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Stanford Health Care

Causes

How We Can Help You

The doctors in the Stanford Health Care Dermatologic Surgery program not only have the expertise to help improve the health and appearance of your skin, they are leading the development of new technologies and techniques not yet available at other centers.

What We Offer You For Spider Veins

  • Fellowship-trained specialists who are global leaders in aesthetic dermatology and dermatologic surgery – active clinical researchers who teach and lecture around the world.
  • Advanced treatment options including laser treatments, precision surgical expertise, and innovative solutions for pigmented skin. Go to Treatments
  • A comfortable center that is easily accessible from Highway 101. Go to Our Clinics

Treatment for Spider Veins

Spider veins usually don't need to be treated. But if you don't like how they look, there are cosmetic treatments that can help. The doctors in the Stanford Health Care Dermatologic Surgery program provide a complete range of these treatments, including:

There are also steps you can take to make spider veins less visible. For example, you can wear clothing that cover them or use a special makeup, such as Dermablend, to hide them.

What Are Spider Veins?

Causes of Spider Veins

No one is exactly sure why spider veins form.

Blood vessels in port wine stains (a type of birthmark), for example, swell because nerve fibers that usually keep them in check aren’t working properly. But it's unclear why that happens, and it can’t be prevented.

The same is true for strawberry hemangiomas, which are dense clumps of blood vessels. Cherry angiomas (collections of small blood vessels) seem to run in families, but no one knows why.

Doctors have identified the following as likely risk factors for spider veins:

  • Inherited genes
  • Hormone changes
  • Pregnancy
  • Injury
  • Sun damage
  • Aging
  • Wearing tight clothing that cuts off circulation (though compression stockings can help)
  • Sitting or standing in one spot for extended periods

Our Clinics

Cosmetic and Laser Dermatology

Stanford Health Care has one of the most experienced dermatologic surgery programs in the world. Our expert specialists deliver safe, effective treatments to help treat conditions ranging from acne to cancer.

450 Broadway Street
 Pavilion B, 4th Floor
 Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: 650-725-5272 Getting Here
Make An Appointment

To schedule an appointment, please call: 650-725-5272