Though often seen as a cosmetic issue, spider veins can sometimes indicate pressure changes in your circulatory system—especially when accompanied by other symptoms like itching or discomfort.
Care for spider veins should start with understanding why they formed in the first place. Dr. J. Avery Reynolds, MD, will thoroughly evaluate you at Refine Vein Center. He helps patients in Franklin and throughout Williamson County, Tennessee, determine whether spider veins are linked to deeper circulation concerns.
What Are Spider Veins?
Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are smaller red, purple, or blue veins that look similar to a spider web. They are made from broken capillaries and are visible on the surface of the skin. Spider veins are often more noticeable than varicose veins, even though they are usually only 2mm in diameter. Bigger spider veins can have a diameter of up to 3mm and a bluish-green color.
Spider veins are more common in women, and they are often brought on by hormonal changes and pregnancy. Those who experience spider veins may also experience leg itching, throbbing, and restlessness. If spider veins sustain any trauma, they may bleed.
Whether spider veins occur on your legs, face, or chest, you should watch out for any severe symptoms and have them evaluated by a doctor.
What Is Surface Sclerotherapy?
The gold standard for spider and reticular vein treatment remains surface sclerotherapy. Surface sclerotherapy consists of an injection of sclerosant directly into your spider or reticular veins causing them to shut permanently. This reroutes blood flow to healthy veins. This treatment is an advanced solution to treat spider veins and does not have many major side effects.
Are Spider Veins a Sign of Underlying Vein Disease?
While many spider veins are purely cosmetic, clusters—especially in the lower legs—can sometimes signal early venous insufficiency. When valves inside the veins stop working efficiently, pressure builds in the smaller surface vessels, leading to spider veins. In some cases, patients with prominent spider veins also experience symptoms like:
When these symptoms are present, a diagnostic ultrasound may be recommended to rule out deeper circulation issues before cosmetic treatment begins.
Are All the Veins I See on My Legs Spider Veins?
Not necessarily. Visible veins on the legs can be spider veins, but they can also be varicose veins or larger reticular veins. The ultrasound you may receive before vein treatment will inform us of which venous problem you are experiencing.
Do Spider Veins Get Worse in the Winter?
No, but when summer tans fade, pre-existing spider veins can and do become more obvious. Once winter is over and people start wearing shorts, there is usually a heightened awareness of the veins, making it seem as though more appeared throughout the winter.
Why Choose Refine Vein Center for Spider Veins?
Spider veins may seem minor, but getting the right treatment depends on knowing what’s beneath the surface. Dr. Reynolds brings board certification in internal medicine and venous and lymphatic medicine, along with a careful, diagnosis-first mindset that helps guide effective care.
At our Franklin clinic, sclerotherapy treatments are tailored to your needs—whether for cosmetic improvement or to relieve symptoms like itching or burning. We prioritize both precision and comfort, tracking your progress to help reduce the chance of new veins developing over time.
Schedule a Visit to Learn More
Spider veins can affect your comfort, confidence, and, in some cases, your circulation. Whether you’re looking for treatment or just want answers, we’re here to help.
Call (615) 716-8346 to schedule a visit at Refine Vein Center in Franklin, TN. We welcome patients from across Williamson County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people need more than one session to get the outcome they want. Smaller clusters may respond in one or two treatments, while more widespread spider veins often take a series of visits spaced a few weeks apart. During your evaluation at Refine Vein Center, we’ll look at the extent of your veins and outline a plan that fits your goals.
You may start to see some changes within a few weeks. The treated veins gradually fade as your body absorbs them, a process that can take several weeks to a few months. Some veins respond quickly, while others can take longer.
The veins treated with sclerotherapy do not come back, but new spider veins can develop over time. This is often related to genetics, hormones, or lifestyle factors.
Staying active, wearing compression stockings when recommended, and managing underlying vein issues can help slow new vein formation. We also monitor your progress and can recommend maintenance treatment if needed.
Most spider vein treatments are considered cosmetic, so insurance typically does not cover them. However, if you have symptoms or signs of underlying vein disease, further evaluation—such as an ultrasound—may be covered. Please reach out to our team if you need help reviewing your coverage.
You’re generally a good candidate for sclerotherapy if you’re in good overall health and want to reduce visible veins or mild symptoms like itching or discomfort. Dr. Reynolds evaluates whether treatment is appropriate and checks for any underlying circulatory concerns before proceeding.
Sclerotherapy is a well-established treatment with a strong safety profile. Common side effects are mild and temporary, such as slight swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site. Some patients notice temporary skin discoloration that fades over time.
More serious complications are uncommon, especially when treatment is performed by an experienced vein specialist like Dr. Reynolds. He reviews your medical history and explains what to expect so you feel informed before starting treatment.