What are the main causes of varicose veins and spider veins?

Varicose veins and spider veins develop when valves in the veins become weakened or damaged, causing blood to pool. Common causes include genetics (family history), aging, pregnancy, prolonged standing or sitting, obesity, and hormonal changes. Women are more susceptible due to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or from birth control use.

How do I know if I need treatment for my varicose veins?

You should consider treatment if you experience symptoms such as leg pain, aching, heaviness, swelling, cramping, restless legs, skin discoloration, or itching around the veins. Even without symptoms, large or bulging varicose veins may benefit from treatment to prevent complications. A consultation with Dr. Figueroa at VeinCentre can determine if treatment is right for you.

What is sclerotherapy and how does it work?

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment where a specialized solution is injected directly into spider veins or small varicose veins. This solution irritates the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal shut. Blood is then rerouted through healthier veins, and the treated vein is gradually absorbed by the body over several weeks. It's highly effective with a 90%+ success rate.

Are varicose vein treatments covered by OHIP?

Yes, consultations at VeinCentre are OHIP-covered. Treatment coverage depends on medical necessity. If your varicose veins cause symptoms like pain, swelling, or skin changes, treatments like radiofrequency ablation or VenaSeal may be covered by OHIP. Cosmetic treatments for spider veins are typically not covered. Dr. Figueroa will assess your condition and discuss coverage options during your consultation.

How long does a typical vein treatment appointment take?

Treatment duration varies by procedure type. Sclerotherapy typically takes 30-45 minutes, VenaSeal Glue Ablation takes 30-45 minutes, and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) takes 45-60 minutes. These are outpatient procedures performed in our Toronto or Richmond Hill clinics, allowing you to return home the same day.

Is vein treatment painful?

Modern vein treatments are minimally invasive and well-tolerated. Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area, so you'll feel minimal discomfort during the procedure. Most patients describe feeling only slight pressure or mild sensations. Sclerotherapy involves small needle injections that feel like tiny pinches. Post-treatment discomfort is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.

What is the recovery time after vein treatment?

Recovery is quick with modern vein treatments. Sclerotherapy and VenaSeal allow immediate return to normal activities with no compression stockings required after VenaSeal. Radiofrequency Ablation typically requires 1-2 days before returning to work and wearing compression stockings for 1-2 weeks. Walking is encouraged immediately after all procedures to promote healing. Most patients resume regular activities within days.

Can varicose veins come back after treatment?

Treated veins do not reopen once successfully closed. However, new varicose veins can develop in other areas over time due to ongoing genetic factors, aging, or lifestyle conditions. The recurrence rate is low with modern treatments—RFA and VenaSeal have 95%+ success rates. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and wearing compression stockings when needed can help prevent new vein problems.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on the severity and extent of your vein condition. Many patients see significant improvement after just one treatment session. Spider veins may require 2-3 sclerotherapy sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal results. Larger varicose veins treated with RFA or VenaSeal typically require only one session per vein. Dr. Figueroa will create a personalized treatment plan during your consultation.

What should I expect during my first consultation?

During your OHIP-covered consultation at VeinCentre, Dr. Figueroa will review your medical history, examine your legs, and may perform an ultrasound to assess vein health and blood flow. You'll discuss your symptoms, treatment goals, and concerns. Dr. Figueroa will explain which treatment options are best suited for your condition—whether sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, or VenaSeal—and answer all your questions about the procedure, recovery, and expected results.

The Complete Guide to Sclerotherapy in Ontario: How It Works, Pain, Cost & Recovery

Sep 4, 2025

6 min read

Updated: 16 hours ago

Spider veins (telangiectasias), bluish reticular veins, and small surface varicose veins affect millions of Canadian men and women. Beyond their visible, web-like appearance on the thighs, calves, and ankles, these surface vessels can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as localized burning, aching, tenderness, and night-time throbbing.

Among the available vascular treatments, sclerotherapy is a well-established option for spider and reticular veins. It delivers a medication directly into the diseased vessel, sealing it shut from the inside, with little downtime.

This guide, created by the team at VeinCentre under the direction of Dr. Luis Figueroa, Vascular Surgeon (FRCSC), covers what you need to know about sclerotherapy in Ontario: how it works, pain expectations, recovery, pricing, and how it fits with comprehensive vein care.

