SPIDER VEIN REMOVAL
Target unwanted veins with safe, precise laser treatment
If you have spider veins, you know how sometimes it can make you feel a little self-conscious having those small, visible red or blue blood vessels near the skin’s surface. They can appear on the face, legs, or body. While harmless, they can become a cosmetic concern that affects your confidence, especially when they appear in highly visible areas.
At About Face Brisbane, we offer safe, effective spider vein removal using advanced laser technology. Our team of qualified laser technicians and medical professionals delivers precise treatment in a clinical setting, designed to reduce the appearance of spider veins and restore clearer, more even-toned skin.
What causes visible blood vessels?
Visible blood vessels (also called telangiectasia or broken capillaries) can develop due to a range of factors, including:
- Genetics and family history
- Sun damage or skin trauma
- Hormonal changes or pregnancy
- Ageing and skin thinning
- Chronic redness or rosacea
- Standing for extended periods (in the case of leg veins)
Although they’re medically harmless, many people choose visible blood vessel removal for aesthetic reasons, especially when veins become more pronounced over time.
PURPOSE
REMOVAL OF SPIDER VEINS
SUITABILITY
PAIN
TIME
PREPARATION
- Avoid direct sun exposure 2 weeks before & after
- Avoid vitamin A & prescription skincare for 1 week
- No products on skin for appointment (i.e. makeup, artificial tan, moisturiser)
Our approach to spider vein removal
We use targeted laser technology to treat spider veins without damaging the surrounding skin. The laser energy gently heats and collapses the walls of the affected vessels, which are then gradually absorbed by the body’s natural healing process.
Your treatment plan starts with a consultation where we assess:
- The size, depth, and location of the veins
- Your skin type and suitability for laser
- Any contributing lifestyle or skin factors
From there, we design a treatment program tailored to your goals. Most clients require a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart to achieve optimal results. Smaller veins may fade after just 1–2 treatments, while more extensive networks may take longer.
What to expect during and after treatment
Laser spider vein removal is a non-invasive procedure with minimal discomfort and no downtime. The sensation is often compared to a warm flick or snap. We use cooling technology during the treatment to protect your skin and keep you comfortable.
Post-treatment, the area may appear slightly red or raised, but this typically settles within a few hours. You’ll be given clear aftercare instructions, including sun protection and short-term activity modifications.
Because we focus on results and skin health, your progress is monitored carefully, and your plan is adjusted if needed.
Why clients choose About Face Brisbane
We’re known across Brisbane for delivering laser treatments with integrity, care, and clinical expertise. As a family-owned clinic, we combine medical precision with genuine one-on-one support. Your treatment is performed by trained laser technicians using medical-grade equipment, under the guidance of a team that includes doctors and a registered nurse.
We don’t rush the process. We explain everything clearly and tailor each session to your skin and comfort level, ensuring you feel confident and cared for from start to finish.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Are Those Annoying Spider Veins?
What Causes Spider Veins?
How veins function – a quick anatomy lesson
Veins transport deoxygenated blood back to the heart. In the legs, the superficial veins (veins just below the skin’s surface) collect blood which is then delivered to other, deeper veins within the calf muscle. The normal functioning of the calf muscle helps to pump blood back to the heart, against the force of gravity. Valves inside the veins stop the blood from traveling back down the leg.
However, if the valves become weak and can’t close properly, blood collects in the superficial veins. As time goes by, these veins become ‘varicose’ – they distend (swell) with blood. Varicose veins are characterised by a twisted, knobbly and bluish-purple appearance, and can be painful. For more information on varicose veins plus how About Face Brisbane can get rid of them, visit our varicose veins treatment page.
Spider veins
Spider veins are like Varicose veins – they form in the same way – but they are smaller and closer to the skin’s surface. Most of the time, spider veins don’t pose a health risk, except for rare cases when they are associated with:
- the formation of ulcers as a result of the vein not draining properly
- bleeding of the thin, easily injured skin over the spider vein
- formation of blood clots in the vein (thrombosis)
- vein inflammation, called phlebitis, caused by clotted blood in the vein.
Spider veins are usually blue or red, and sometimes have an appearance similar to a tree branch or spider web – this is why their common name is spider veins. The most common places they occur on the body are the face and legs. Spider veins may affect a large or small area of skin.
How Does Laser Spider Vein Removal Work?
About Face Brisbane uses the latest and most effective spider vein removal technique: spider vein laser treatment. Our Cosmetic Physicians have performed spider vein laser treatments with a flawless safety record and an excellent success rate.
The laser energy from our Dynamis Long Pulse Nd:YAG or Diolite KTP laser is absorbed by the pigment in the blood (oxyhemoglobin) contained within the spider veins. As the energy is absorbed, the area of skin above and around the spider veins will become temporarily white in colour. After a few minutes, the spider veins won’t be visible anymore, which indicates the desired effect has been achieved. This makes the process very controlled and safe.
Selective Photothermolysis is the name of the method used for spider vein removal. This process is the conversion of light energy to heat energy, with the heat affecting the target spider veins but not damaging the tissue surrounding them. This selective heating up of the spider veins causes them to disintegrate and shrink, allowing them to be absorbed safely into the body.
How Can I Prevent Spider Veins From Forming?
Unfortunately, as there are lots of genetic and environmental factors that cause spider veins, there isn’t much that can be done to prevent them. There is nothing medically that you can do or take in order to stop spider veins from forming. There are a few things that might help:
- Wearing support (compression) stockings (medical grade)
- Minimising the amount of time you spend wearing high heels
- Exercising regularly to improve blood circulation.
Can Laser Be Used To Get Rid Of Spider Veins?
Does Spider Vein Laser Treatments Hurt?
What Are The Side Effects Of Laser Treatment?
How Many Treatments Will I Need To Get Rid Of My Spider Veins?
What Other Vascular Lesions Besides Spider Veins Can You Treat With Laser?
Laser treatment is now standard practice for treating vascular lesions (disorders of the blood vessels). About Face Brisbane regularly uses laser therapy to remove:
- Veins of all sizes, except most varicose veins (sclerotherapy is usually the best option to remove varicose veins)
- Broken capillaries, including on the face
- Vascular birthmarks (port wine stains)
- Cherry angiomas
- Campbell de Morgan spots
- Haemangiomas