How Much Should I Expect to Spend on Spider Vein Removal?

If you’ve recently noticed some changes in the way the veins on your legs look, you’re not alone. In fact, up to 50% of men and women in America suffer from abnormal leg veins. Two of the most common issues in this area are varicose veins and superficial leg veins, or spider veins. 

What Are Spider Veins?

Superficial leg veins — more commonly called spider veins — occur when tiny veins gather below the surface of your skin and cause noticeable red, blue or purple discoloration. The shape of these discolorations appears spider-like, which is how they got their name. They are smaller than varicose veins and cause fewer related symptoms.

Spider veins most commonly appear on the thighs, calves or ankles, but they can also show up on the face, forearms or hands. Sometimes, spider veins can have a similar appearance as other types of problematic veins, such as hemangiomas, which are large raised red or purple spots on your skin. 

By examining the affected area, your doctor will be able to determine whether you have spider veins or something more serious. 

What Causes Spider Veins?

Although the exact cause is unknown, spider veins can be passed on through genetics. In some cases, they are connected to factors such as:

• Pregnancy
• Birth control or hormone treatments for menopause
• Weight gain
• Sun damage
• Previous blood clot or vein damage
• Sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Excess face pressure 

Do Spider Veins Require Treatment?

The vast majority of spider veins are harmless to your body. In rare cases, they may cause slight discomfort or a mild burning sensation. While some spider veins disappear within a few weeks or months, others are permanent. 

Even though spider veins don’t cause problems, they can make some people more self-conscious about their appearance. For this reason, many people choose to seek treatment to remove the pesky veins. 

Popular treatments for spider veins include:

• Sclerotherapy
• Laser therapy
• Ohmic thermolysis

What Factors Influence Spider Vein Removal Cost?

The amount of cash you’ll have to spend on your spider vein removal varies greatly. The price depends on factors such as:

• The type of treatment
• Where you live
• How experienced the specialist is
• How large the vein is
• The number of sessions required

Will Insurance Cover Spider Vein Treatment?

Spider vein treatments are not considered medically necessary. If it is considered a cosmetic procedure, most insurance plans will not cover the cost. Therefore, you will be responsible for all of the costs and need to pay directly for your care. 

However, you can always ask your doctor about their financing or payment plans. This option can divide your bill into multiple chunks you are able to pay over a set period of time.

How Much Is Spider Vein Treatment?

It is important to note that not all spider veins require a trip to the doctor’s office. People who deal with this issue may choose not to take any action at all. Others may choose to try out at-home treatment options before considering a procedure. However, if you want your spider veins to go away completely, you should seek treatment from a specialist. 

Each of the following options varies in cost. 

Home Remedies

There are a few different steps you can take at home or work to help reduce your spider veins. One inexpensive home remedy involves wearing gradient compression stockings or socks. The pressure from the garment helps improve blood flow and prevent the formation of more spider veins. It can also help lower swelling in the legs and reduce your risk of developing blood clots.

Compression stockings can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. They cost anywhere from $7 to $200 and vary in effectiveness, quality and comfort. 

Other options include:

• Getting plenty of physical activity
• Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
• Taking breaks from sitting down or standing up for long periods of time
• Elevating your feet when you can 

Sclerotherapy

With sclerotherapy, a sclerosant solution is injected directly into the affected vein, which causes it to scar and collapse. After treatment, the veins typically fade within several weeks. Sometimes more than one session is needed.

You may be wondering: how much does sclerotherapy cost? The national average for this form of treatment is $350 per session. In many cases, you need more than one session to achieve the desired results. Therefore, the final fee ends up being higher.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy involves using light energy to damage unwanted cells or veins. After treatment, the veins eventually shrink and dissolve over time. Laser therapy is often the top choice for treating spider veins on the face. 

However, this treatment modality is rarely used for leg veins due to their large size. Lasers are most effective in treating vessels of less than 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter that are resistant to sclerotherapy and telangiectatic matting. For larger veins, such as varicose veins on the legs, an invasive option like sclerotherapy is the standard. 

According to 2019 statistics published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of laser treatment for spider veins is $443. Spider veins typically require two to four laser treatments before they disappear completely. 

Ohmic Thermolysis 

Ohmic thermolysis is a newer form of treatment for spider veins. Other names for it include VeinGogh, ThermaVein or VeinWave. It works by delivering radiofrequency waves into a vein and sealing it from the outside with heat. Along with laser therapy, this option is best for treating spider veins that are too small for sclerotherapy — for example, those located on the face and ankles. 

This treatment costs somewhere between $250 to $500 per 30-minute treatment. 

How to Find the Right Spider Vein Treatment for You

Choosing a spider vein treatment plan involves acquiring a lot of information and making some tough decisions. We want you to be confident and comfortable in whatever path you choose. 

At My Vein Treatment, we want to make this process as seamless and straightforward as possible. By using our physician locator tool, you can find vein specialists near you with more ease than ever. Once you get a list of curated results, you can inquire about the final quote of your desired treatment. You can also learn specifics about the treatment and how to best prepare for it. 

For more expert knowledge and advice about spider veins and varicose veins, explore My Vein Treatment’s catalog of articles today.