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Last updated on January 15, 2025
Are you wondering what’s the best spider vein treatment in 2025? With developments in laser and light technology as well as new findings in sclerotherapy solutions, you have more options than ever before. However, the best one for you will depend on the size and location of your spider veins.
Spider vein treatment: the big updates
- Cryotherapy. In the 1960s, the first devices hit the market for medical settings and cosmetic treatments. Today, these are commonly used in laser hair removal and in certain spider vein treatment procedures.
- Nd:YAG. It was invented in the 1960s with recent modifications and applications in vein treatment. The laser is currently one of (if not THE) best suited for spider veins on the legs as it has a longer wavelength that can more precisely target these vessels.
- VeinViewer. Invented in 1995, this infrared device projects an image of the vascular system onto a patient’s skin. It can pinpoint veins that specialists can’t see through direct vision. The device is extremely useful for determining if any reticular veins are feeding into your spider vein cluster so we can eliminate them and minimise the risk of new clusters forming post-treatment.
- CLaCS. Invented in 1999 by Dr Roberto Kasuo Miyake, this treatment method combines Nd:YAG laser and sclerotherapy with cryotherapy to target complex vein clusters and keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Radiofrequency needling. Unlike endovenous radiofrequency ablation, this method uses a tiny needle to pierce the skin and heat the spider vein shut.
Each step forward means better results, shorter recovery times, fewer complications, and more comfortable procedures.
The best spider vein treatment in 2025
Ultimately, the best spider vein treatment for you depends on the location and condition of your veins. Here are your options:
Sclerotherapy
Sclerosant (typically a solution made of Polidocanol, sodium tetradecyl sulphate, hypertonic saline solutions, Dextrose, or Aethoxysclerol) irritates the vein walls and makes them seal shut. The best solution for your veins (or if multiple solutions are needed) depends on your vein condition and your body’s response.
We can inject these through direct vision if we don’t pinpoint underlying feeder veins, or with the assistance of the VeinViewer if we do. At Spider Veins Australia, we use several injectables to suit all types of spider leg veins. They include:
- Aethoxysclerol: we inject this as a liquid for small veins or as foam for larger reticular veins.
- Glucose and sodium chloride: we mix for better results. This formula is less aggressive than Aethoxy, making it better suited for those who are breastfeeding, have an allergy to Aethoxy, and matting – which can follow more aggressive sclerotherapy injections. For diabetics, we may use sodium chloride alone to avoid an adverse reaction.
Laser
There are a lot of laser options for spider veins, but some are much better suited for leg veins than others. For example, argon lasers have a wavelength of 488-514, making them suitable for shallow spider veins (1mm under the surface) on the face, but not ideal for larger and deeper spider veins on the legs.
Generally, Pulsed Diode and Nd:YAG laser are best for leg veins, as they have 800-900nm and 1064 wavelengths, respectively.
Lasers work by heating the veins through the skin, making them shrink and seal up. Your body will absorb them over time. Overall, laser treatment is well tolerated with minimal risk of side effects. However, you may need 2-3 treatments to achieve the best results.
Combination
CLaCS combines laser with sclerotherapy, making it a great option for complex spider vein clusters. A recent study found that the rate of vein elimination after the first, second, and third treatment sessions was 64.6%, 86.2%, and 100%, respectively.
Endovenous Ablation
Endovenous Laser Treatment is a more invasive option for larger veins. It involves inserting a laser fibre into the vein, heating it, and sealing it shut. However, EVLA is often reserved for varicose veins, as the laser fibre can’t fit through most spider veins.
Radiofrequency injections
This treatment uses a tiny needle to pierce the skin and ablate a spider vein, making it disappear from view, The treatment generally takes 10-15 minutes depending on the treatment area and yields good results. It’s an especially good treatment for small veins unsuited for sclerotherapy injection, veins that don’t contain sufficient haemoglobin (which the Nd:YAG targets to ablate the vein), and for matting.
What’s the best spider vein treatment in 2025: the takeaway
Advancements in laser, cryotherapy, and sclerosing technologies have made spider vein treatment better than ever before. However, while some treatments are certainly better than others, the best option for your veins depends on you.