treatment: Types, Costs and Procedures

What has long, spindly legs that can crawl up your ankle or inner thigh and scare many people? Spider and varicose veins! Whether you have a delicate web of red and purple spider veins on your ankle or a large, bulging blue varicose vein on your inner thigh, you’re a part of the 40% to 55% of all Americans who will suffer from spider or varicose veins.¹

While not dangerous alone, spider and varicose veins can lead to embarrassment, discomfort or even pain. Luckily, these veins are treatable — most commonly with a procedure called sclerotherapy.

What Are Spider and Varicose Veins?

Both spider and varicose veins are a type of damaged vein that develops when small, one-way valves in the vein weaken, allowing excess blood to accumulate. This extra blood puts pressure on the walls of the vein, causing it to swell and become more visible or even bulge.¹

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are usually smaller, visible veins that create a delicate web of visible veins under the skin’s surface. Spider veins can be red, purple or blue and are usually flat, not protruding out from the surface of the skin. Spider veins are commonly found on the legs or face.¹

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are larger than spider veins. They are usually blue, red or flesh colored and often appear as cords bulging out from the skin’s surface. Varicose veins are commonly found on the lower extremities, including the inner and outer thighs or the back of the calves. Pregnant women may also develop varicose veins around the vagina and buttocks.¹

What Causes Spider and Varicose Veins?

Spider and varicose veins are caused by weakened vein valves. However, several factors increase the likelihood of valves becoming weakened.¹

• Aging
• Family history of spider or varicose veins
• Hormonal changes such as puberty or menopause
• Injury
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Standing for long periods
• Sun exposure

Spider veins tend to develop more frequently in women than in men, and the odds of developing spider veins increase with age.¹

Are Spider and Varicose Veins Dangerous?

Spider veins usually don't come with potentially serious health issues, although some individuals do experience swelling, cramps, leg fatigue and other discomfort. For the most part, sufferers find spider veins simply unsightly.¹

Varicose veins can be more painful than spider veins and, although rare, can increase your chance of complications like a blood clot or ulcer.¹

Treatment Options for Spider and Varicose Veins

Those suffering from spider or varicose veins have a number of treatment options to consider:² 

• Sclerotherapy. During sclerotherapy, the most common treatment method, veins are injected with a solution that causes the vein walls to stick together, preventing blood from getting trapped in the vein.³
• Laser treatments. A laser of light is directed at the vein through the skin’s surface, using heat to destroy the blood vessel, which will shrink and dissolve. Laser treatments are the preferred method for spider veins on the face.⁴
• Catheter-based treatments. Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and radiofrequency vein ablation are newer, catheter-based procedures to treat spider and varicose veins. They involve inserting a catheter into the vein to treat the vein from the inside out with heat or radiofrequency.²
• Surgical treatment. Although less common, a procedure called vein stripping can be used to surgically remove large varicose veins.¹

Can Spider and Varicose Veins Go Away on Their Own?

Since spider and varicose veins are damaged veins, they won't go away on their own. However, there are at-home techniques that can be used to help prevent new spider or varicose veins from forming including:² 

• Elevating your legs
• Regular exercise
• Taking breaks if you regularly sit or stand for long periods of time
• Wearing compression socks

If you want to treat your existing spider or varicose veins, schedule an appointment with a specialist who can examine them and discuss available treatment options.

Cost of Spider and Varicose Vein Treatments

Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for spider and varicose veins. The average cost* of one injection of sclerotherapy to treat spider and varicose veins is $497 with a range from $250 to $825 per injection.⁵ 

The total cost of spider vein and varicose vein treatments can vary based on the number of treatments needed, the number of veins being treated, geographic location, facility fees and any post-procedure supplies such as compression stockings. Some facilities may offer discounts for multiple treatments.⁵

Spider and varicose treatment by state/district

The cost of sclerotherapy can vary based on your geographic location. Below is the average cost of sclerotherapy treatment by state or district.⁵

Are Vein Treatments Covered by Insurance?

Spider and varicose vein treatments, such as sclerotherapy, may be covered by your insurance plan if a physician determines the procedure is medically necessary due to factors like vein size, severity and associated pain.⁶

Vein treatment that is solely for cosmetic reasons is usually not covered by health insurance policies. Check with your insurance provider to determine what your plan covers.

How Sclerotherapy Treatment Works

Sclerotherapy is one of the most common procedures for removing spider and varicose veins.³ Here’s what you can expect.

Before sclerotherapy

Before sclerotherapy, you will meet with a doctor to review your medical history, evaluate your veins and take initial photos. Your doctor will provide pre-treatment instructions about medications, bathing and any post-treatment supplies you will need.³

During sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure that usually takes 15-30 minutes depending on the size and number of veins being treated.³ 

During the procedure, you’ll usually be lying down with your legs elevated. Once the area is cleaned, the doctor will insert a fine needle in the vein to be treated. The needle will be used to inject a solution that creates irritation inside the vein, causing it to collapse, stick together and fade away. The procedure may cause a mild burning sensation or cramping.³

After sclerotherapy

After sclerotherapy, the area will be dressed with compressive tape or stockings. Redness, bruising and swelling are common and should be temporary.³

After the procedure, it's important to follow your doctor’s instructions about walking to help prevent the formation of blood clots. You may also be advised to avoid sun exposure and continue to wear compression stockings.³

How Long Does Spider and Varicose Vein Treatment Last?

Spider veins generally disappear within three to six weeks, while varicose veins may take three or four months to disappear, depending on the treatment. Keep in mind that some veins may require two or three treatments to achieve the best results.²

However, once treatment has been completed, the results are considered permanent.¹ Keep in mind that new spider or varicose veins in the same area may develop in the future.

Tips to Prevent Spider Veins

Most self-care tips to prevent spider and varicose veins focus on improving circulation, which can help prevent them from forming. Tips include:²

• Avoiding long soaks in hot baths
• Elevating your legs
• Getting plenty of exercise
• Losing weight
• Taking breaks from sitting or standing for long periods of time

If you're prone to spider or varicose veins, your healthcare specialist may suggest wearing compression stockings. These apply gentle, consistent pressure to reduce swelling in the lower legs and lower the risk of blood clots.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Spider and Varicose Vein Treatments

The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for dermatology visits, over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications at locations within the CareCredit network.** Start enhancing your skin today and find a dermatologist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dermatology, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for other cosmetic procedures, dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.