Spider veins are a condition marked by red or blue veins that appear as a “web” on the legs, most commonly behind the knees. Though spider veins aren’t painful like varicose veins, many people prefer to remove spider veins for aesthetic reasons. Men and women of all ages can develop spider veins, though pregnant women and older individuals are more likely to develop spider veins. People in professions that require long hours of standing are also at an increased risk of developing spider veins. Spider veins are most commonly dark red in color, though some people have purple or blue spider veins as well.

Spider veins are a condition caused by increased pressure in the legs' small veins, which contributes to the valves within the veins to become dysfunctional. This causes a backflow of blood that appears as spider veins underneath the skin. Both men and women can develop spider veins, but women experience this condition more commonly. Several additional factors contribute to the development of spider veins. This includes family history, obesity, hormones and birth control, pregnancy, increased abdominal pressure from constipation, tumors, and even shapewear. Working in a profession that requires you to stand for long hours, like being a hairdresser, doctors and nurses, or working at a shop, can also contribute to the development of spider veins.

Though spider veins are a common point of frustration for men and women, there are many different treatment options. From the comfort of his beautiful Upper East Side office, Dr. Schultz will have a discussion with you about which treatment would work best for you. Some of the most common and effective treatments include:

  • Support stockings: these stockings are designed to better support your legs and apply pressure that maintains blood flow.
  • Lifestyle changes: since obesity is a common cause of spider veins, lifestyle changes can help prevent or alleviate spider veins.
  • Sclerotherapy: a treatment that involves injecting a saline solution into the vein. This forces the vein to collapse and stop the blood flow to the vein so that the spider veins fade.
  • Endovenous laser treatment and radiofrequency occlusion: two types of treatments that use a laser fiber or catheter inserted into the vein. Then, pulses of laser light or radiofrequency energy are applied to the vein to cause it to collapse and seal. Like sclerotherapy, once the vein has collapsed, the appearance of spider veins will fade.
  • Laser Treatments: one of the most popular treatments for spider veins, laser treatments use heat energy to destroy spider veins. Many people prefer laser treatments over other options because it does not involve needles. Instead, most people experience the sensation of a rubber band snapping against their skin while the laser does its work.
Depending on your unique circumstances, Dr. Schultz will recommend the treatment that will give you the best results.

As NYC’s top dermatologist, Dr. Schultz takes the time to understand the contributing factors to your spider veins. Through careful examination and a discussion with each patient, Dr. Schultz is able to determine which treatment option would work best. For some individuals, sclerotherapy is the most effective and cost-effective solution. In other cases, laser treatments may be the most appropriate to give you the best aesthetic results from your spider vein removal.

During an appointment for spider veins, you will be welcomed into the comfortable Park Avenue Skin Care office in the Upper East Side to meet with Dr. Schultz. After a physical examination, Dr. Schultz will discuss your condition with you, listen to your concerns, and answer any of your questions. Once he determines the best treatment option, you will be prepped. Before the procedure begins, Dr. Schultz will let you know exactly what to expect from the treatment and during the healing process. Your comfort is our highest priority, so you will be kept comfortable throughout the spider vein removal.

Patient Reviews

I've been seeing Dr. Schultz for the last 8 years and during that time, I've recommended him to countless friends for both cosmetic and medical dermatologic help. I trust him completely both diagnostically and aesthetically. When I had shingles, he was wonderful, incredibly supportive and kind. And when I eased into doing more cosmetic dermatology, he was– and continues to be– patient, careful and cautious. He listens to concerns and really hears what your goal outcome is and works with you to make it happen. I wanted to maintain a natural look while keeping my skin looking fresh and that's just what he's done for me. I always leave his office feeling prettier and well-cared for! If you have a medical concern or something about your skin you want to upgrade, you can't do better than Dr. Schultz and his wonderful team. And the products are amazing as well!

- Laura B.

