Disclaimer: This page is general educational information, not medical advice. Treatments described here are medical procedures with potential risks; candidacy, results and recovery vary from person to person. Consult a qualified, licensed provider before any treatment.
Overview
Spider veins are small, visible blood vessels near the skin's surface. Cosmetic treatment options include sclerotherapy, where a solution is injected into the vein, and laser or light-based treatments.
Larger varicose veins or symptoms such as pain and swelling may indicate a medical issue and should be evaluated by a physician.
Multiple sessions are common, and new veins may develop over time.
What the work usually involves
- Follow-up.
- Aftercare, sometimes including compression.
- Treatment selection.
- Consultation and vein assessment.
- Sclerotherapy or laser treatment.
What affects the outcome
- New veins can form.
- Symptoms may require medical evaluation.
- Sun exposure may affect laser treatment.
- Compression may be recommended.
- Multiple sessions are typical.
Local notes for San Jose
In California, rules about who can perform laser and other medical aesthetic procedures, and under what supervision, are set by the state. Asking about supervision and credentials is a reasonable part of any consultation.
We take inquiries from San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Campbell, Milpitas.
What to have ready
- Write down what you would like to change or improve, and what results you are hoping for, in your own words.
- Be ready to describe your skin type and any history of scarring, pigmentation changes or cold sores.
- List your medications, supplements, allergies and relevant medical history so you can share them during a consultation.
- Note any previous cosmetic treatments, including when and where they were done.
- Mention if you are pregnant, nursing or planning a pregnancy, since many treatments are postponed in that case.
Red flags to watch for
- Guarantees of specific results, or claims that a treatment has no risks or downtime.
- No clear answer about who will perform the procedure and what their credentials are.
- Treatment offered without a consultation or review of your medical history.
- Pressure to buy large packages or prepay for many sessions at the first visit.
- No written consent form explaining risks, alternatives and aftercare.
What to ask before you commit
- Is sclerotherapy or laser right for me?
- Should I see a vein specialist?
- What are the risks?
- What aftercare is needed?
- Who performs the treatment?
Common questions
- Are spider veins dangerous?
- They're often cosmetic, but symptoms should be evaluated.
- What is sclerotherapy?
- Injection of a solution into veins to collapse them.
- Will veins come back?
- Treated veins may fade, but new ones can form.
Related topics
- Pigmentation and Sun Damage: Treatment options for sun spots, uneven tone and other pigmentation concerns, and questions to ask a provider.
- Skin Resurfacing: An overview of laser skin resurfacing, ablative versus non-ablative options, downtime and questions to ask a provider.
- What to Expect at a Consultation: How aesthetic and laser consultations usually work, how to prepare and questions that help you compare providers.
Ready to talk to someone about vein treatments? Send a short inquiry below and we'll follow up.