For patients in South Africa

Spider vein treatment in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

Spider veins (telangiectasias) are small, dilated blood vessels just beneath the skin, usually red, blue or purple, on the legs, ankles, thighs or face. They are normally harmless, and most people treat them because of how they look or because of mild burning, itching or heavy legs. This page covers the treatments, the sessions and the trip from South Africa.

Who it suits

• People with visible spider veins on the legs or face
• People concerned about how the veins look, or with mild burning or itching
• People without significant underlying vein disease

If you also have larger varicose veins, read our varicose vein guide for South African patients first: problems in the deeper veins need assessing before the surface veins are treated. More detail is on the spider vein removal page.

Assessment

The doctor examines the veins, reviews your history and medicines, assesses the circulation in your legs and uses ultrasound if a deeper problem is suspected. You may be advised to avoid certain medicines that increase bleeding (ask your prescriber first) and to keep out of the sun before laser.

The treatments

Sclerotherapy is one of the most common treatments, particularly on the legs. After the skin is cleaned, a fine needle injects a solution into the vein; this irritates the lining, the vein collapses, and the body gradually absorbs it while blood takes healthier routes. Several veins can be treated in one session, and compression may be applied afterwards.

Laser is often used for smaller veins, especially on the face. You wear protective eyewear while laser energy heats the vein until it collapses; no injections are needed and sessions usually take 15–30 minutes. Radiofrequency or light-based treatment works in a similar way, using controlled energy to close the vessel.

Sessions, the trip and the flight home

The number of sessions depends on the size, number and location of the veins, and some patients need several. Ask for an estimate before booking: if sessions are spaced out, one trip may not be enough. After sclerotherapy you are usually advised to wear compression stockings, avoid standing for long periods and avoid intense exercise for several days. A ten-hour flight means hours of sitting, and small clots in treated veins are a recognised risk, so the doctor decides when you can fly and whether to wear compression on the journey. Walk in the aisle and drink water.

• Flights: direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir
• Visa: South Africans apply for an e-Visa online before travelling; see the e-Visa guide
• Cover and cost: medical schemes generally do not cover planned treatment abroad and travel insurance usually excludes it, so check both. Pricing is transparent and written; it depends mainly on the treatment method and the number of sessions

Aftercare in the South African sun

Mild redness, swelling, bruising and skin sensitivity are common for a short time. Protecting treated skin from the sun is part of aftercare, which takes planning in a South African summer: cover treated legs, use a high-factor sunscreen on treated facial skin, and avoid booking treatment just before a beach holiday. Results appear gradually over several weeks as the body absorbs the treated veins.

Risks and follow-up

Possible problems include temporary discolouration, bruising, small clots in treated veins, skin irritation and, rarely, an allergic reaction; most settle with time. Treated veins typically fade for good, but new ones can form, so later sessions are normal. Follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call; Turkey is one hour ahead of South Africa. Under our treatment guarantee, complications and clinically necessary revisions within a year are treated in İzmir at no charge for that treatment; flights and accommodation are your own. See our clinic facts and complaints process.

What we will not do

We will not treat surface veins when a deeper vein problem has not been checked, promise that new spider veins will not form, or fit more sessions into one trip than the doctor thinks sensible.

Frequently asked questions

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the size, number and location of the veins, and some patients need several sessions. Ask for a realistic estimate before you book, because it affects how many trips you make.

Is spider vein treatment painful?

Most people feel only minimal discomfort, such as mild stinging with injections or warmth with laser.

When will I see results?

Gradually, over several weeks, as the body absorbs the treated veins.

Can I fly home to South Africa straight after treatment?

The doctor decides. Treated veins can form small clots and a ten-hour flight means long sitting, so you will be told when to fly and whether to wear compression stockings on the journey.

Will my medical aid cover spider vein treatment?

Spider vein treatment is usually cosmetic, and South African medical schemes generally do not cover cosmetic treatment or planned treatment abroad. Travel insurance usually excludes it too. Ask before booking; we cannot promise cover.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.