Leg veins can be divided into varicose veins , reticular veins , and spider veins ,or telangiectasia .

Varicose veins are best treated with surgical excision, or phlebectomy. Reticular veins , which are smaller bluish veins just visible under the skin, and larger spider veins are treated with sclerotherapy. Spider telangiectasia may be treated with superficial sclerotherapy, with laser therapy, or intensed pulse light therapy.

Laser treatment is most effective for small superficial red or red/blue veins, especially those that are clustered or matted together, or for those patients who either do not respond to sclerotherapy or who are afraid of needles.