Spider veins are tiny red or blue veins, usually about the size of a fine thread or a bit larger. They usually resemble a spider’s web, hence the name “spider vein.” These veins appear primarily on the legs or face.

It is estimated that at least 1/3 of the adult female population is troubled with spider veins.

This is an in-office procedure where veins are injected with a medication, often called a sclerosing agent, using small needles to cause them to collapse and fade from view. There are several different types of sclerosing agents, which can be used in different strengths to treat spider, reticular and varicose veins.

Typically sessions last 15-30 minutes. One injection is usually administered per inch with multiple injections per session. The strength of the solution depends on the size and degree of varicosity.

The FDA-approved dosage is 0.5 to 2ml for each injection. On average, most patients require a minimum of 3-4 treatments and treatments are done 2-3 weeks apart. This treatment is not recommended for women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Varicose vein injections are deemed medically necessary and are covered by most insurances. Treatments for cosmetic spider veins and reticular veins are not covered by insurance.

Download Dr. Mackay's spider vein post-treatment instructions, click here.

In this interview,  Bethany Berghoffer PA-C at the Dr. Mackay Vein & Circulation Specialist Center discusses how she is able to effectively use Sclerotherapy to treat spider veins. 

In this interview,  Bethany Berghoffer PA-C discusses causes of spider veins. 

Actual patients of before and after spider vein treatment photos.