What are leg & body Spider Veins?
Spider veins are small, widened blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. They often appear as fine red, blue or purple lines, branching patterns or clusters across the thighs, calves or ankles. The clinical term for these vessels is telangiectasia.
Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are usually small and flat rather than raised, enlarged or twisted. They are often treated as a cosmetic concern, but visible leg and body veins can sometimes occur alongside deeper circulation problems.
Common Causes & Contributing Factors
Genetics & Ageing
A family history of spider veins, along with age-related changes in the vessels and skin, may make them more likely to appear.
Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy and other hormonal changes may contribute to the development of spider veins, particularly on the legs.
Prolonged Standing or Sitting
Long periods without movement can increase pressure in the leg veins and may contribute to visible surface vessels.
Body Shape & Vein Pressure
Natural differences in body shape and how pressure is carried through the legs may influence vein pressure over time.
Expectations & Recovery
Appointment Length
Generally 30-90 mins depending on the number, size and location of the vessels being treated.
Treatment Details
Targeted laser energy is delivered through the skin to selected vessels, without any skin penetration or injection. The surrounding skin remains intact throughout treatment.
Treatment Sensation
Each pulse may feel hot, sharp or like a brief rubber-band flick. Cooling and settings are adjusted throughout to support your comfort.
After Treatment
No compression stockings needed and no clinic-required downtime is planned. Most people can continue their usual activities. There may be mild redness and sensitivity on treated areas along with temporary bruising and darkening of the treated veins.
Results & Sessions
Treated vessels may darken before gradually fading as the body clears them, with a visible reduction in vein appearance after 8-12 weeks. Most clients need 2-3 sessions for optimal results depending on extent and severity of veins.
Who is Suitable for this Treatment?
This treatment may be considered for adults with small, visible superficial vessels that can be safely targeted after assessment.
☑ Fine red, purple or blue vessels on selected areas of the face or body
☑ Small, flat leg spider veins rather than raised or bulging varicose veins
☑ People seeking a surface treatment that does not involve injections
☑ Skin and medical history suitable for the laser settings required
☑ No underlying deep veins insufficiency, this should be resolved/ruled out first before starting laser
May not be suitable for darker skin types. We do not treat varicose veins.
Treatment may be delayed or unsuitable during pregnancy, after recent tanning, over active infection or broken skin, or where medicines or health conditions affect healing, clotting or light sensitivity. We always conduct an assessment first.
Why Choose Our Approach?
For suitable leg spider veins, laser treatment offers a focused option that works from the skin’s surface without injections. It does not routinely require compression stockings or planned clinic-required downtime, making it a practical choice for people who want treatment to fit more easily into everyday life. Unlike at-home remedies, laser is designed to target the visible vessel itself.
Sources: Origin Skin treatment and aftercare protocols; Healthdirect Australia, Varicose veins; Better Health Channel, Varicose veins and spider veins; Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Varicose veins: natural history, assessment and management. American Academy of Dermatology, Leg veins: Why they appear and how dermatologists treat them; Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, Sclerotherapy; Fotona, Vascular Lesions. General comparison only. Individual suitability, responses and aftercare may vary.
Before & After Results
Results from Origin Skin clients. Individual results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most clients describe the sensation as mild and tolerable during treatment. Some people compare it to the feeling of a small rubber band gently snapping against the skin. Cooling methods are used throughout the procedure to help maximise comfort and protect the surrounding skin.
Yes. Laser spider vein treatment is a non-invasive option that does not require injections, skin penetration or compression stockings. It works by using targeted light energy to treat visible spider veins.
We do offer virtual video consultations and FREE guidance and quotes on the photos we receive from clients. Even though an in-person consultation is ideal for assessment and an exact quote, we often ask clients to send us photos of their concern areas before they commit to booking an in-person consultation or treatment. We provide a rough estimate of cost and information on suitability for treatment. This helps prevent disappointment for clients who may otherwise travel a long distance and also helps prevent misunderstandings between spider veins and varicose veins before booking.
Avoid direct and unprotected sun exposure for at least 2 weeks prior. You should not have a fake tan or spray tan on any treatment areas.
Laser spider vein treatment requires no downtime, allowing clients to return to their normal daily activities immediately following treatment. This includes work, exercise and other routine activities.
No, clients can return to their normal exercise routine immediately after laser treatment.
Yes, clients can travel by plane after your laser treatment.
Unlike some other spider vein treatment options, compression stockings are not required following laser treatment.
The number of treatments required varies between individuals and depends on the size, location and extent of the spider veins being treated. Most clients need 2-3 sessions for the optimum results.
Treated veins are gradually reabsorbed by the body's natural processes over time. Results develop progressively following treatment, usually 6-8 weeks minimum. Most clients notice visible results after their second session.
Treated spider veins are gradually reabsorbed by the body's natural processes and do not typically return. However, new spider veins may develop over time due to factors such as genetics, ageing, hormonal changes and lifestyle factors. Our qualified skin specialists can also provide advice on measures that may help minimise the development of new spider veins in the future.
No. Spider veins are small visible blood vessels that appear close to the skin's surface, often forming fine red, blue or purple branching patterns. Varicose veins are typically larger, raised veins that sit deeper beneath the skin; they are a medical issue rather than cosmetic therefore need medical or surgical intevention.
Yes. Laser spider vein treatment is a well-established treatment that has been extensively studied in peer-reviewed medical literature. It is widely used in medical and aesthetic settings and continues to be supported by ongoing research into the treatment of visible vascular concerns.
Your Origin Skin Journey: What to Expect
From concern to conclusion, we guide you step by step
The Origin Skin Difference
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Whether you know exactly what you would like help with or you are still unsure where to begin, ORIGIN SKIN is here to listen without judgement, guide you with honest advice, and support you with qualified care that respects your skin, your comfort and your unique skin story. However you prefer to reach out, we look forward to hearing from you.
Skincare Clinic • Advanced Laser • Aesthetic Therapies • North Sydney
10am–6pm Monday to Friday
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