Spider veins

Beautiful legs even in shorts!

For many, flawless skin on the legs, free of visible veins and vascular patterns, is a key aspect of their well-being. Who doesn’t want to confidently show off their legs at the pool, wear breezy skirts in summer, or exercise in shorts? Achieving beautiful, smooth, even skin from your feet to your bottom, free from spider veins and unwanted hair growth, is possible with laser treatments. This isn’t just a fantasy but a long-lasting solution for aesthetic well-being. Let us guide you. We look forward to helping you achieve your beauty goals.

Method

How does the removal of spider veins on the legs work?

There are two effective procedures for removing spider veins: laser therapy and sclerotherapy. Combining both methods can be particularly useful for extensive and severe cases. At our practice in Rapperswil-Jona by Lake Zurich, we begin with a dermatological examination of the affected areas, a specialist analysis of the tissue, and a personalised consultation. Both treatments are well-established and effective.

Laser therapy:

We use a state-of-the-art, established and reliable long-pulsed 1064 nm NDYAG laser at our practice. This is important because the treatment of spider veins requires a reliable, long-pulsed professional laser. The laser beam penetrates the skin until the target structure is reached, i.e. the red or blue colour of the spider vein. The coloured tissue is destroyed by the laser’s energy and is then automatically broken down by the body. The skin surface remains completely untouched. The result is a more even tissue colour on the treated body parts without visible veins or veinlets on the legs.

Sclerotherapy:

With sclerotherapy, we inject a type of adhesive (polidocanol) into the spider veins, causing them to “stick” together. A special light source allows us to see and treat even the smallest veins under the skin. Once polidocanol is injected, blood can no longer flow through the vessel, blocking it off. Sclerotherapy yields the best results when consistent compression is applied after treatment using compression bandages or support tights

Both methods always require several treatments. After the first appointment, the appearance of the legs may even worsen, as deeper spider veins may only become visible after initial treatment.

The great advantage of laser therapy is that no compression bandages or support stockings are required afterwards.

If you have a large number of spider veins, it is quite possible to combine both procedures. Sclerotherapy works faster over a larger area. In addition, sclerotherapy is also used to treat somewhat larger vessels that the laser cannot eliminate. At a later stage, the laser can be used for the final touches.

Get rid of spider veins!

What do you need to bear in mind when you have treatment to remove spider veins?

Treatment to remove spider veins can only be carried out if the affected areas of skin are not tanned. Otherwise, unsightly marks may appear on the treated areas of skin. After treatment, it is essential to avoid direct sunlight for three to four weeks. Treatment in the autumn or winter months is therefore recommended. Regular skin care with a high sun protection factor or keeping the skin on the legs covered with fabric is also advisable, regardless of skin type.

In addition, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) must be ruled out before spider vein treatment. Signs of this condition include swelling in the lower legs or hardly being able put your shoes on when travelling by plane, after long periods of standing, or in extreme heat.

In such cases, it is advisable to have a venous assessment carried out by a phlebologist (vein specialist) before undergoing spider vein treatment. It may be necessary to first perform a surgical repair (stripping) or laser sclerotherapy on the larger veins.

Legs
Thighs
Lower leg
Back of knee
Ankles

Causes

What causes spider veins and varicose veins?

Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that appear as net-like lines on the skin. Located just beneath the skin’s surface, they often appear bluish or reddish. Spider veins develop when the connective tissue in the vein walls weakens and the venous valves fail to function properly. These valves usually regulate blood flow from the legs towards the heart, working against gravity. When the valves are weak or damaged, blood can flow back and accumulate in the veins, causing them to expand and branch out, creating visible “bulges.”

Spider veins are a specific type of varicose veins. They are much smaller than typical varicose veins and usually appear on the thighs and inner sides of the lower legs. They can also occur on the ankle or in the hollow of the knee. When similar veins appear on the face, they are called telangiectasias, not spider veins.

