Reticular Veins
Reticular veins are small, greenish-blue veins that sit just beneath the skin’s surface, often feeding the spider veins above them. At Shore Vascular & Vein Center, we treat reticular veins as part of a complete approach to smoother, clearer legs.
Request an AppointmentWhat Are Reticular Veins?
Reticular veins, sometimes called feeder veins, are slightly larger than spider veins but smaller than varicose veins. They typically appear as flat, greenish-blue veins beneath the skin and often supply blood to the smaller spider veins visible on the surface. Because of this relationship, reticular veins are frequently the hidden source behind spider veins that keep returning after treatment.
Why Reticular Veins Matter
If reticular veins aren’t identified and treated alongside visible spider veins, spider vein treatment results may be short-lived, since the reticular vein continues feeding blood into the smaller vessels. This is why a thorough evaluation is an important first step before any cosmetic vein treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
At Shore Vascular & Vein Center in Somers Point, NJ , Dr. Gosin evaluates your veins, sometimes with the help of ultrasound in our IAC-accredited vascular lab, to identify any reticular veins feeding your spider veins. Reticular veins are commonly treated with sclerotherapy, using a slightly different technique and solution concentration than typical spider vein treatment. Addressing reticular veins first often leads to more complete, longer-lasting results when treating spider veins on the surface.
Reticular Veins FAQs
What’s the difference between reticular veins and spider veins?
Reticular veins are slightly larger, flatter, and sit deeper beneath the skin than spider veins, and often feed blood into the smaller spider veins on the surface.
Why do my spider veins keep coming back after treatment?
If an underlying reticular vein isn’t treated, it can continue feeding the spider veins above it, causing them to reappear even after successful spider vein treatment.
How are reticular veins treated?
Reticular veins are commonly treated with sclerotherapy, using a technique tailored to their slightly larger size.
Is treating reticular veins painful?
Most patients tolerate reticular vein treatment well, with only minimal discomfort during the procedure.
Should reticular veins be treated before spider veins?
In many cases, yes. Addressing the reticular vein first often produces more complete and longer-lasting spider vein results.
How do I know if I have reticular veins?
A visual exam, sometimes paired with ultrasound, can identify reticular veins feeding your spider veins during your consultation.
Treat the Source for Lasting Results
Schedule your consultation with Shore Vascular & Vein Center in Somers Point, NJ today.
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