Varicose and Spider Veins

Yes! Before any treatment, we offer a complimentary consultation during which we discuss your concerns and goals, outline treatment options, and develop a customized treatment plan.

No, a referral is not required to meet with our clinic’s doctor. 

We do not direct bill insurance providers, so please look into your available coverage. Alberta Health Services covers all consultation fees, so we recommend coming in for a consultation, where we will provide you with all of the information you need before proceeding with your treatment.

Patients who are concerned by prominent varicose or spider veins are good candidates for this treatment. However, sclerotherapy is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Your physician will inject your vein(s) with a solution, such as Sclerodex (containing glucose and saline) or Thromboject (containing Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate or STS). This solution causes irritation inside the vein and eventually scarring, forcing blood to flow through the healthier surrounding veins. Over time the collapsed vein is reabsorbed by the body and the scar fades.

This treatment is relatively quick and requires no incisions or sedation. Some patients experience some discomfort when the needle is inserted into the vein, but this is temporary. Some temporary side effects may include bruising, small skin sores, redness, or tiny red blood vessels; these should disappear within a few days to weeks.

Typically, veins begin to fade within a few weeks. For some patients it may take a month or two to see the full results.

The number of sessions depends on your specific circumstances. We can determine what will be required during your consultation.

To promote faster recovery, do the following:

• Wear heavy compression stockings directly after your treatment and continue wearing day and night for the next 48 hours. You may take them off to shower. After the first 48 hours, continue to wear them during the day for two weeks.
• Immediately after leaving our clinic, walk briskly for one hour. Walking daily is encouraged after treatment as well.
• Elevate the treated leg above your heart level intermittently for a total of six hours over the first 24 hours (not including when you’re sleeping). 
• Pain and tenderness in the treated area can be felt over the next several days or weeks. You can take Tylenol if needed until reassessed. Avoid Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen). 
• Lumps and bruising may appear along the treated vein(s). This is normal;  during the next visit, your physician may drain these lumps. 
• Return for your follow-up next appointment in two weeks or as discussed with your physician. Return in three weeks if you plan to start cosmetic sclerotherapy. 
• Avoid strenuous activity, No heavy lifting/weight training or abdominal exercise. No long baths or hot tubs for two weeks. 
• Avoid sun exposure/tanning beds during the course of treatment if you’re planning to do cosmetic sclerotherapy afterwards (spider veins can be hard to see when a tan is present). 
• Report any severe pain, generalized leg swelling, or shortness of breath. 
• Remember, your legs may look worse before they look better. It takes several months to see the full improvement.
• Important: after treatment, you must wait at least two weeks before flying for safety reasons.