How long before a reticular vein becomes a varicose vein?

May never happen: That is a great question and, unfortunately, no one can answer it for you. Many times reticular veins never become varicose veins. If they do become varicose, it usually takes a few years or more. On occasion, it can happen in a year or less, but this is uncommon.

Many years: 1-3mm reticular veins are scattered throughout the subcutaneous tissue, and some feed spider veins (hence feeder veins). Vv are >4mm, and can result from enlarged rv; however, most are saphenous type arising as branches of incompetent great/small saphenous vein, or non-saphenous type from incompetent pelvic veins, or incompetent perforators.

Difficult to answer: Reticular veins are considered a form of varicose veins (very small ones that are only 1-3mm in size). But they are often not associated with the build-up of high vein pressure that is seen in patients with larger varicose veins (condition known as saphenous insufficiency). Many reticular vein never become varicose. If they do, it often takes years. Ultrasound of the leg can help to assess risk.

Reticular veins: Reticular veins are larger than spider veins and smaller than varicose veins. Varicose veins are due to malfunctioning valves of usually the saphenous system of veins and reticular veins may or may not be due to valvular reflux. Reticular veins do not evolve into varicose veins .