Dr. Schultz is the most thorough and good natured dermatologist I have ever seen. I have been a patient of his for more than 20 years. He has taught me everything I know about the value of taking care of my skin, a gift that keeps on giving. He also takes the time to listen to me, to see me as an individual and doesn't treat my needs as a one size fits all doctor. I really appreciate his kindness, patience and expertise. I absolutely love his product line and have definitely reaped the rewards from using it, especially his glycolic peel pads and moisturizer, which I can't live without. My skin feels softer, smoother, appears more translucent and actually looks younger! He helped me to see beyond the lines and wrinkles, although he so good at helping to keep those at bay while maintaining a very natural appearance. His staff is outstanding. They make you feel welcome, like family, from the moment you walk through the door. Angela, Monika, Deborah and all of the support staff are extraordinary at what they do. Thank you Dr. Schultz and everyone at Park Ave Skincare. You're the best!

- Laura M.

Dr. Schultz has truly transformed my skin, so much so that I can confidently leave the house without wearing makeup now. During my first meeting with him, he intently listened to my skin concerns, we discussed what my goals were, and he explained pragmatically what treatments and products he recommended for me. I truly appreciate his fantastic bedside manner and conservative approach. I am a perfectionist in every aspect of my life, including my skin, and he understood this and was committed to helping me achieve every skin goal I had. The entire staff is just so fantastic and friendly, from reception to the PAs. They make you feel welcome and extremely comfortable, which to me is very important when visiting any doctor’s office. As someone who works too much and never gets enough sleep, my skin was looking very dull and lifeless. My skin is now full of life again and has an incredible glow to it which I have never had before. And I owe it all to the incredible Dr. Schultz.

- Kelly D.

My partnership with Dr Schultz began more than 30 years ago. As a generous friend, advisor, skilled surgeon, and superb cosmetic diagnostician, he has enabled me to look my best. He has kept me abreast of the most sophisticated procedures and in so doing, has maximized my appearance, always guided by what will be most beneficial for me. He is someone I go to for advice and care and his staff is another manifestation of this care. I don’t know many patients who can say this, and I feel fortunate to be among them.

- Ellen R.

In the four years that I've been a patient of Dr. Schultz, my acne-prone skin has gone from constant breakouts to smooth and clear. These days, I feel confident and comfortable enough in my skin to wear minimal makeup, if any—which I never would have done in years past. He and his warm, friendly staff always go above and beyond; he takes the time to listen, talk with me, and create the best plan for my skin. It's clear he has my best interests in mind, and I trust him wholeheartedly. I would highly recommend him to friends, family, and frankly, anyone who asks.

- Deanna P.

Each session with Dr. Schultz is a mini education in skin care. He approaches each patient as a unique individual with different needs. I’m Asian and he’s explained to me how that impacts treatment in a clear manner that a layperson can understand. At each examination, he recites detailed notes to his staff which he then refers back to at each future appointment, adjusting and tweaking treatment plans when necessary. Over the past two years I’ve seen a remarkable improvement in my blemishes and overall complexion and wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking to enhance their appearance.

- Sherry G.

I have been a patient of Dr. Schultz for many years, and I continue to be amazed at his medical approach, patience, and professionalism. He takes the time to listen to my health concerns, explains how and why he would like to issue a treatment in a way that I understand , answers all of my questions, and all of his procedures and painless and thorough. He is very attentive, results-oriented, and extremely knowledgeable. He follows up and is committed to my health and satisfaction. The Park Avenue Skincare is a calm environment and the staff are all very friendly, warm, and respectful. It's easy to get appointments at a time that works for me and they are always on time and considerate. I think so highly of him and his practice that I sent my mom to him, and continue to go to his office even though my life is based in midtown west! I have great confidence in the care that he gives.

- Katrina A.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Should I try compression socks first?

    Yes, we recommend that individuals who are predisposed to spider veins to Read More

  • Do spider veins come back after they are removed?

    No, once a spider vein is removed it cannot come back. This Read More

  • Is one treatment option better than the others?

    Depending on your unique case, Dr. Schultz will recommend the right treatment Read More

  • Can I get spider vein removal if I am in my 20s or 30s?

    Yes! People of any age can develop spider veins. The treatments at Read More

Rejuvenate Your Skin

Make your skin care a priority with leading-dermatologist and New York Magazine’s “Top Doctor”: Dr. Neal Schultz.



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