Removing spider veins: which treatment really helps?

29. June 2025

von Nadja Pflug in Body

Fine, reddish-bluish veins directly under the skin – spider veins are a widespread phenomenon, especially on the legs. Even though they are usually medically harmless, many sufferers find them annoying. The good news is that spider veins can be treated effectively and sustainably with the proven method of sclerotherapy. In this article, you will find out how the treatment works, what it does and who it is suitable for.

What are spider veins – and why do they appear?

Spider veins are dilated small veins that run just below the surface of the skin. They appear as reddish, purple or bluish lines – often like a fine network of veins – and occur mainly on the thighs, calves or around the knees.

Possible causes of spider veins:

  • Heredity (familial predisposition)

  • Hormonal influences (e.g. pregnancy, the pill, menopause)

  • Standing or sitting for long periods

  • Weak connective tissue

  • Ageing processes of the blood vessels

Although spider veins do not pose a medical risk, many people find them aesthetically unpleasant – especially in the warmer months when legwear is shorter.

The proven solution: sclerotherapy (sclerotherapy)

The most effective method for removing spider veins is sclerotherapy – a treatment in which the affected vessels are injected and sclerosed. A special liquid (sclerosing agent) is injected directly into the affected veins using a very fine needle.

What happens in the process?

The product slightly irritates the vessel walls, causing them to contract and stick together. As a result, the vessel is broken down by the body – the spider veins fade and gradually disappear.

Advantages of sclerotherapy at a glance

✔️ Very good results for small and medium-sized spider veins
✔️ Outpatient treatment – no anesthetic required
✔️ Quick procedure – completed in just a few minutes
✔️ Long-lasting effect with the right aftercare

Sclerotherapy is considered to be particularly gentle on the tissue and has been a proven method in aesthetic medicine for decades.

How does the treatment work?

  1. Consultation and examination
    Before treatment, a precise analysis of the affected vessels and an individual consultation are carried out.

  2. Procedure
    The sclerosing agent is injected directly into the spider veins using a very fine needle. The treatment usually only takes 15-30 minutes.

  3. Aftercare
    Slight redness or swelling may occur after treatment, but this usually subsides quickly. Compression stockings may be recommended in some cases to support the success of the treatment.

How many sessions are necessary?

The number of sessions depends on the number and severity of the spider veins. In many cases, one session is sufficient; for more pronounced findings, 2-3 sessions are usually advisable to achieve an optimal result.

What can you do yourself to prevent spider veins?

Even if sclerotherapy is very effective, new spider veins cannot always be completely prevented. These measures help to minimize the risk:

  • Regular exercise (e.g. walking, cycling, swimming)

  • Raise your legs after sitting or standing for a long time

  • Balanced diet and sufficient fluids

  • Alternating showers to strengthen the blood vessels


Conclusion: remove spider veins gently and effectively

If you suffer from annoying spider veins, sclerotherapy is a safe and proven method for removing fine veins. The treatment is quick, virtually painless and provides visible results – without any surgery.

Get individual advice now and find out more about your options – for smooth, even legs that make you feel good all round.

Nadja-Pflug

Nadja Pflug

Specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery

Memberships

  • German Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (DGPRÄC)
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Nadja Pflug

About
20 YEARS
EXPERIENCE

About
20 YEARS
EXPERIENCE
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