Ontario Vascular — Varicose Vein Treatment Reviews and Patient Guide

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted superficial veins in the legs that can cause aching, heaviness and cosmetic worry. This guide explains what causes venous insufficiency, how specialists diagnose it, which minimally invasive treatments are used, how OHIP coverage can affect cost, and what patients typically experience before, during and after treatment. Ontario Vascular and the clinician frequently mentioned in local reviews, Dr. Luis Figueroa, appear in patient feedback; here we summarize treatment options, common review themes and practical next steps so you can decide whether to seek an assessment. Where relevant, we also invite readers to request an evaluation with Ontario Vascular to review imaging and develop a personalized plan.

What are varicose veins and how are they diagnosed in Ontario?

Varicose veins form when the one‑way valves in superficial veins fail, allowing blood to flow backward and pool. That causes veins to enlarge, bulge and sometimes produce symptoms such as aching, swelling or skin changes. Diagnosis starts with a clinical history and physical exam to document symptoms and risk factors, then usually proceeds to venous duplex ultrasound to map reflux and anatomy. Knowing the typical diagnostic steps helps you understand what to expect at a vascular visit and how imaging findings guide treatment choices.

Common reasons a specialist will order duplex imaging are listed below. Typical symptoms that prompt specialist assessment and duplex ultrasound:

• Persistent leg aching, heaviness or cramping that worsens with standing.

• Visible bulging veins, skin discoloration, or recurring ankle/leg swelling.

• Non‑healing or slow‑healing wounds near the ankle linked to venous disease.

These signs more often indicate clinically significant venous insufficiency than isolated cosmetic spider veins. Clear documentation of symptoms and physical findings at the first visit helps the sonographer and clinician target the duplex study, which in turn clarifies whether treatment is medically needed or primarily cosmetic.

What causes varicose veins and venous insufficiency?

Venous insufficiency happens when valve function in superficial veins (for example, the great saphenous vein) falters, permitting retrograde flow and raised venous pressure that dilates the vessel. Contributing factors include family history, pregnancy, prolonged standing or heavy leg work, obesity and age‑related changes to vein walls. Over time these processes can progress from spider veins to aching, swelling, skin discoloration and, in some cases, venous ulcers. Early recognition and focused duplex mapping let clinicians target the underlying reflux with minimally invasive therapies rather than only addressing surface appearance, which improves the chances of durable symptom relief.

Which minimally invasive varicose vein treatments does Ontario Vascular offer?

Below we summarize the commonly used minimally invasive treatments so you can compare how they work, who’s a candidate and what recovery looks like. Ontario Vascular provides assessment visits to match the best combination of techniques to your anatomy, symptoms and goals.

• Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT): Laser energy delivered inside the vein to close refluxing saphenous segments.

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Catheter‑based thermal energy that seals incompetent veins.

• Ultrasound‑Guided Sclerotherapy: Injection of liquid or foam sclerosant into targeted varicose veins.

• VenaSeal and Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Medical adhesive closure and small‑incision removal of surface veins when appropriate.

These approaches target the source of reflux by closing or removing diseased segments instead of large open surgery, which shortens recovery and lowers procedural risk. During a consultation we review your duplex images to outline a tailored plan — often combining ablation for the main reflux source with sclerotherapy or phlebectomy for residual branches.

Quick comparison of core attributes:

Procedure	Mechanism	Typical Recovery
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)	Thermal laser ablation of refluxing saphenous vein	Short downtime; walking encouraged the same day
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)	Controlled thermal closure using radiofrequency energy	Similar to EVLT; rapid return to activity
Sclerotherapy (foam/liquid)	Chemical irritation causes vein collapse and gradual resorption	Minimal downtime; may require several sessions

How does endovenous laser therapy work and who is it for?

EVLT treats refluxing segments — most commonly the great saphenous vein — by placing a small laser fiber inside the vein and delivering energy that denatures the vein wall so it collapses and is reabsorbed. Good candidates have reflux documented on duplex in a segment suitable for endovenous treatment and symptoms such as aching, swelling or progressing skin changes. EVLT is usually done under local anesthetic with optional light sedation; patients typically feel pressure or mild discomfort rather than sharp pain and are encouraged to walk the same day. Common side effects include temporary bruising and a feeling of tightness along the treated vein; follow‑up duplex confirms closure and identifies any need for adjunct treatments.

What are radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy options?

RFA closes veins with controlled thermal energy delivered by a catheter and produces outcomes comparable to EVLT; device choice and operator preference often determine selection. Sclerotherapy uses a sclerosant injected into smaller varicosities or residual tributaries — foam or liquid is chosen based on vein size and location — and may require serial treatments for optimal cosmetic and symptomatic results. Frequently we combine ablation for the main reflux source with sclerotherapy or microphlebectomy for visible surface veins to achieve both symptom relief and cosmetic improvement. Expect a staged plan when needed, with follow‑up assessments to measure response and plan additional procedures.

