Do Spider Veins Go Away?
The below content has been medically reviewed and approved by Dr Mark Regi (MBBS, MRCS, FRCR), Consultant Interventional Radiologist and Clinical Lead for Education at VeinCentre.
Last reviewed: 13th August 2025
Spider veins are very common and often harmless. If you’ve noticed them developing, especially on your legs or face, you might be wondering: can spider veins go away on their own?
Let’s explore what causes them, whether they fade naturally, and the best options for long-term results.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins (also known as thread veins) are tiny blood vessels that become visible near the surface of the skin. They often appear red, purple or blue and are commonly found on the legs and face. These veins are caused by increased pressure in the blood vessels and can develop due to factors like genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, ageing or prolonged standing.
Can Spider Veins Go Away on Their Own?
In most cases, spider veins do not go away on their own. While their appearance may fade slightly over time in some people, they usually remain unless treated. Some patients find that lifestyle changes, for example maintaining a healthy weight or staying active may help prevent new spider veins from forming but they won’t eliminate existing ones.
Can Spider Veins Go Away with Exercise or Massage?
Although exercise is beneficial for overall vein health and may help improve circulation, it won’t remove existing spider veins. Similarly, massaging spider veins may reduce minor swelling or discomfort temporarily, but unfortunately it won’t make the veins disappear.
Treatment Options for Spider Veins
The only proven way to get rid of spider veins is with targeted treatment. At VeinCentre, we offer walk-in, walk-out options to treat thread veins. The most common and effective treatment for thread veins on the legs is Microsclerotherapy. A procedure where a tiny needle is used to inject a solution into the veins, causing them to fade over time. This treatment is safe, minimally invasive, and requires no general anaesthetic.
For facial thread vein treatment, the most common and effective treatment is called Thermocoagulation. This is a non-invasive procedure which requires no local anaesthetic.
When to Consider Spider Vein Treatment
While spider veins are typically not dangerous, you may want to explore treatment if:
- The veins are causing discomfort, itching, or burning
- You’re self-conscious about their appearance
- You want a lasting solution rather than managing symptoms
Why Choose VeinCentre?
Here’s how we ensure you’ll always Walk Out Happy:
- 1-hour walk-in, walk-out modern laser treatments
- Expert Vascular Consultants from start to finish
- UK’s largest vein specialist with 40+ clinics nationwide
- Appointments to suit you
- Transparent pricing
If you’re unsure about your options or want to speak to someone about your spider veins, our friendly team is available Monday to Friday 8am–5pm and Saturday 9am–4pm. Call us on 01782 753960 for expert advice and support.