Spider vein are enlarged tiny veins in the skin (remember, varicose veins are under the skin). They may be hair-thin, or as large as a spaghetti noodle. They may be associated with underlying vein disease. An ultrasound exam may be advised to assess this. Not recognizing underlying vein disease is the most common reason for unsatisfactory results. This is why even spider veins should be treated by a physician with formal expertise in vein disease.
About the Author: Dr. Daniel Monahan
Daniel L. Monahan, M.D. opened Vein Surgery and Treatment Center of Northern California in 2001. The name changed to Monahan Vein Clinic in 2011. He is board-certified in surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Treating vein disease is not something to learn in a weekend course. Dr. Monahan’s formal training included more experience in vein treatment than typical surgical training, and he carried this expertise into his practice.