Can Spider Veins Turn into Varicose Veins?

Spider veins are small, discolored veins that creep across the surface of your skin and face. Most consider them a cosmetic annoyance and do their best to cover them up or get rid of them. 

But we understand if your concerns go beyond the surface level. 

Many of our patients at Advanced Vascular Solutions see spider veins as the gateway to more problems, like varicose veins. 

The good news is, you don’t have to worry about spider veins setting off an avalanche of vascular conditions, each worse than the next. 

Here’s a closer look at what your spider veins mean for your health. 

Understanding your vein problem

Spider veins develop for one main reason: valve dysfunction. Embedded in your veins are valves that open and shut with every heartbeat, helping push blood against the force of gravity as it makes its way back to your heart. 

These valves work tirelessly day in and day out, which, unfortunately, makes them incredibly vulnerable to damage. 

Anything that puts excessive stress on your veins weakens the valves, causing blood to pool and your veins to appear on the surface of your skin. 

Varicose veins develop similarly, but that doesn’t mean that spider veins cause varicose veins. 

The link between spider veins and varicose veins

If you’re worried about those thin purple and blue lines turning into bulging lumps on your body, don’t be. 

Spider veins don’t cause varicose veins. In fact, the opposite is more likely to be true. Large varicose veins that stem from extreme pressure in your veins can cause spider veins to crop up. 

Don’t mistake us and leave thinking that spider veins are no big deal. Just because they don’t directly cause varicose veins, that doesn’t mean you can leave spider veins to their own devices. 

Many spider veins are harmless, but others can progress, become more prominent over time, and even become painful. Spider veins are also usually a warning sign of an underlying circulation problem, such as venous insufficiency. The only way to know how to deal with your spider veins is to see one of our expert vascular surgeons. 

Dealing with spider veins

Whether your spider veins are a simple cosmetic concern or the first indication of a circulation issue, we have the treatments you need. 

Depending on your needs, you may benefit from either of the following. 

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a special chemical into the affected vein. The chemical irritates the vein's lining, causing it to collapse and close. 

Your body eventually reroutes blood flow through nearby healthy veins and processes, eliminating the old vein. Over time, your spider veins fade from view, leaving clear, healthier-looking skin behind. 

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation also closes off visible spider veins, but instead of using a chemical agent, it uses radiofrequency energy. 

Regardless of which treatment is right for you, we typically recommend a series of treatments to get the best results. We also counsel you on supporting your vascular health, addressing any underlying conditions, promoting healthy circulation, and preventing spider veins from returning.

When you’re ready to address your spider veins,  we’d love to talk with you about your options.  You can request an appointment online or over the phone today. We serve patients in the Melbourne and Sebastian, Florida, area.