Discovering the Top Treatments for Varicose Veins in 2025

A patient consulting with a specialist about varicose vein treatment options in a contemporary medical setting.

Varicose veins affect a significant portion of the adult population, often leading to discomfort, swelling, and a reduced quality of life. Understanding the most effective and dependable treatment options available today is crucial. This guide will walk you through how minimally invasive procedures can alleviate venous insufficiency, compare success rates and recovery timelines, detail preparation and post-treatment care, highlight Ontario Vascular’s patient-centric approach under Dr. Luis Figueroa, and address common questions about modern varicose vein management.

Understanding Varicose Veins: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted superficial veins that develop due to faulty valves and blood pooling in the legs. Identifying their underlying causes, recognizing key symptoms, and confirming the diagnosis through ultrasound mapping pave the way for selecting the most suitable therapies.

What Causes Varicose Veins and Venous Insufficiency?

Normally, venous valves ensure blood flows upward towards the heart. However, when these valves weaken due to factors like genetics, prolonged standing, pregnancy, obesity, or aging, blood can flow backward. This backflow increases pressure, causing vein walls to stretch and leading to chronic venous insufficiency.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins?

Individuals with varicose veins often experience a feeling of heaviness, aching, itching, restless legs, and visible blue or purple veins beneath the skin, along with swelling around the ankles. Over time, inefficient blood return can lead to skin discoloration or ulcerations, emphasizing the importance of seeking timely medical evaluation.

How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?

A duplex ultrasound scan is used to assess venous reflux and map the affected veins, measuring their diameters. This imaging is combined with a physical examination that notes palpable cords and edema, establishing a precise baseline for developing a personalized treatment plan.

The Most Effective Minimally Invasive Varicose Vein Treatments in 2025

A medical professional performing Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) on a patient's leg.

Modern treatments focus on addressing problematic veins without the need for extensive incisions, offering quicker recovery periods and lasting results. The five leading approaches utilize thermal energy, chemical solutions, or micro-extraction techniques.

How Does Sclerotherapy Work and Who Is It Best For?

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a specialized solution into small to medium-sized varicose veins. This causes the vein walls to collapse and seal, redirecting blood flow to healthier vessels. It’s particularly effective for spider veins and smaller varicose branches, requiring only needle punctures and providing excellent cosmetic improvements.

What Is Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) and Its Benefits?

Endovenous Laser Ablation uses a laser-tipped fiber, inserted via a catheter, to deliver heat and seal the great or small saphenous vein. Its primary advantages include:

• High Success Rate: Clinical studies have shown closure rates typically ranging between 93–100%, depending on the patient profile and follow-up period.

• Minimal Discomfort: Performed under local anesthesia.

• Rapid Return to Activity: Patients can typically resume normal activities within 1–2 days.

How Does Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Treat Varicose Veins?

Radiofrequency Ablation uses a catheter to deliver controlled heat, causing the vein to collapse and seal. Similar to EVLA, RFA offers significant benefits but uses lower temperatures, which can reduce the risk of nerve irritation and bruising, while maintaining long-term closure rates between 90–95% in clinical literature.

What Is VenaSeal, and How Does a Medical Adhesive Seal Veins?

VenaSeal utilizes a proprietary medical adhesive (cyanoacrylate glue) to instantly bond the walls of the vein together, sealing it shut. Unlike thermal methods, it does not require tumescent anesthesia and allows patients to return to their normal activities on the same day. Studies have reported closure rates between 94–98% up to 5 years post-treatment¹.

When Is Microphlebectomy Recommended for Vein Removal?

Microphlebectomy is recommended for removing superficial, bulging varicose veins through very small incisions using a specialized hook. This procedure is often used in conjunction with EVLA or RFA to address any remaining branches, providing immediate relief from symptoms with minimal scarring and high patient satisfaction.

Comparing Varicose Vein Treatments: Success Rates, Recovery Times, and Costs

The choice of procedure often depends on its effectiveness, the required downtime, and associated costs. This comparison provides a clear overview of key features.

Treatment	Success Rate	Typical Recovery	OHIP Coverage*
Sclerotherapy	80–90%	Return to normal in days	Partial coverage for small veins
EVLA	93–100%	Light activity in 1 day	Covered for venous reflux
RFA	90–95%	Resume work in 2 days	Covered for venous reflux
VenaSeal	94–98%	Normal activity on the same day	Coverage may be available for select cases
Microphlebectomy	85–95%	Walk immediately	Covered when combined with other procedures

*Coverage is contingent upon medical necessity and confirmation by a vascular specialist. While recovery times vary, most patients can return to work and exercise within 1–2 weeks, with continued cosmetic improvement over the following months.

