Last updated on November 18, 2025
Spider veins are a common vascular condition that can appear on the legs, face, or other areas of the body. Despite being widespread, there’s still plenty of confusion about what causes them, whether they’re dangerous and how they can be treated or prevented.
At Vein Doctors Sydney, our team is here to assist you in understanding what spider veins really mean for your vein health and to guide you through safe, effective treatment options. In this article, we separate the myths from the facts to give you a clear understanding of what spider veins are, why they develop and what you can do to manage or prevent them.
Why Do You Get Spider Veins?
Spider veins develop when small vein valves weaken, causing blood to flow backwards instead of upward. This leads to pooling and increased pressure in the vessel walls, which then dilate and become visible under the skin.
Common causes include hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, pregnancy, obesity and lifestyle factors such as prolonged standing. Sun exposure can also play a role, especially for facial spider veins, as UV rays can damage delicate blood vessels over time.
Myth 1: Spider Veins Are Only a Cosmetic Issue
It’s true that spider veins often affect appearance, especially when they become more visible over time. However, they’re not always just a cosmetic concern.
Fact: Spider veins can sometimes signal early signs of venous insufficiency, a condition where blood flow in the veins is inefficient due to weakened or damaged valves. When this happens, blood may pool in the veins, leading to swelling, aching, or a heavy sensation in the legs.
Although spider veins are not usually dangerous, they can worsen if left untreated. Consulting a vein specialist can help determine whether your symptoms are purely cosmetic or part of a broader circulation issue.
Myth 2: Only Older Adults Get Spider Veins
It’s common to associate spider veins with ageing, but younger people can also develop them.
Fact: Spider veins can appear at any age. While vein elasticity naturally decreases with age, other factors such as genetics, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy and prolonged standing or sitting play a significant role.
Jobs that involve long hours on your feet, like nursing, teaching, or hospitality, can also contribute. Even regular gym-goers may experience them if they put constant strain on their leg muscles and veins.
Myth 3: Spider Veins Are Permanent and Can’t Be Treated
Many assume that once spider veins appear, there’s nothing that can be done.
Fact: While spider veins don’t fade away on their own, modern treatments can make them virtually disappear. Two of the most effective procedures include:
Sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a solution into the vein to make it collapse and gradually fade.
Laser therapy, which uses light energy to close small surface veins, particularly on the face or upper legs.
Both treatments are minimally invasive, performed in-clinic and require little to no downtime. With the right aftercare and lifestyle adjustments, the results can be long-lasting.
While family history can be a major risk factor for spider veins, it isn’t the only one.
Myth 4: Spider Veins Are Always Hereditary
Many patients ask if spider veins are hereditary. While family history is a major risk factor, it’s not the only one.
Fact: Genetics can make you more prone to developing spider veins, but lifestyle factors can accelerate their appearance. Hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, weight changes and prolonged standing or sitting can all contribute.
People who spend a lot of time on their feet, or even frequent travellers who sit for long periods, may notice veins appearing sooner. That means even if spider veins run in your family, maintaining an active lifestyle and wearing compression stockings can help delay or prevent them.
Myth 5: Spider Veins Are Dangerous
Seeing visible veins on your legs or face can be worrying, but are spider veins dangerous?
Fact: In most cases, spider veins are not dangerous and don’t pose a threat to your overall health. However, they can sometimes cause localised discomfort, such as itching or mild swelling.
In a small number of cases, they may indicate an underlying vein condition that affects circulation. A simple vein assessment can determine whether treatment is purely cosmetic or if it will also improve blood flow and reduce discomfort.
Myth 6: There’s Nothing You Can Do to Prevent Spider Veins
You may not be able to control your genetics, but there are steps you can take to protect your veins.
Fact: Learning how to prevent spider veins starts with supporting healthy blood flow. Regular exercise strengthens your leg muscles, which helps push blood upward toward the heart.
Taking short breaks to move around during long workdays or flights reduces pressure on your veins. Elevating your legs after prolonged standing, maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding excessive heat exposure, such as hot baths or saunas, can all help reduce the risk. Compression stockings can also be used preventively, especially for those at higher risk due to pregnancy or family history.
Can Spider Veins Go Away Naturally?
Unfortunately, spider veins do not typically go away without medical treatment. They may fade slightly if overall circulation improves, but once a vein has become damaged, it will remain visible. The good news is that treatments like sclerotherapy and laser therapy can make a noticeable difference, helping the body reabsorb the affected vein over time.
Preventive care, including exercise, leg elevation and avoiding excessive pressure on the legs, may also help ensure that new spider veins don’t appear.
Some methods to diminish or remove spider veins include sclerotherapy or laser therapy.
Treating Spider Veins
At Vein Doctors Sydney, we use Sclerotherapy, a trusted and precise method designed to help diminish or remove spider veins with minimal discomfort. The number of sessions required will vary based on the size, location and number of veins being treated.
Laser therapy is another non-surgical treatment option that uses focused light energy to target and close off small, superficial veins without the need for injections. It is particularly suitable for delicate areas like the face or very fine spider veins that may be too small for needles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can spider veins cause aching or heaviness in the legs?
Yes. While usually mild, some people experience leg discomfort, especially after standing or sitting for long periods. Compression stockings can help relieve this sensation.
How long does it take to see results after treatment?
Most patients notice improvement within a few weeks, with continued fading over several months as the body reabsorbs the treated veins.
Can spider veins return after treatment?
Treated veins do not return, but new ones may form due to genetics, hormonal changes, or lifestyle factors. Regular movement and a healthy lifestyle can help maintain results.
Can men develop spider veins too?
Yes. Although more common in women due to hormonal factors, men can also develop spider veins, especially those with jobs requiring long periods of standing or sitting.
What is recovery like after treatment?
Recovery is typically quick. Patients can walk immediately after the procedure and resume daily activities. Compression stockings are worn for a few days to enhance results.
This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.
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