Do you find yourself covering your legs because of thin red, blue, or purple lines that seem to appear out of nowhere? Spider veins may be common, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them. Effective non-surgical treatments are available to help fade their appearance, so you can show off clearer, smoother, more confident legs.
At his Houston and Sugar Land practice, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. David Altamira offers advanced, personalized treatment options to restore smoother, clearer-looking skin. With over 20 years of elite surgical training, an eye for detail, and a reputation for natural-looking results, Dr. Altamira delivers expert care you can trust.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are smaller thin blood vessels that are visible beneath the skin. They are usually found on the face or legs, and often appear to look like thin tree branches or strands of a spider web. They are visible red, purple, or blue vessels that also twist and turn. Although we usually consider spider veins as a cosmetic issue, for some people they can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as aching, burning, swelling and leg-cramping.
What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins is a result of weak or damages valves in your veins. The heart pumps oxygen filled blood out to the body through use of your arteries. Once oxygen deposits are shared with the targeted location, the blood returns to the heart via your veins. As the blood is pushed up from your lower body, it is traveling against gravity. Your veins contain valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards as it travels up your legs. If your valves become weak, blood leaks back and start to collect. Another name for this phenomenon is venous insufficiency, which leads to spider veins as they grow in size.
Risk Factors For Spider Veins
Risks factors for developing spider veins include the following:
- Smoking
- Family history
- Pregnancy
- Lack of exercise
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Sun exposure
- Increasing age over 50
- Hormonal changes
How Can I Treat Spider Veins?
We offer two methods for spider vein treatment at our practice in Houston, Texas to reduce their appearance on the legs and other areas of the body and face. These treatments include the following:
- Laser Spider Vein Therapy
- Sclerotherapy
What Is Laser Spider Vein Therapy?
Laser spider vein therapy is most effective for treating small to medium sized spider veins and broken capillaries of the face. When treated with the laser, the high-energy light causes spider veins to shrink and coagulate beneath the skin. Within a short time, the veins begin to fade and are removed by the body. Contact us today for more information about laser spider vein therapy.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a generally more effective treatment for the removal of larger spider veins than laser therapy. During sclerotherapy treatment of spider veins, a solution is injected through a small needle into the site of the spider vein. When the special solution hits the walls of the vein it collapses and fades from view over a short period of time. Contact us today for more information about sclerotherapy treatment for your unwanted spider veins.
See What Our Patients Are Saying!
“I highly recommend board-certified Dr. David Altamira for your plastic surgery needs and wants. He listens attentively during the consult, recommends procedures to meet your needs, and provides a seamless on point surgery. I also recommend any post-op treatments offered by his staff for a quicker recovery time. All of his staff are efficient, professional, and friendly.” – L.C.
To read more patient testimonials, click here!
Sclerotherapy Side Effects
Possible side effects include but are not limited to:
- Itching
- Raised, red areas at the injection site.
- Bruising
- Larger veins may become lumpy and hard
- Brown lines or spots
- Neovascularization, the development of new, tiny blood vessels
- Inflammation
- Swollen leg
- Formation of small ulcers at the injection site
Who Is A Good Candidate For Spider Vein Treatment?
An initial consultation with a dermatologist or vascular medicine specialist will decide if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. If you are pregnant, you wont be eligible for treatment. Your eligibility will be decided on an individual basis, and will depend on the overall health of the area needing treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Altamira for Spider Vein Treatment
Spider vein treatment is both a medical and aesthetic decision, so choosing the right provider matters. As a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Houston and Sugar Land, Dr. David Altamira offers an expert approach focused on safe, effective care and results. His precision-driven technique helps ensure your treatment plan is tailored to your unique skin, vein pattern, and cosmetic goals.
Just as important, Dr. Altamira is known for taking time with his patients. He listens closely, explains options clearly, and makes sure you feel comfortable and supported throughout the process, from consultation to follow-up. In a welcoming, patient-first environment backed by a strong reputation and positive testimonials, you can feel confident you’re in skilled, trustworthy hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, spider veins are primarily cosmetic. However, if they are accompanied by symptoms such as pain, swelling, heaviness, or skin changes, they may indicate an underlying venous condition.
Sclerotherapy is generally well-tolerated. You may feel a small pinch from the injection and mild burning or cramping for a few seconds as the solution is administered. Any discomfort is minimal and brief.
A typical sclerotherapy session takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the number and size of veins. It is performed in the office, and patients can usually return to normal daily activities the same day.
The number of sessions varies based on the extent and severity of your spider veins. Many patients require two to four treatments for optimal results, spaced several weeks apart.
Some improvement may be visible within a few weeks, but full results typically develop over three to six weeks. Larger or more stubborn veins may take longer to fade.
The veins treated with sclerotherapy are permanently closed and will not return. New spider veins can appear over time, especially if you have underlying risk factors.
Laser therapy is generally well tolerated. The sensation is a quick snapping or warming feeling against the skin. Topical numbing cream may be used to make you more comfortable.
After laser therapy, you should avoid direct sun exposure, hot baths, saunas, hot tubs, and strenuous exercise for a short period as recommended by your provider. Protecting your skin from heat and sun helps healing and reduces the risk of pigmentation changes.
Schedule A Consultation
If you are interested in Spider Vein Treatment, and would like to see if you are a good candidate, call (713) 271-9000 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Altamira has plastic surgery offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, Texas.