Common Conditions

Thread /Spider Veins: Overview

Overview | Micro-sclerotherapy | Veinwave® | FAQ

Thread veins, sometimes known as spider veins, are very fine veins close to the surface of the skin. These veins are unsightly and can also cause aching of the legs in some patients. They are usually the result of a familial predisposition and can manifest from resolving bruises.

Thread veins are treated using a variety of techniques.

• The most useful method for the vast majority of thread veins is called micro-sclerotherapy.
• With very fine clusters of veins, a process using thermo-coagulation is also successful (Veinwave®).

Generally, patients need a combination of techniques for the most effective results. Micro-sclerotherapy and radio-frequency ablation is carried out by a properly trained specialist nurse. Depending on how extensive your thread veins are, you may need more than one session of treatment. The sessions usually last 20-30 minutes and take place every 2-3 weeks.

Despite the Americanisms, you may find this MEDLINEplus® link useful in understanding more about veins.