Almost everyone knows them, but no one really wants them: small bluish-red veins that spread across the skin like fine webs — better known as spider veins. They usually appear on thighs, knees, or calves. While they're mostly harmless from a medical point of view, they often feel like a cosmetic burden. The good news: modern vein medicine offers gentle and effective treatments to remove spider veins with little to no downtime. At Angioclinic Zurich, we provide medically sound and aesthetically refined procedures that visibly improve your skin’s appearance and boost your confidence.

Spider veins are dilated small blood vessels located in the upper layers of the skin. Unlike varicose veins, they usually don’t cause pain or health risks — but they can definitely affect how you feel in your own skin. Women are affected more often, and the first signs may appear in early adulthood.
The causes are diverse. Genetics play a key role, but hormonal changes (like during pregnancy or from birth control pills), standing or sitting for long hours, and weak connective tissue can all contribute. Even heat, sunlight, or frequent sauna visits can aggravate spider veins by stressing the vascular system.
Although they’re often painless, their appearance is enough to make many people feel uncomfortable — skipping shorts, skirts or swimsuits. That’s where we step in: with modern treatments that are fast, safe and focused on results you’ll feel good about.
The most common reason to treat spider veins is aesthetic. But in some cases, they may be a sign of an underlying venous condition — especially if you’re also experiencing symptoms like heavy legs, swelling, or visible varicose veins.
That’s why we always start with a short ultrasound exam to rule out deeper vein issues. If everything looks good, we move forward with treatment purely for cosmetic reasons.
Spider veins can be removed at any time of year, but the best season is usually autumn through spring — mainly because sun exposure should be avoided after treatment to protect the skin and improve results.

At Angioclinic Zurich, we use two effective methods: sclerotherapy and laser therapy. Which one is right for you depends on your skin type, vein structure, and personal goals — we’ll talk it through in your consultation.
With sclerotherapy, a fine needle is used to inject a special solution into the vein. This causes the vessel wall to collapse, making the spider vein slowly fade and be reabsorbed by the body. It’s great for larger or deeper spider veins, and it's a quick, well-tolerated procedure.
Laser therapy, on the other hand, is ideal for very fine, superficial veins. A focused beam of light is applied externally to close the vessel without needles or incisions. It’s especially suitable for delicate areas and patients who prefer a non-invasive approach.
In many cases, we use a combination of both methods to ensure the most natural and long-lasting result. The goal is always: smooth, even skin with as few sessions as possible.
Spider vein removal is an outpatient treatment at our Zurich clinic. You don’t need anesthesia, and you can walk out right after your session.
The first step is a brief vein assessment, possibly including ultrasound. Then the treatment — depending on the area to be treated — takes about 15 to 45 minutes. You might notice some temporary redness or slight bruising, but these usually fade quickly within a few days.
After treatment, we recommend wearing compression stockings for a few days and avoiding intense sun, sauna, or heavy exercise. You’ll likely start to see results in just a few weeks. Most patients need 1 to 3 sessions for optimal results.
As for costs: spider vein removal is usually considered a cosmetic procedure, so it’s not covered by basic health insurance. Prices start from around CHF 250 per session, depending on the method and treatment area. We’ll give you a clear quote in advance so you can make an informed decision.
You don’t have to live with spider veins — they can be treated. And today, treatment is gentle, quick and effective, with no need for downtime or complicated recovery.
At Angioclinic Zurich, you’ll benefit from an experienced team, advanced technology, and an approach that blends medical precision with aesthetic care. Because we know it’s not just about your legs — it’s about how you feel.

