Spider veins and varicose veins of the legs are an embarrassing and sometimes painful condition. They affect millions of men and women alike and their development is influenced by many factors including heredity, pregnancy, activity, and underlying medical conditions. Varicose veins are raised, thick and ropey vessels. They occur when the larger blood vessels in the lower legs become stretched out and fail to effectively return blood to the heart. Varicose veins should be evaluated and treated by a specialist such as a vascular surgeon. Spider veins occur in smaller vessels closer to the surface of the skin. They can appear singly, or have a branched or webbed appearance. These vessels may be affectively treated in our office with sclerotherapy or laser therapy.