Spider veins are formed by the dilation of a small group of blood vessels located close to the surface of the skin. Although they can appear anywhere on the body, spider veins are most commonly found on the face and legs. They usually pose no health hazard, but may produce a dull aching in the legs after prolonged standing and indicate more severe venous disease.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy may be effective for certain leg veins and facial blood vessels. The heat from the high-intensity IPL flash selectively destroys the abnormal veins.