What causes spider veins?

Dr Alex Vesey is our expert consultant vascular surgeon who heads up our varicose vein team at McKeown Medical. Here, he discusses what spider veins are.

Published by Dr Alex Vesey

Date posted — 25.08.24

Expert Video

Spider veins, or thread veins, are caused by the dilation of small blood vessels near the skin’s surface.

Factors contributing to their development include genetic predisposition, hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy or menopause), and prolonged exposure to sun or extreme temperatures.

Other risk factors include prolonged standing or sitting, obesity, and ageing, which weaken the vessel walls and valves. Spider veins are often seen on the legs and face and are generally harmless but can be a cosmetic concern.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing weight, and protecting your skin from sun damage can help reduce the risk of developing spider veins.

We offer a range of treatment options for varicose veins, including VenaSeal™ – the most up-to-date method of treating varicose veins that causes less pain and allows you to get back to normal almost immediately, without the hassle of wearing bandages or compression stockings.

Get in touch with our friendly team, and we’ll help you find the right varicose vein treatment.

Dr Alex Vesey

Our vascular surgery service is led by Dr Alex Vesey. Alex is a highly skilled vascular surgeon with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of vascular conditions. With a focus on minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Vesey is dedicated to providing patients with the most advanced and effective treatments for venous diseases, with a particular interest in the treatment of varicose veins.

Related Articles

patient before and after botox & relfydess treatment

Anti-wrinkle injections

Relfydess at Six Months: What Our Patients Really Think

When a new wrinkle-relaxing treatment comes to market, it often generates a lot of buzz but at McKeown Medical, we...

Man in consultation at McKeown Medical

Varicose veins

5 Dangerous myths about varicose vein treatment debunked

Think varicose vein treatment is painful, risky, or ineffective? Discover the truth as we debunk 5 common myths and reveal...

a before and after photo of a female patient who has had laser resurfacing treatment at McKeown Medical.

Laser dermatology

Microneedling or Laser Resurfacing: What’s More Effective for Acne Scars?

Struggling with acne scars? We compare microneedling and laser resurfacing to reveal which treatment smooths skin, boosts collagen, and reduces...

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.

Join us on Instagram to keep up with the latest results and expert insights from the clinic team.