Broken capillaries & spider veins
CONCERNS
Spider veins and broken capillaries are extremely common - those fine red, blue or purple threads that appear on the legs or across the face. They're usually harmless, but many people find them bothersome, and there are professional options that may help reduce their appearance. Because leg veins and facial veins are quite different, the approach depends on where they are.
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What causes spider veins and broken capillaries?
Surface veins usually develop from a combination of factors:
Genetics:
A family history is one of the strongest factors.
Ageing:
Vein walls and valves weaken over time.
Hormonal changes:
Pregnancy, the contraceptive pill and menopause.
Standing or sitting:
Long periods increase pressure in leg veins.
Sun damage:
The most common cause of facial capillaries.
Pressure and trauma:
Injury or repeated pressure on the skin.
Understanding surface veins
Not all visible veins are the same, and the distinction matters for what's appropriate.
Spider veins (telangiectasia) are the fine red, blue or purple threads just under the skin's surface, often in web-like clusters. On the legs they're usually caused by increased pressure in the veins; on the face they're mostly from sun damage or skin conditions like rosacea. They're cosmetic - they don't cause harm.
Reticular veins are slightly larger, blue-green veins sitting a little deeper, often "feeding" clusters of spider veins. They're commonly assessed alongside spider veins on the legs.
Varicose veins are larger, raised, rope-like veins caused by faulty valves in the deeper leg veins. These are a medical rather than cosmetic issue, they can cause aching, swelling and, over time, skin changes and they need assessment by a vascular specialist with ultrasound before any treatment. If we see signs of varicose veins or underlying venous problems at your consultation, we'll refer you on.
Areas we can help with
spider veins on the legs
Fine, web-like surface veins on the thighs, calves and ankles.
Leg spider veins develop when small surface veins dilate under increased pressure — from genetics, hormones, pregnancy, or long periods of standing or sitting. They're most common on the thighs, behind the knees and around the ankles, and often appear in clusters with a central feeding vein. They're the area sclerotherapy is most commonly used for.
reticular veins
Slightly larger blue-green veins beneath the surface.
Reticular veins sit a little deeper than spider veins and appear as blue or green lines, commonly on the backs of the legs and around the knees. They often feed clusters of spider veins, which is why they're assessed together - treating the feeder vein can be part of addressing the spider veins it supplies.
broken capillaries on the face
Red threads across the cheeks, nose and chin.
Facial capillaries are tiny dilated blood vessels near the skin's surface, most often caused by cumulative sun damage, though rosacea, extreme temperatures, alcohol and some skin conditions contribute. They're most common on the nose and cheeks. Facial veins are treated differently from leg veins, with laser-based options typically considered rather than sclerotherapy.
veins on the body
Small red or purple surface veins on the chest, hands or body.
hread veins can appear on the décolletage, hands and other areas, often related to sun exposure or ageing skin. They're assessed individually, as the appropriate approach depends on their location, size and cause and on the body, both sclerotherapy and laser-based options may be considered.
What to expect at your consultation
A vein consultation begins with assessing the veins affecting you, where they are, their size and type, and whether there's any sign of underlying venous problems. For leg veins, your nurse will assess you standing as well as lying down, since that's when they're most visible.
Your nurse will take a full medical history, including any history of blood clots, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and medications, as these affect what's suitable. If there are signs of varicose veins or venous insufficiency, we'll recommend a vascular assessment first. From there, we'll create a personalised plan, and options and costs are always discussed in person.
Treatments we offer for broken capillaries & spider veins
At W.D.I Clinic, a selection of professional treatments may be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to spider veins and broken capillaries. Suitability is always determined during a required consultation. All cosmetic procedures carry risks, and results vary between individuals.
Frequently asked questions
What is sclerotherapy?
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Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat spider and thread veins on the legs and body. Your nurse will explain exactly what's involved and whether it's suitable for you at your consultation.
What's the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?
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Spider veins are fine surface threads that are cosmetic and harmless. Varicose veins are larger, raised veins caused by faulty valves deeper in the leg, and are a medical issue needing assessment by a vascular specialist. If we see signs of varicose veins, we'll refer you on.
Are spider veins dangerous?
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No, spider veins themselves are harmless and purely cosmetic. Occasionally they can be a sign of underlying venous problems in the leg, which is why a proper assessment is part of your consultation.
How many treatments will I need?
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This varies depending on the number and size of veins. Your nurse will outline a realistic plan at your consultation.
Will the veins come back?
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Treated veins don't usually return, but new spider veins can develop over time, particularly if the underlying causes - genetics, hormones, standing are ongoing. Your nurse will discuss what to expect and how to reduce the chance of new veins forming.
Is there downtime?
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This depends on the area and extent of treatment. Your nurse will explain what to expect and any aftercare involved, such as compression stockings for leg treatments.
Does W·D·I Clinic offer fine lines and wrinkles consultations near me?
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W·D·I Clinic is based in Dubbo and regularly travels to locations across Western NSW. Visit our Locations page to see upcoming clinic dates and find the nearest location to you.
What causes spider veins and broken capillaries?
Surface veins usually develop from a combination of factors:
-
Genetics: A family history is one of the strongest factors.
-
Ageing: Vein walls and valves weaken over time.
-
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, the contraceptive pill and menopause.
-
Standing or sitting: Long periods increase pressure in leg veins.
-
Sun damage: The most common cause of facial capillaries.
-
Pressure and trauma: Injury or repeated pressure on the skin.