What to Expect During and After Varicose Vein Treatment

A well-defined patient journey and diligent aftercare are essential for promoting healing and achieving optimal results.

How to Prepare for Your Varicose Vein Treatment Consultation and Procedure

Before your appointment, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, arrange for transportation home, and gather your medical history details. Dr. Figueroa will conduct a duplex ultrasound, discuss your vein anatomy, tailor a treatment plan, and confirm your eligibility for OHIP coverage for the initial consultation.

What Happens During a Typical Minimally Invasive Procedure?

Under local anesthesia, a small puncture is made to insert the laser or radiofrequency fiber, or to administer the sclerosing agent or adhesive. The treated vein seals shut within minutes, and you will be able to walk out of the clinic shortly after, avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia.

What Are the Post-Treatment Care Guidelines and Recovery Tips?

A patient resting comfortably at home, wearing compression stockings after varicose vein treatment.

Wearing compression stockings for 1–2 weeks helps support vein closure and minimize bruising. Daily walking is encouraged to promote circulation, while avoiding strenuous activities or heavy lifting for about a week can help prevent vein re-dilation. Mild soreness is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How Can Patients Prevent Varicose Vein Recurrence After Treatment?

Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, elevating your legs when possible, and periodically wearing graduated compression stockings—especially during periods of increased risk—can help preserve venous health by reducing pressure and strain on vein valves.

Why Choose Ontario Vascular and Dr. Luis Figueroa for Varicose Vein Treatment?

At Ontario Vascular, we combine leading expertise, personalized treatment strategies, and accessible care for every patient seeking relief from varicose veins.

What Expertise Does Dr. Luis Figueroa Bring to Varicose Vein Care?

Dr. Figueroa, a board-certified vascular surgeon with specialized training from the University of Toronto and McMaster University, possesses over a decade of experience in minimally invasive vein procedures. His expertise ensures precise diagnostics and the selection of advanced treatment options.

How Does Ontario Vascular Personalize Varicose Vein Treatment Plans?

Each treatment plan begins with comprehensive ultrasound mapping and a thorough review of your symptoms, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. Ontario Vascular then develops a customized, multi-modal approach—potentially combining EVLA, RFA, sclerotherapy, or VenaSeal—to address your specific vein anatomy and personal preferences.

What Are the Benefits of OHIP-Covered Consultations at Ontario Vascular?

Ontario residents can benefit from complimentary initial vein consultations covered by OHIP when referred by their family physician. This allows for prompt diagnosis and treatment planning without any upfront out-of-pocket expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Varicose Vein Treatments in 2025

What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Varicose Veins?

Endovenous techniques such as EVLA and VenaSeal offer high closure rates and relatively quick recovery, making them common first-line treatments for saphenous vein reflux and medium-sized varicose veins. Your provider will determine the best option based on individual vein anatomy and symptoms.

What Are the Newest Advances in Varicose Vein Treatment?

Emerging technologies include medical adhesives like VenaSeal, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, and non-thermal methods such as mechanochemical ablation. Availability may vary, and clinical use should be guided by specialist evaluation.

What Are the Risks of Not Treating Varicose Veins?

If left unmanaged, chronic venous insufficiency may progress to complications like swelling, skin changes, and ulcers. Early assessment helps reduce these risks and supports long-term vascular health.

How Long Does It Take to See Results After Treatment?

Many patients notice symptom relief within days after treatment. Full closure and remodelling of treated veins—especially after thermal ablation—typically occur over 4–6 weeks, with gradual cosmetic improvement over time.

Is Varicose Vein Treatment Painful?

Minimally invasive treatments are performed using local anesthesia and generally involve only mild discomfort. Most patients report minimal soreness and return to normal routines quickly.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical evaluation. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for individualized assessment.

¹ Morrison, N., et al. (2017). Five-Year Extension Study of the VenaSeal System... J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord, 5(3), 321–330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvsv.2016.10.075² De Maeseneer, M.G. et al. (2022). ESVS Clinical Practice Guidelines on Chronic Venous Disease. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejvs.2022.06.005