Several factors can contribute to the development of spider veins:

Genetics:
A genetic predisposition may play a role. If family members have spider veins, you are more likely to develop them too.
Overweight:
Being overweight increases the pressure on the veins, which can lead to weakening of the venous valves.
Staying still or sitting too much:
Occupations or activities where you remain in one position for a long time can impair blood flow and promote the development of spider veins.
Pregnancy:
During pregnancy, the blood volume in the body increases, which can increase the pressure on the veins. In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy can weaken the vein walls.

Hormonal changes:
Hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, menopause or the use of hormonal contraceptives can influence the appearance of spider veins.
Sun exposure:
UV rays can damage the skin layers and promote the formation of spider veins.
Smoking:
Smoking can impair the elasticity of blood vessels and affect blood flow, which in turn can promote the development of spider veins.

Patient satisfaction

What results can be achieved with laser therapy for veins and redness on the face?

For many people, especially women, spider veins on the legs are an unsightly and unwelcome change. They can be a major source of frustration and can make people feel unattractive. Dermatological therapies such as laser treatment and sclerotherapy offer effective solutions and can produce impressive results. I have seen patients who, after treatment, feel confident enough to wear shorts or skirts in public for the first time in years.

Dr Susanne Kristof
SK-AESTHETICS, Rapperswil-Jona

Advantages

What are the advantages of laser treatment for spider veins?

Laser therapy and sclerotherapy both offer effective solutions for treating spider veins. At our practice, we use a cutting-edge, long-pulsed 1064 nm NDYAG laser for laser therapy. It targets and destroys the red and blue veins beneath the skin. This leaves the skin surface untouched and does not require post-treatment compression bandages or support stockings.

Sclerotherapy involves injecting polidocanol into the veins, causing them to “stick” together and block blood flow. This treatment is enhanced by applying compression bandages afterward, which yields the best results. For extensive spider veins, combining both therapies can provide comprehensive results, addressing large vessels with sclerotherapy and refining the skin with laser therapy.

beautiful legs
no scars
quick recovery
smooth skin texture
highly effective
targeted treatment
tried and tested over many years

Risks

What are the risks or side effects?

Many people find laser therapy and sclerotherapy for spider veins on the legs and thighs uncomfortable, and sometimes painful. A topical anesthetic cream can help to alleviate this.

The skin must not be tanned for the treatment and the legs must not be exposed to direct sunlight for several days to weeks afterwards. The skin may be red immediately after treatment.

Particularly sensitive skin types may experience swelling, but this usually subsides quickly. Gently cooling the skin afterwards and using moisturising skincare products and good sun protection are usually sufficient for aftercare.

Compression bandages, support stockings or tights must be worn after sclerotherapy.

My advice

When assessing areas with vascular changes, it’s crucial to first determine if there is underlying chronic venous insufficiency. This condition requires a different treatment approach compared to the removal of spider veins. At SK-AESTHETICS, we include this comprehensive diagnostic process as part of our specialised care procedures to ensure that each patient receives the most appropriate and effective treatment for their specific needs.

FAQs – Frequently asked questions

Can varicose veins also be removed with a laser?

Varicose veins are considerably larger in diameter than spider veins, even if their cause is similar. They need to be treated or removed by a vascular surgeon, i.e., a phlebologist.

Are spider veins a disease?

Spider veins are not usually a serious medical problem. They are mainly treated for cosmetic reasons. Nevertheless, it is important to check for accompanying symptoms such as pain or swelling before treatment in order to rule out a misdiagnosis.

How many treatments are usually required for the best results?

As a rule, three to four treatments are required to achieve a good result. Unfortunately, this does not mean that all spider veins will be gone, but there will be a very clear difference compared to before treatment.

I usually recommend having a follow-up treatment each year, because unfortunately new spider veins will appear continuously and repeatedly.

Prices

Spider veins	from CHF 200.00