Arbutus Laser

Sclerotherapy

The Vein Clinic

Sclerotherapy

OUR APPROACH TO LEG VEINS

The Vancouver Vein Clinic joined Arbutus Laser in 1996 and our vascular team is a collection of very experienced physicians and nurses whose careers have revolved around leg veins of all sizes.

This team has been at the forefront of delivering state-of-the-art solutions for various vein-related conditions. Embracing time-proven techniques, we offer Sclerotherapy solutions for reducing the appearance of unwanted spider veins and smaller varicose veins. As a large laser facility, we still believe this technique is the best approach to removing these cosmetic veins.

In 2001, we helped pioneer a novel procedure for treating symptomatic and asymptomatic varicose veins called EVLT (Endovenous laser treatment). This quick, tidy and minimally invasive surgical procedure was the first commercially available alternative option to stripping leg veins. The Venaseal is the latest, more efficient treatment technique also performed by our team, utilizing glue to close the veins versus laser therapy.

With onsite ultrasound for accurate diagnoses, we offer diverse treatment options that cater to solutions for all vein sizes.

"Show off your legs with shorts and skirts again."

Ditch the Veins,
Not the Confidence.

WHAT IS SCLEROTHERAPY?

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution (with a very fine needle) into the superficial veins to irritate the lining of the vein wall, causing them to collapse and stick together. Once the veins have sealed and closed off, they will fade as they are reabsorbed by the body. While those veins are gone, your body may produce new ones over time and additional treatments may be warranted several years later.

Benefits of Sclerotherapy include:

Before

After

Spider and Reticular Veins

Before

After

Spider Veins

TREATMENT TIME

30 minute sessions

DOWNTIME

The injected sites will appear like little mosquito bites that can leave marks to last anywhere from 1-4 weeks

RESULTS

Noticed within 4-6 weeks.

# & FREQUENCY OF SESSIONS

2-8 sessions spaced 3-7 weeks apart.

DISCOMFORT?

Minimal. Injections feel similar to a pin prick.

OUR APPROACH to SCLEROTHERAPY

Sclerotherapy has been used since 1840 and is still our preferred choice of treatment for spider veins on the legs. It is still considered to be the industry gold standard and we have found it to be safer, more effective and cost efficient than laser.

CONSIDERATIONS

Pregnancy is contraindicated.

PRICING

The cost of sclerotherapy is currently $285 per 30 minute session.

ACCESSIBILITY

Consultation for spider veins is $125 + GST, and is applied to the treatment session. Treatments can be done on the same day as consultation. Consultation for Symptomatic Varicose Veins are covered by MSP with physician referral.

WHAT IS FOAM INJECTION SCLEROTHERAPY?

Foam sclerotherapy involves the injection of a larger reticular and some varicose veins using a stronger solution mixed in with air to irritate the vein walls to close, shrink and collapse. It is typically performed by our vascular surgeons at Arbutus Laser. Over several months, the vein(s) will fade completely.

Benefits include:

TREATMENT TIME

30 minutes

DOWNTIME

Sore and achy for several weeks and the area can be pigmented and hard for several months.

RESULTS

Improvement noticed in 4-6 weeks, with optimal results visible after several months.

# & FREQUENCY OF SESSIONS

1-3 sessions spaced 2-4 months apart

Discomfort

Minimal to none.

If it's a concern for you,
it's one for us.

Our Approach to Sclerotherapy Foam Injections

Our foam injections are usually performed by our vascular surgeons. These veins are determined at the time of consultation.

CONSIDERATIONS

It is recommended to wear compression stockings post treatment and some minor bruising or swelling may occur.

PRICING

Pricing for Sclerotherapy Foam Injections start at $425.

ACCESSIBILITY

Consultation for spider veins is $125 + GST, and is applied to the treatment session.

WHAT IS EVLT/RFA?

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)/ Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment that uses laser energy to seal off the greater saphenous veins or the short saphenous veins, diverting blood to healthier veins. With time, your body will absorb the inactive, treated veins, and they will disappear.

Benefits include:

TREATMENT TIME

1.5 hours at Diamond Centre

DOWNTIME

Sore and achy for several weeks and area can be pigmented and hard for several months.