What Is Sclerotherapy & How Does It Work?

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat spider veins, reticular veins, and small surface varicose veins.

The Mechanism of Action

Healthy veins return blood to the heart via one-way valves. When these valves malfunction or surface capillaries stretch, blood pools backward, creating visible red, purple, or blue networks on the skin. During a sclerotherapy session:

Targeted Micro-Injection: A prescription sclerosant medication is injected directly into the diseased vein using very fine needles.
Endothelial Cell Disruption: The sclerosant solution displaces blood inside the vessel and produces a controlled chemical irritation along the endothelial lining (the inner wall of the vein).
Vessel Collapse & Closure: This reaction causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut, which stops the backward blood pooling.
Natural Reabsorption: Over the following weeks, the closed vessel breaks down and is reabsorbed by the body.
Circulatory Rerouting: Blood is redirected into healthy, deeper veins.

How Is Sclerotherapy Done at VeinCentre?

Sclerotherapy is used for spider veins, reticular veins, and small branch varicosities. Dr. Figueroa decides how the injections are done based on the size, depth, and location of your veins. Other clinics may also offer foam sclerotherapy. That technique is not offered at VeinCentre.

Does Sclerotherapy Hurt? What Patients Actually Feel

One of the most common concerns patients have before their first appointment is whether sclerotherapy injections are painful.

The Realistic Patient Sensation

The Needle Poke: Sclerotherapy uses very fine needles. Most patients describe the initial entry as a minor, momentary mosquito bite or light pinch.
The Sclerosant Sensation: As the solution enters the vessel, you may feel a mild tingling, slight cramp, or gentle warming sensation that passes quickly.
Anesthesia: Because the discomfort is usually minimal, general anesthesia or numbing injections are not typically needed.
Post-Session Sensation: Immediately after treatment, legs may feel slightly tight or tired.

The Patient Experience: Step-by-Step at VeinCentre

From your initial evaluation to your follow-up, our pathway is built around safety and comfort.

Step 1: Clinical Evaluation

Dr. Figueroa conducts a clinical exam. Your consultation is covered by OHIP for eligible patients, and no referral is needed to book. If a Doppler ultrasound is recommended, we provide the referral, and the scan is covered by OHIP at an imaging lab. This step helps confirm that surface spider veins are not being fueled by underlying saphenous vein reflux. If underlying reflux is present, treating the main trunk with RFA or VenaSeal first can help prevent spider veins from recurring.

Step 2: The In-Office Treatment Session

You will rest comfortably in our clinic in North York or Richmond Hill. Dr. Figueroa injects the target veins one by one. Several veins can often be treated in a single session.

Step 3: Compression Application & Walking

After the injections, graduated compression is applied to the treated leg, and you will be encouraged to walk before you leave. Your care team will tell you how long to wear compression stockings.

Recovery Timeline & Post-Treatment Care

Recovery after sclerotherapy is usually straightforward and does not need much time away from work or family life. For a wider look at recovery, see our guides to recovery after vein ablation and recovery by procedure.

Recovery Roadmap

Timeline	What to Expect	What to Do
Day 1 (treatment day)	Minor redness and small raised welts at injection sites, like bug bites; mild leg tightness	Wear compression as directed; walk; most people can resume desk work
Days 2 to 7	Welts fade; mild bruising may develop along treated veins; veins may look darker before they fade	Keep up daily walking; avoid hot baths, saunas, hot tubs, and heavy lifting as advised
Following weeks	Bruising resolves; treated veins gradually break down and lighten	Protect treated areas from the sun; return to exercise as your doctor advises
Later weeks	Skin appears clearer; results vary from person to person	Follow-up at VeinCentre to see whether another session is needed

Essential Aftercare Rules

Wear Your Compression Stockings: Graduated compression keeps the treated vein walls together and helps limit trapped blood and brown staining.
Avoid Heat Sources: Stay away from hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and hot baths for the period your doctor advises, since heat may irritate treated veins.
Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your legs from direct sunlight while the veins heal, to help prevent brown staining.
Walk Daily: Walking activates the calf muscle pump and keeps circulation active.

