Spider Vein Treatment in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Spider veins are small, thin red, blue, or purple vessels that appear near the surface of the skin, most often on the legs. While usually harmless, they can make you self-conscious about wearing shorts, skirts, or swimsuits. At HK Dermatology in San Juan Capistrano, CA , our team uses sclerotherapy, a proven injection treatment, to fade spider veins for smoother, clearer-looking legs.
Request an AppointmentWhat Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins, known medically as telangiectasias, are clusters of tiny dilated blood vessels that resemble spider webs or tree branches. They develop when small veins weaken and blood pools inside them. Common contributing factors include:
- Genetics and family history
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause
- Standing or sitting for long periods
- Aging and loss of vein elasticity
- Weight gain
- Sun exposure, especially for facial spider veins
How Sclerotherapy Works
Spider veins on the legs are treated with an injection method called sclerotherapy, which has been used for spider veins since the 1930s and for larger veins even earlier. A special sclerosing solution is injected with a very fine needle directly into the blood vessel. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together so blood can no longer flow through it. Over a period of weeks, the vessel turns into scar tissue that the body absorbs, and the vein fades until it is barely noticeable.
Many vessels can be treated in a single session. Depending on its size, an individual vein may need to be injected more than once, several weeks or months apart, to achieve the best result.
What to Expect
Sclerotherapy is performed in our office and does not require anesthesia. You may feel a mild pinch or brief stinging with each injection. After treatment, you will typically wear compression stockings for a period of time to support healing. Walking is encouraged, while strenuous exercise, hot baths, and sun exposure on the treated areas should be avoided for a short time. Temporary bruising, redness, or slight discoloration along the treated veins is common and fades over weeks.
Most patients see noticeable improvement within several weeks, with continued fading over a few months. Sclerotherapy does not prevent new spider veins from forming, so some patients return periodically for maintenance.
Facial Spider Veins and Redness
Small spider veins on the face, nose, and cheeks are often best treated with light-based therapy. An IPL photofacial targets visible blood vessels and redness, including those associated with rosacea, and is part of our broader medical and cosmetic care.
Related Treatments
Patients who want smoother, more confident legs may also be interested in laser hair removal, stretch mark removal, and Dr. Klein’s signature tumescent liposuction for the thighs, knees, and calves. Explore all of our cosmetic dermatology services, watch more treatment videos on our video page, learn why patients choose HK Dermatology, read our general FAQs, and visit our new patient page.
Spider Vein Treatment FAQs
What causes spider veins?
Spider veins are caused by weakened small veins and are influenced by genetics, hormones, pregnancy, aging, weight gain, and long periods of standing or sitting.
How does sclerotherapy work?
A solution is injected into the spider vein, causing it to close and gradually turn into scar tissue that the body absorbs, making the vein fade.
Does sclerotherapy hurt?
Sclerotherapy uses a very fine needle, and most patients feel only a mild pinch or brief stinging.
How many sclerotherapy treatments will I need?
Many veins improve after one session, but some veins need more than one injection several weeks or months apart.
When will I see results?
Most patients notice improvement within several weeks, with continued fading over a few months.
Will spider veins come back?
Treated veins typically do not return, but new spider veins can develop over time. Maintenance treatments can address new veins.
Can facial spider veins be treated?
Yes. Facial spider veins are often treated with an IPL photofacial.
Enjoy Clearer-Looking Legs
Call HK Dermatology at (949) 248-1632 or request an appointment online to discuss spider vein treatment in San Juan Capistrano, CA .
Request an Appointment