Spider Vein Treatment in Lansdale and Bethlehem, PA
What are spider veins?
Spider veins, known medically as telangiectasias, are small red, blue, or purple veins that appear close to the surface of the skin in thin lines, branching patterns, or web-like clusters. They most often appear on the thighs, calves, and ankles. At Precision Vein Care, board-certified vascular surgeon James L. Guzzo, MD, FACS, treats spider veins with cosmetic sclerotherapy at our Lansdale and Bethlehem offices.
Spider veins are very common, especially among women, and they tend to become more noticeable with age. While they are usually harmless, many people feel self-conscious about how their legs look in shorts, skirts, or swimsuits. Treatment can help you feel more confident in your skin.
Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins
Spider veins and varicose veins both involve weakened veins, but they differ in size and symptoms.
| Spider Veins | Varicose Veins | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small, typically less than 1 mm | Larger, typically 3 mm or more |
| Appearance | Flat, thin red, blue, or purple lines | Raised, bulging, rope-like veins |
| Symptoms | Usually cosmetic; occasional mild itching or burning | Often aching, heaviness, swelling, cramping |
| Typical Treatment | Cosmetic sclerotherapy | Ablation, Varithena, microphlebectomy |
Slightly larger blue-green veins, called reticular veins, often sit beneath spider veins and feed them. Treating these feeder veins can improve results.
What Causes Spider Veins?
- Genetics and family history
- Hormonal changes from pregnancy, birth control, or menopause
- Aging, which can weaken vein walls
- Long periods of standing or sitting
- Excess body weight
- Prior injury to the skin
- Underlying venous insufficiency
Could Spider Veins Signal a Deeper Problem?
For most people, spider veins are a cosmetic concern. However, spider veins that appear alongside leg aching, heaviness, swelling, or clusters around the ankles can sometimes point to venous insufficiency in deeper veins. Because Dr. Guzzo is a vascular surgeon, he can evaluate your full venous system with in-office ultrasound when symptoms suggest an underlying issue. Addressing the source first can help your cosmetic results last longer.
Cosmetic Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy is a well-established treatment for spider veins and small reticular veins. Using a very fine needle, Dr. Guzzo injects a medication called polidocanol directly into the targeted veins. The medication irritates the inner lining of the vein, causing it to close. Over the following weeks, your body gradually absorbs the treated vein and it fades from view.
What to Expect During Your Session
- Sessions take place in our office and typically last 30 to 45 minutes
- Most patients feel only a small pinch with each injection
- No anesthesia is needed
- You can walk out and return to most normal activities the same day
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Many patients see their best results after two to four sessions spaced several weeks apart. The number of sessions depends on how many veins are treated and how your skin responds. Treated veins usually fade over several weeks to a few months.
Aftercare Tips
- Wear compression stockings as directed to support healing
- Walk regularly and avoid strenuous exercise for a few days
- Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and hot baths for a short period
- Protect treated areas from direct sun exposure
Temporary bruising, redness, or light brown discoloration along the treated vein can occur and typically fades over time.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Adults who are bothered by the appearance of spider veins on their legs and are in good general health are often good candidates. Sclerotherapy is typically postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Dr. Guzzo will review your health history to confirm whether sclerotherapy is right for you.
Have spider veins on your face? Visit our Facial Spider Veins page to learn about our laser treatment.
Is Spider Vein Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Because spider vein treatment is considered cosmetic, it is typically not covered by insurance. Our team will review pricing with you during your consultation. If an ultrasound shows underlying venous insufficiency, treatment of that condition may be eligible for insurance coverage.
Why Choose a Vascular Surgeon for Spider Veins?
Spider veins are part of your venous system. Choosing a board-certified vascular surgeon means your care is guided by advanced training in how veins work, the ability to recognize when a cosmetic concern may be linked to a medical one, and access to the full range of vein treatments under one roof.
James L. Guzzo, MD, FACS, is a board-certified vascular surgeon and the founder of Precision Vein Care. A Bethlehem native, Dr. Guzzo earned his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, completed six years of general surgery residency at the University of Maryland Medical System in Baltimore, and completed fellowship training in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Before opening Precision Vein Care, Dr. Guzzo spent nine years at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, where he served as Chief of the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and received teaching awards from the surgical residency program. He has authored more than two dozen peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and presentations at national surgical meetings, and he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Serving Montgomery County, Bucks County, and the Lehigh Valley
Precision Vein Care has two offices to serve patients across southeastern Pennsylvania. Our Lansdale office at 1000 Walnut Street, Suite 116, serves Montgomery and Bucks Counties, including North Wales, Hatfield, Souderton, Harleysville, Chalfont, and Doylestown. Our Bethlehem office at 5325 Northgate Drive, Suite 202, serves the Lehigh Valley, including Allentown, Easton, Nazareth, Hellertown, and Center Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spider Veins
Are spider veins harmful?
Spider veins are usually harmless and considered a cosmetic concern. If they come with aching, swelling, or heaviness, an ultrasound can check for underlying venous insufficiency.
Does sclerotherapy hurt?
Most patients describe a mild pinch or brief stinging with each injection. The needle used is very fine, and no anesthesia is needed.
How soon will I see results from sclerotherapy?
Smaller spider veins may begin to fade within a few weeks, while larger veins can take a few months. Results continue to improve as your body absorbs the treated veins.
Can spider veins come back after treatment?
Treated veins typically do not return, but new spider veins can develop over time due to genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. Touch-up sessions can address new veins as they appear.
Can I exercise after sclerotherapy?
Walking is encouraged right away. Most patients can return to more strenuous exercise after a few days, based on Dr. Guzzo's guidance.
When is the best time of year to treat spider veins?
Many patients choose fall or winter so treated areas can heal and fade before warmer weather, and because sun protection is easier during cooler months.
Feel Confident in Your Legs Again
Schedule a spider vein consultation with Dr. Guzzo at our Lansdale or Bethlehem office. Call (267) 627-1500 today.
