Spider veins, also known as telangiectasia or venulectasias, are tiny red, blue or purple thread-like veins near the surface of the skin that look like a spider's web. These dilated and visible veins are caused by increased pressure inside the veins. Spider veins can develop on any part of the body, including the face, but most often appear on the thighs, calves, ankles or buttocks. This method of treating spider veins uses intense pulsed light that can be used to selectively damage or destroy abnormal veins including small spider veins and small vascular birthmarks.