Sclerotherapy Costs & Insurance Coverage in Ontario

Your consultation at VeinCentre is covered by OHIP for eligible patients, and no referral is needed to book. If an ultrasound is recommended, we provide the referral, and the Doppler scan is covered by OHIP at an imaging lab. Sclerotherapy itself is a private service: $300 plus HST per session, or 3 sessions for $750 plus HST. VeinCentre also offers Medicard financing through iFinance Canada, with payments from $22 per week over 12 to 72 months, no down payment, and no penalty for early payment. You can read more in our guide to varicose vein treatment costs in Ontario.

Cost Breakdown

Service Component	Price	OHIP Coverage	Notes
Specialist consultation	Covered for eligible patients	Covered by OHIP	No referral needed to book
Doppler ultrasound (if recommended)	Referral provided by VeinCentre	Covered by OHIP at an imaging lab	Done at an imaging lab
Sclerotherapy session	$300 plus HST	Private service	Each session treats several veins
Sclerotherapy package	3 sessions for $750 plus HST	Private service	Many patients need more than one session
Compression stockings	Depends on the type prescribed	Some private plans may help	Check your extended health plan

How to Offset Treatment Expenses

Extended Health Benefits (EHC): Some private plans may cover prescription compression stockings. Check your plan.
Health Spending Accounts (HSA): If you have an employer-provided HSA, ask whether sclerotherapy fees are eligible.
Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC): Out-of-pocket medical fees may qualify for a tax credit with the Canada Revenue Agency. Confirm with your accountant.

Sclerotherapy vs. Other Approaches

Surface lasers and surgical vein stripping are other ways to treat vein problems. Which approach suits you depends on the size, depth, and type of your veins. VeinCentre North York also offers VBeam laser treatment for some surface veins. The table below gives a general comparison, and your consultation will clarify the best option for you.

Factor	Sclerotherapy	Surface Laser Treatment	Surgical Vein Stripping
Best For	Spider veins, reticular veins, small branch varicosities	Some small surface veins and facial vessels	Large, diseased saphenous trunks
Method	Fine-needle injections of a sclerosant	Light energy applied through the skin	Surgical removal of the vein
Anesthesia	Usually none needed	Usually none needed	General or spinal anesthesia
Incisions	None; fine needle punctures	None	Surgical incisions
Downtime	Little downtime	Little downtime	Longer recovery
Number of Sessions	Often more than one	Often more than one	Usually one procedure
Offered at VeinCentre	Yes, North York and Richmond Hill	VBeam at North York only	No

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many sclerotherapy sessions will I need?

Many patients need more than one session. The exact number depends on how many veins are treated, their size and depth, and whether your veins are purely cosmetic or fueled by deeper vein problems. Dr. Figueroa will give you an estimate at your consultation.

Can spider veins come back after sclerotherapy?

Veins that have been treated and reabsorbed by the body generally do not come back. However, sclerotherapy does not change your genetic predisposition, and new spider veins can form over the years. Periodic touch-up sessions may be needed.

What are the small brown marks after treatment, and do they go away?

Temporary brown staining (hemosiderin staining) can occur in some patients when tiny amounts of iron from broken-down blood cells deposit in the skin. In most cases, this fades gradually over time. Wearing your compression stockings and avoiding sun exposure can help reduce this risk.

Can I have sclerotherapy while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Sclerotherapy is generally not done during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask Dr. Figueroa about the right timing for you.

Reveal Smooth, Clear, and Confident Legs

You do not have to live with tired, aching legs or visible spider veins. If you are considering treatment for spider veins or small surface varicose veins, explore our sclerotherapy in Toronto and Richmond Hill page to learn more about the steps and how to schedule a consultation.

Take the Next Step

Book your assessment: Call (289) 809-1333. Your consultation is covered by OHIP for eligible patients, and no referral is needed to book. If an ultrasound is recommended, we provide the referral.

Locations: VeinCentre North York and VeinCentre Richmond Hill, Ontario

Medical Director: Dr. Luis Figueroa, Vascular Surgeon (FRCSC)

Disclaimer: The information in this guide is for education only and does not replace personal medical advice. Individual candidacy, treatment plans, and results vary from person to person.