RESULTS

Improvement noticed 4-6 weeks, with optimal results visible after several months.

# & FREQUENCY OF SESSIONS

One time procedure

Discomfort

Minimal to none.

Our Approach to EVLT/RFA

We have been treating varicose veins since 2001. We pioneered the Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT), also called radiofrequency ablation (RFA), right in our very own surgical procedure room at Arbutus Laser. Since 2018, we have ceased surgical procedures at our clinic and they are now performed at the Diamond Centre at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH).

CONSIDERATIONS

It is recommended to wear compression stockings post treatment and some minor bruising or swelling may occur.

PRICING

Pricing for EVLT/RFA starts at $3500.

ACCESSIBILITY

Consultation for varicose veins are required.

Consultation for Varicose Veins may be covered by MSP with a referral from your family physician. For more information, please call 604-731-5512.

Before

After

Spider Veins

Before

After

Spider Veins

WHAT IS VENASEAL?

VENASEAL is a minimally invasive treatment that uses medicated adhesive (glue) to seal off the greater saphenous veins or the short saphenous veins, diverting blood to healthier veins. With time, your body will absorb the treated, inactive veins, and they will disappear.

Benefits include:

TREATMENT TIME

1.5 hours at Diamond Centre.

DOWNTIME

Sore and achy for several weeks and area can be pigmented and hard for several months.

RESULTS

Improvement noticed 4-6 weeks, with optimal results visible after several months.

# & FREQUENCY OF SESSIONS

One time procedure

Discomfort

Minimal to none.

Our Approach to VENASEAL

We have been treating varicose veins since 2001. We pioneered the Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT), also called radiofrequency ablation (RFA), right in our very own surgical room at Arbutus Laser. Since 2018, we have ceased surgical procedures at our clinic and they are now performed at the Diamond Centre at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH).

The Venaseal is a newer treatment technique (10 years) utilizing glue to close the veins versus laser therapy. The advantages of the glue are immediate occlusion of the vein therefore reducing its downtime and length of wearing stockings post procedure.

CONSIDERATIONS

It is recommended to wear compression stockings post treatment and some minor bruising or swelling may occur.

PRICING

Pricing for VENASEAL starts at $4000.

ACCESSIBILITY

Consultation for varicose veins are required.

Consultation for Symptomatic Varicose Veins may be covered by MSP with a referral from your family physician. For more information, please call 604-731-5512.

Have more questions?

We have answers! 

Our experienced team is ready to help.

QUESTIONS? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS

Q: Is foam sclerotherapy more effective than traditional sclerotherapy?

A: Foam sclerotherapy is effective for treating larger veins while sclerotherapy targets finer spider veins. Both have their unique benefits, and our team can guide you on the best treatment for your needs.

Q: How soon can I return to my daily activities post sclerotherapy?

A: Most patients return to their routine activities within a day or two. We recommend avoiding extreme heat (saunas, hot baths, hot tubs, +30℃ weather) for 1 week post procedure.

Q: How soon after Sclerotherapy can I resume regular activities?

A: Immediately! Sclerotherapy does not require any time off from work or daily routines. Moderate exercise post-treatment is even encouraged.

Q: Will the treated veins reappear?

A: Treated spider veins typically do not come back, but new spider veins can develop over time. Treated varicose veins do not come back.

Q: Can I undergo the treatment during summer?

A: Yes, but we recommended coming in during pants season to hide the marks post-procedure and it’s also essential to avoid heat for up to 7 days after treatment.

Q: Are there any potential side effects?

A: Side effects are minimal, but some patients may experience temporary swelling, bruising, or itching at the sclerotherapy injection sites.

Q: Are the results from the laser treatments permanent?

A: While treatments like EVLT™ and VENASEAL offer permanent results, the natural progression of spider veins may lead to the development of new spider veins over time.

Q: Is there any special care post-treatment?

A: Yes, compression stockings or wraps are applied post treatment for 1-5 days depending on the procedure. Long flights are NOT recommended for 14 days post EVLT/RFA/VENASEAL procedures.

Step confidently, free from the worry of visible veins. Arbutus Laser’s expertise ensures the best possible results. Book your consultation today.