Do I have reticular veins, or are they normal?

I have many green, visible veins all over body. Could these be normal veins, or are these reticular veins? I've had them since my pregnancy, but I was always a quite veiny person anyway.

Answers from doctors (8)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 21, 2018

Many people have visible blue veins especially if you have a light translucent skin type. They are usually considered normal. During pregnancy veins do dilate and typically shrink down after hormones return to normal. With subsequent pregnancies they may remain. Additionally as we get a little older, we lose body fat in our skin and the veins appear more prominent.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Many people have visible blue veins especially if you have a light translucent skin type. They are usually considered normal. During pregnancy veins do dilate and typically shrink down after hormones return to normal. With subsequent pregnancies they may remain. Additionally as we get a little older, we lose body fat in our skin and the veins appear more prominent.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Oct 11, 2013

Under normal circumstances, most green/blue veins that people see running criss-cross around their legs are all abnormal veins. Your vein structure is like a tree. The deeper the vein, the larger it is. As you move out towards the skin, since the veins continually branch and branch, they get smaller and smaller. However, when the veins are refluxing, they will dilate and ultimately hold more blue, resulting in those green/blue veins that you are seeing. If you would like to eliminate those veins, consult with a board-certified vein specialist.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Under normal circumstances, most green/blue veins that people see running criss-cross around their legs are all abnormal veins. Your vein structure is like a tree. The deeper the vein, the larger it is. As you move out towards the skin, since the veins continually branch and branch, they get smaller and smaller. However, when the veins are refluxing, they will dilate and ultimately hold more blue, resulting in those green/blue veins that you are seeing. If you would like to eliminate those veins, consult with a board-certified vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Sep 17, 2013

They could be reticular veins since usually green, visible veins are reticular veins. If they are giving you pain/discomfort then you could possibly seek treatment, which would just be sclerotherapy.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

They could be reticular veins since usually green, visible veins are reticular veins. If they are giving you pain/discomfort then you could possibly seek treatment, which would just be sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Sep 03, 2013

Your veins are probably normal but the only way to know for sure is to be evaluated by a vein specialist. Ultrasound can look deep inside the venous system to determine deficiencies.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Your veins are probably normal but the only way to know for sure is to be evaluated by a vein specialist. Ultrasound can look deep inside the venous system to determine deficiencies.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Sep 02, 2013

They can be in the reticular dermis and be normal. A vein specialist can advise you on the difference.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

They can be in the reticular dermis and be normal. A vein specialist can advise you on the difference.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Sep 01, 2013

Prominent veins are OK over the body. When the veins in the legs become enlarged, are painful, and are accompanied by other symptoms too, then that is when you should your physician.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Prominent veins are OK over the body. When the veins in the legs become enlarged, are painful, and are accompanied by other symptoms too, then that is when you should your physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Sep 01, 2013

It is common in fair skinned or thin individuals for their reticular veins to be visible. These are normal veins that are larger but mostly straight. There is nothing to worry about, they need no treatment.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It is common in fair skinned or thin individuals for their reticular veins to be visible. These are normal veins that are larger but mostly straight. There is nothing to worry about, they need no treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 30, 2013

Reticular veins are normal veins and they are usually blue but can be green. They can be more prominent in thin people. These can be treated by sclerotherapy.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Reticular veins are normal veins and they are usually blue but can be green. They can be more prominent in thin people. These can be treated by sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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