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.

A Guide to Glue Ablation (VenaSeal™) in Ontario: Benefits, Procedure, and Recovery

Sep 12, 2025

7 min read

Updated: Oct 26

If you are struggling with swollen, aching legs, bulging varicose veins, or persistent leg heaviness, you have likely looked into modern treatment options. Among minimally invasive endovenous therapies, the VenaSeal™ Closure System is a non-thermal option for closing diseased veins. Unlike thermal ablation procedures such as radiofrequency, which use heat and tumescent anesthesia, glue ablation seals diseased saphenous veins using a medical-grade adhesive.

This guide explains what you need to know about Glue Ablation in Ontario: how the medical adhesive works, why it needs little or no tumescent anesthesia, recovery expectations, who may be a candidate, pricing, and how it compares to other treatments.

What Is Medical Glue Ablation (VenaSeal™)?

VenaSeal™ is an endovenous treatment designed to treat superficial venous reflux disease, the root cause of large varicose veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).

The Underlying Problem: Venous Reflux

In healthy legs, one-way valves inside the Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) and Small Saphenous Vein (SSV) pump blood upward toward the heart against gravity. When these valves weaken or fail, blood pools backward in the lower legs. This pooling (known as venous reflux) causes high pressure that stretches superficial veins into painful, twisted, and visible varicose veins.

How Medical Adhesive Works

VenaSeal uses a purified medical adhesive (n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate). When the adhesive comes into contact with blood inside the diseased vein, it solidifies and bonds the opposing vein walls together. Over time, the body responds with mild inflammation (fibrosis), turning the closed vein into scar tissue that is gradually reabsorbed. Healthy surrounding veins take over the work of returning blood to the heart.

Key Advantages of Glue Ablation, VenaSeal™

VenaSeal was designed to reduce some of the discomforts associated with older vein treatments.

Summary of Key Benefits

Feature	VenaSeal™ (Glue Ablation)	Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)	Traditional Vein Stripping
Anesthesia Method	Little or no tumescent anesthesia	Tumescent local anesthesia	General or spinal anesthesia
Energy / Heat Used	None (non-thermal)	Thermal energy	None (mechanical removal)
Nerve Injury Risk	No heat-related nerve injury	Heat-related nerve injury is possible, though uncommon	Possible with surgical removal
Compression Stockings	Depends on your case; your doctor will advise	Usually recommended after treatment	Usually recommended after surgery
Return to Exercise	Your doctor advises; many people return to light activity soon	Gradual, as your doctor advises	Longer recovery
Incision Scars	None; one small puncture	One small puncture	Surgical incisions

1. Little or No Tumescent Anesthesia

Thermal treatments like RFA use tumescent local anesthesia, a technique where a large volume of fluid is injected along the vein to protect surrounding tissue from heat. VenaSeal does not use heat, so it needs little or no tumescent anesthesia, and many patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure.

2. No Heat, No Thermal Injury

Because glue ablation does not generate heat, there is no heat-related injury to the skin or to the nerves that run alongside the saphenous veins. This can matter for veins in the lower leg and near the ankle.

3. Compression After Treatment

Compression recommendations after VenaSeal can differ from those after thermal procedures, depending on your case. Dr. Figueroa will tell you whether you need compression stockings and for how long.

4. A Quick Return to Everyday Activities

Many patients walk out of the clinic after treatment and return to desk work soon after. Your doctor will advise when you can go back to workouts or running.

Step-by-Step: The Glue Ablation, VenaSeal™ Procedure at VeinCentre

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in our clinic in North York or Richmond Hill.

Procedural Walkthrough

Step 1: Preparation: Vascular Surgeon Dr. Luis Figueroa reviews the anatomy of the refluxing Great or Small Saphenous Vein and marks the entry site.
Step 2: Micro-Access Insertion: A small amount of local anesthetic is placed on the skin. A fine guide wire and catheter are gently inserted into the vein.
Step 3: Precise Glue Placement: The VenaSeal dispenser delivers small amounts of medical adhesive along the length of the diseased vein.
Step 4: Direct Compression: Dr. Figueroa applies light manual pressure along the treated vein so the walls come together and seal.
Step 5: Immediate Walk-Out: The catheter is removed, a small bandage is applied over the puncture, and you are encouraged to walk right away.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Glue Ablation, VenaSeal™?

VenaSeal may be a good choice for many patients with venous reflux disease. Dr. Figueroa will decide whether it suits your veins.

Recommended For

Patients with Great or Small Saphenous Vein Reflux: Diagnosed with a Doppler ultrasound.
Patients Who Prefer to Avoid Tumescent Anesthesia: VenaSeal needs little or no tumescent anesthesia.
Individuals with Needle Anxiety: Patients who want to limit the number of needle injections.
Active Individuals & Athletes: Runners, cyclists, and fitness enthusiasts who want to limit downtime.
Patients Concerned About Stockings: People who find compression stockings uncomfortable can ask Dr. Figueroa whether VenaSeal is a fit.
Patients with Below-the-Knee Saphenous Disease: Where nerves travel close to the vein and heat is a concern.
Patients Who Cannot Comfortably Wear Compression Garments: For example, people with severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD), frail skin, or limited hand mobility.

