Spider veins can be a source of frustration for many people who suffer with them. To treat them, some turn to spider vein removal pens, including those that use blue light therapy, but are they an effective treatment method and do they actually work? 

Spider vein removal pens are a widely marketed product, but there is no real evidence to suggest that they effectively treat and remove spider veins. On occasion, individuals have claimed to notice slight improvements in appearance following numerous treatment sessions, but their contribution to the effective management and complete removal of spider veins is minimal. 

Understanding spider veins - what are they?

Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are small dilated blood vessels that appear as fine lines or web-like patterns on the skin's surface. They come in various colours, such as red, blue, and purple, and are commonly found on the legs and face but can also appear on other areas of the body. While spider veins are not typically a medical concern, they can be a cosmetic concern for some, which is why many opt for treatment to get rid of them. 

Spider Vein Removal Pens

Spider vein removal pens are handheld devices designed to treat spider veins at home, without the need for a medical professional to be present. There are various methods that these pens use to target and address spider veins, including:

Heat-based treatment - Some spider vein removal pens use controlled heat to close off the affected veins, leading to their eventual disappearance, however this is not guaranteed and often not effective. 

Light therapy - Some spider vein removal pens use focussed light energy (phototherapy) to target and reduce the appearance of spider veins.

Radiofrequency - A few spider vein removal pens use radiofrequency energy to generate heat, which seals the affected veins, similar to laser treatment but on a smaller, less concentrated scale. 

Do spider vein removal pens actually work?

The effectiveness of spider vein removal pens varies depending on several factors, including the type of pen used, the severity of the spider veins, and individual skin characteristics. While some people who have used them have suggested that these pens can offer some slight improvement, they are definitely not the most effective way to treat spider veins and come with plenty of limitations.

Varying results - Spider vein removal pens may show some visible improvement for some individuals, but complete removal of spider veins is often challenging to achieve with at-home devices, so it isn’t a recommended treatment option. 

More treatments are required to achieve sub-optimal results -To get more desirable results, multiple sessions with spider vein removal pens are typically necessary, however even after multiple sessions, spider veins may still be visible.

Most suitable for mild cases of spider veins - Spider vein removal  pens are better suited for milder cases of spider veins, particularly fine and superficial ones. For larger or more severe spider veins, professional medical treatments are much more effective.

Safety concerns - Without a healthcare professional present, taking safety precautions is crucial to avoid potential skin damage or burns. Always get in touch with a healthcare professional if you are unsure if using a spider vein removal pen is suitable for you.

Blue Light Therapy for spider veins

Blue light therapy is a form of phototherapy that has been used in skincare and dermatology for various purposes, including the treatment of spider veins for some years. Blue light therapy pens emit concentrated blue light to target and coagulate the blood within the spider veins, causing them to collapse and gradually fade over time.

Do blue light therapy pens work for spider veins?

Some individuals have claimed that at-home blue light therapy pens can penetrate and remove spider veins, but there's no research to support this. Some people who use blue light spider vein removal pens say they notice a slight improvement in the appearance of their spider veins, however, most people report no change to their appearance at all.

What has been suggested is that blue light therapy is more effective in treating fine and superficial spider veins, however, their effectiveness is still influenced by several factors:

Size and depth of the spider veins - Blue light therapy is most effective for smaller, superficial spider veins. Larger or deeper veins may not respond as well and will need a more specialist treatment such as thermocoagulation or Sclerotherapy to remove them completely.  

Number of treatment sessions - Achieving the desired results with blue light therapy typically requires multiple sessions than other more effective treatment options. The exact number of sessions varies based on the individual and the severity of the spider veins.

Professional vs. at-home spider vein treatment - Blue light therapy can be performed professionally by a dermatologist, but there are also at-home devices available that are less effective. Professional treatments often provide more significant and consistent results compared to at-home spider vein removal pens.

Are spider vein removal pens the most effective treatment?

While spider vein removal pens, including blue light therapy devices, can offer some relief for individuals dealing with fine, superficial spider veins, it's important to understand that they are not the most effective treatment option, especially for moderate to severe cases of spider veins. The limitations of at-home devices, coupled with the fact that complete removal of spider veins is challenging to achieve, suggests that seeking medical advice to get a better understanding of your condition is always advised. 

Professional treatments, such as sclerotherapy or thermocoagulation, are typically more effective in addressing larger or more stubborn spider veins, as well as other vein conditions such as varicose veins. Our team of professionals here at Dr Newmans Clinic can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend the most suitable treatment based on the severity and location of your spider veins, using the most up to date, specialist technology. 

Overall, it is possible for spider vein removal pens to provide a degree of improvement for those with mild and superficial spider veins. However, those dealing with more significant or persistent spider veins should consider consulting a vein specialist for a more effective and tailored treatment plan.