Spider Veins

What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins, also known as thread veins or broken veins, are small clusters of pink and purple veins that sit close to the surface of the skin. They are most commonly found on the legs, but they can also appear on the face and other areas of the body.

What Causes Spider Veins?

A number of factors can make you prone to developing spider veins, including:

  • Genetics: They can be hereditary.
  • Pregnancy: This is one of the most common causes.
  • Lifestyle: Long periods of standing or sitting can be a factor.
  • Footwear: Wearing high heels can restrict circulation in your calf muscles.
  • Sun exposure: This is a well-known cause of spider veins on the face, especially around the nose.

Most of the time, spider veins don’t cause any discomfort. However, some people may experience symptoms like:

  • Aching, tired, or heavy legs
  • Numbness or tingling around the veins
  • Nighttime cramps

Spider veins are generally not a health risk, so you may not need to treat them. However, treatment can be beneficial if:

  • The veins cause you pain, aches, or numbness that affects your daily life.
  • You are bothered by their appearance.
  • They are accompanied by larger, bulging blue veins, which could suggest an underlying varicose veins issue.

Many clinics offer skin laser or light therapy for spider veins. However, these treatments are often not effective. This is because spider veins are like small streams connected to a larger, deeper “river.” A surface laser can only close the “stream,” but if the “river” remains open, more streams will simply appear.

Since about 5-10% of patients with spider veins may also have a deeper, underlying varicose vein problem, we recommend a more comprehensive approach.
For effective and lasting treatment, an ultrasound examination may be necessary. This quick, painless exam allows us to check for hidden varicose veins that could be causing your spider veins. Based on the exam findings, we create a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of foam sclerotherapy, injection sclerotherapy, and ND Yag laser, if needed.
By addressing the root cause, not just the visible veins, we can provide a more effective and long-lasting solution.

Dr. Tan Featured in the News

Dr. Tan perform EVLT procedure Channel Newsasia 2009

Dr. John Tan featured in MediaCorp Channel 8
(早安您好)

Dr. John Tan featured in Channel NewsAsia Primetime Morning

Dr. John Tan featured in MediaCorp Channel 8

Dr. Tan Featured in The Straits Times

Dr. Tan is the first in Singapore to perform Radiofrequency Ablation for varicose veins.

Dr. Tan is the first in Singapore to perform Venaseal (Superglue) closure of varicose veins.