When Is Glue Ablation Not Recommended (Contraindications)?

Known hypersensitivity or allergy to cyanoacrylate compounds
Acute, active Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or superficial thrombophlebitis
Severe active systemic infection
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: ask Dr. Figueroa about timing

Recovery Timeline: What to Expect After Treatment

Because VenaSeal is minimally invasive, recovery is usually quick and uncomplicated. For more detail, see our guide to recovery after varicose vein treatment.

Recovery Guide

Timeline	What to Expect	Activity Guidelines
Day 1 (procedure day)	Minor tightness or a pulling sensation in the treated leg; a small bandage at the entry point	Walk soon after leaving the clinic; resume light desk work if you feel well
First few days	The bandage can be removed and you can shower as advised; mild tenderness along the inner thigh can be part of normal vein closure	Resume regular walking and light work duties; avoid high-heat environments such as hot tubs and saunas as advised
First two weeks	Mild, temporary redness or a cord-like feel under the skin can occur	Return to more strenuous exercise and heavy lifting step by step, as your doctor advises; mild symptoms are usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief as advised
Following weeks	Surface varicose veins and leg swelling often improve	Scheduled follow-up, often with an ultrasound, to confirm the vein has closed

Long-Term Results

Clinical studies of VenaSeal report high closure rates over several years, though results vary from person to person. Your doctor can discuss what to expect for your veins.

Glue Ablation Costs & OHIP Coverage in Ontario

Your consultation at VeinCentre 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. The price of VenaSeal is confirmed after your consultation, and our team will explain what is and is not covered. 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
VenaSeal™ procedure	Confirmed after your consultation	Our team explains what is and is not covered	Final quote after a vascular examination

Financial Options to Offset Treatment Costs

Medicard Financing: VeinCentre 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.
Health Spending Accounts (HSA): If your employer provides an HSA, ask whether the procedure 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.

VenaSeal vs. RFA vs. Sclerotherapy

VenaSeal and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) both treat the main refluxing saphenous veins. VenaSeal uses a medical adhesive and needs little or no tumescent anesthesia, while RFA uses heat under tumescent local anesthesia. Sclerotherapy is used for spider veins, reticular veins, and small branch veins. Which one suits you depends on your veins, and Dr. Figueroa will explain the options at your consultation. The table below gives a general comparison.

Clinical Factor	VenaSeal™ Glue Ablation	Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)	Sclerotherapy
Primary Target	Main saphenous trunks (GSV / SSV)	Main saphenous trunks (GSV / SSV)	Spider veins, reticular veins, small tributaries
Mechanism	Medical adhesive	Thermal catheter energy	Chemical sclerosant solution
Local Anesthesia	Little or no tumescent anesthesia	Tumescent local anesthesia	Usually none needed
Compression Garments	Depends on your case	Usually recommended	Usually recommended
Typical Cost	Confirmed after consultation	Confirmed after consultation	$300 plus HST per session, or 3 sessions for $750 plus HST
Long-Term Results	High closure rates reported; results vary	High closure rates reported; results vary	May require repeat sessions

You can also read our guide to the best varicose vein treatment options in Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is medical glue safe inside the human body?

Medical cyanoacrylate adhesives have been used in medicine for many years, including for wound closure. The small amount used stays inside the sealed vein as it turns to scar tissue. Like any procedure, VenaSeal has risks, such as an allergic reaction to the adhesive or an inflamed vein. Dr. Figueroa will go over the risks that apply to you before treatment.

Will the closed vein ever reopen?

Once the vein walls bond and the vein turns to scar tissue, the treated vein is generally expected to stay closed, though results vary and follow-up checks matter. In some cases, tributary veins develop reflux later, and minor touch-up sclerotherapy can address them.

What happens to the blood flow after the vein is sealed?

Because the treated saphenous vein had failing valves, blood was pooling backward. Sealing this vein redirects blood into healthy, deeper veins, which can help with leg swelling and heaviness.

How quickly will my visible varicose veins disappear?

Sealing the main refluxing vein removes the pressure feeding surface varicose veins. Over the following weeks, bulging surface veins often shrink and soften. Any remaining spider veins can be treated afterward with sclerotherapy.

Can both legs be treated on the same day?

Sometimes. Whether both legs can be treated in one visit depends on your veins. Dr. Figueroa will advise you at your consultation.

Schedule Your Vein Consultation in Toronto & Richmond Hill

Take control of your vein health with a non-thermal vein closure option. Read our guide to recovery after varicose vein treatment for return-to-activity guidance.

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. Treatment candidacy and final quotes are determined after a vascular examination. Results vary from person to person.