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Houston vascular and vein care

Vein condition · Houston, TX

Spider Veins Treatment in Houston, TX

Small, visible veins near the skin. Often only a cosmetic concern, but sometimes a surface sign of a deeper vein problem that an ultrasound can check.1

  • Same-week appointmentsGet seen this week
  • No referral neededBook directly with Dr. Malik
  • On-site duplex ultrasoundAnswers at your first visit
  • 3 Houston-area clinicsSugar Land, Houston, Tomball
Spider veins on the thigh
SmallerSpider veins affect smaller blood vessels than varicose veins.1
Small vesselsTelangiectasias, near the skin1
Ultrasound checkLooks for leaking veins underneath1
Fine-needle treatmentA smaller needle treats spider veins2
Compression helpsEases symptoms and aids healing1
The basics

What are spider veins?

Spider veins, also called telangiectasias, are a vein problem that affects smaller blood vessels. They sit close to the skin and are different from varicose veins, which are swollen, twisted veins just under the skin.1

Many people have no symptoms beyond how they look. Others also have aching, heaviness or swelling, which can point to a leaking vein underneath. A duplex ultrasound checks the blood flow in your leg veins.1

Signs and symptoms

  • Small red, blue or purple veins close to the skin
  • Itching or burning around the veins1
  • Aching, heaviness or swelling in the legs1
  • Symptoms that get worse after sitting or standing for long periods1

Not sure if this is right for you? A visit with Dr. Malik, with an on-site ultrasound, gives you a clear answer.

Your visit

How spider veins are checked and treated

  1. ConsultationYou describe your symptoms. Dr. Malik reviews your history, family history and lifestyle.1
  2. ExamA physical exam looks at the veins and the skin around them.1
  3. Duplex ultrasoundSound waves show how blood flows through your leg veins, and whether deeper veins leak.1
  4. Treatment planThe plan may combine compression, lifestyle changes and a procedure.1
  5. SclerotherapyA small needle injects a solution that makes the vein close. The body then absorbs it.2
Self-care and outlook

What to expect

Spider veins are usually harmless, and several things can help. Dr. Malik explains which fit your veins.

  1. Right awayCompressionCompression stockings or bandages can ease symptoms and help after treatment.1
  2. Day to dayStay activeStaying active and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting helps.1
  3. WeeksHealingTreated veins fade as the body absorbs them. Timing varies from person to person.
  4. Long termCheck-upsVaricose and spider veins can come back, so treatment may need repeating.1

When to get help

  • Bleeding from a vein: call 911, this is a medical emergency1
  • Veins that suddenly get worse1
  • A sore or open wound near the veins1
  • Pain, swelling or heaviness that affects daily life1

Possible complications

  • Ulcers: open sores that heal poorly and can become infected1
  • Bleeding1
  • Rarely, after a procedure: numbness, a blood clot or a skin burn1
Treatment options

How spider veins are treated

Dr. Malik recommends the option that fits your condition after an exam and ultrasound.

TreatmentBest forHow it works
Compression therapyAching, swelling, early vein diseaseGraduated stockings worn daily
SclerotherapySpider veins and small varicose veinsInjected solution closes the vein
Varithena foamMain veins and visible varicose veins of the great saphenous systemMedicated foam injected under ultrasound
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)Leaking main veins (saphenous reflux)Catheter heat seals the vein
Laser ablation (EVLT)Leaking main veins (saphenous reflux)Laser heat through a catheter seals the vein
Ambulatory phlebectomyBulging surface varicose veinsRemoved through 2 to 3 mm skin nicks

I have been seeing Dr Rema Malik for about 2 years now. She is amazing and all of her staff is amazing. I wish that all my doctors and there staff could be at least half of what this team is just so incredible and can’t thank her and her staff enough for always making my legs good again.

Gary BennettGoogle review
Google review

Dr. Malik was very kind and thorough. She looks out for your best interest and explained the process of the diagnostic and treatment plan. Her staff was very kind and made me feel comfortable with their evaluation.

Richard Lopez
Google review

I love love love Dr. Malik. She has taken very good care of me. She listens and answers all my questions and concerns. She is compassionate and caring.

Juana Reeves
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Dr. Malik and her team are wonderful! Very friendly, easy to understand my questions and the process with my procedure. I never have to wait for the team to get back to me when I have called.

John Hawley
Your surgeon

Treated by Dr. Rema Malik

Dr. Rema Malik, MD, FACS, RPVI, is board certified in Vascular Surgery, General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care. She sees patients in English and Urdu. No referral is needed.

Treatment is often covered by insurance when it is medically necessary. Our team checks your plan before your visit.

Dr. Rema Malik, vascular surgeon in Houston
  • Sugarland ClinicMon to Fri, 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Houston ClinicThursday, 8 AM to 12 PM
  • Tomball ClinicWednesday, 8 AM to 5 PM
FAQ

Common questions

Short answers. For your own situation, talk to Dr. Malik.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are small blood vessels near the skin that have become visible.

Are spider veins the same as varicose veins?

No. Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins just under the skin. Spider veins affect smaller vessels.

Are spider veins dangerous?

Usually they are not. Some people also have symptoms such as aching or swelling, so an ultrasound can check for a leaking vein underneath.

How are spider veins treated?

Sclerotherapy uses a very small needle to inject a solution that closes the vein. Compression and lifestyle changes can help too.

Can spider veins come back?

Yes. Varicose and spider veins can recur, so treatment may need to be repeated.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly with Dr. Malik.

Sources

References

  1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH). Varicose Veins. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/varicose-veins
  2. Society for Vascular Surgery. Varicose Veins. vascular.org/patients-and-referring-physicians/conditions/varicose-veins

This page is general education, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Unnumbered statements describe Dr. Malik’s usual practice. In an emergency, call 911. Last updated October 30, 2026.

Find out if your veins need treatment

Same-week appointments, no referral needed, three Houston-area clinics.

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