How does OHIP coverage affect varicose vein treatment costs in Ontario?

OHIP differentiates medically necessary care from cosmetic procedures, which affects whether ablation or removal is funded. In Ontario, interventions that treat symptomatic, duplex‑documented superficial venous insufficiency are more likely to meet medical necessity criteria; treatments performed primarily for cosmetic reasons (isolated spider veins or minimal symptoms) are usually not covered. Knowing these distinctions helps you anticipate out‑of‑pocket expenses and explore private insurance or self‑pay options when appropriate. The scenarios below outline common funding outcomes and how to determine eligibility.

Common OHIP coverage scenarios:

• Medically necessary ablation for reflux with documented symptoms: may be covered following clinical assessment and imaging.

• Procedures performed mainly for cosmetic improvement with minimal symptoms: generally not covered and self‑pay.

• Adjunct cosmetic treatments (isolated sclerotherapy for spider veins): typically out of pocket unless linked to a documented medical need.

A formal specialist evaluation with duplex ultrasound and clear clinical documentation is the usual path to determine whether a procedure qualifies as medically required under OHIP.

Procedure Type	OHIP Eligibility Criteria	Typical Funding Outcome
Endovenous ablation for symptomatic reflux	Documented reflux on duplex plus clinically significant symptoms	May be covered when medically necessary
Sclerotherapy for cosmetic spider veins	Cosmetic indication without significant symptoms	Generally not covered
Combined procedures with medical symptoms	Clinical documentation and imaging supporting medical need	Case‑by‑case, may need pre‑approval

What do patients say about Ontario Vascular and Dr. Luis Figueroa?

Patient reviews of Ontario Vascular and Dr. Luis Figueroa commonly highlight clear explanations, noticeable symptom improvement after procedures and attentive follow‑up care — consistent themes that prospective patients can weigh alongside formal credentials. Reviews often emphasize communication, procedural comfort and recovery pace, giving a qualitative sense of the patient journey from consult to follow‑up. Look for repeated mentions of specific outcomes, such as reduced pain or healed skin changes, as indicators of consistent clinical results. Below is a short synthesis of the most commonly reported experience themes.

Common review themes and what they suggest:

• Clear pre‑procedure explanations and expectation‑setting: indicates strong clinician communication.

• Symptom relief within weeks: aligns with typical timelines after ablation and sclerotherapy.

• Positive feedback about follow‑up and responsiveness: reflects organized postoperative care.

Taken together, these themes help set realistic expectations for outcomes and interactions with the care team. If you have symptoms, Ontario Vascular accepts consultation requests to review duplex imaging and create a personalized treatment plan.

What are common patient experiences and testimonials?

Many patients describe progressive reduction in leg aching and swelling after targeted ablation, with visible improvement in bulging veins and greater comfort during standing or activity. Cosmetic results usually improve over weeks to months as treated veins fade and skin recovers. Most people report minimal downtime and an early return to routine activities; common recovery notes include transient bruising or tightness along treated segments and the value of clear instructions on compression and activity pacing. These experiences reflect the advantage of addressing underlying reflux with image-guided interventions rather than treating only surface veins.

Direct Patient Testimonials

"On behalf of mother in law: My life changed for the better after I met Dr. Figueroa. Another Dr. wanted to amputate three of my toes. His guidance and expertise saved my toes and my gave me back the ability to walk again. He is the best Dr. in Toronto for any vascular problems. If I could give him more then 5 stars I would."

— Georgia Daniel

"Thank you Dr Figueroa for your skills and knowledge! I am pain free now after suffering from vein insufficiency for more than 30 years. Thank you to the entire team that made my surgical experience the nicest that i have ever experienced!"

— Olga Borodina

"I had a really good experience with Dr. Luis Figueroa he was very patient with me because I was nervous about the procedure and and anesthesia, but he was completely professional, kind, caring I would definitely recommend.. him to anybody"

— Owen Foster

Clinical studies also show measurable quality‑of‑life gains after minimally invasive varicose vein procedures.

Quality of life after minimally invasive varicose vein treatment A cross‑sectional study evaluated quality‑of‑life changes after minimally invasive procedures in 150 patients (58 males, 92 females; mean age 47.1 ± 12.0; range 19–80). Using validated symptom and quality‑of‑life questionnaires, the study measured patient status before treatment and four weeks after the final procedure, with patients also receiving education about compression stockings and postoperative care. Evaluation of quality of life after minimally invasive varicose vein treatment, PT Çoban, 2019

How do reviews reflect Dr. Luis Figueroa’s expertise and care?

Review patterns suggest patients appreciate concise procedural explanations, attentive follow‑up and outcomes that match duplex‑guided recommendations — indicators of both technical competence and patient-centred communication. Mentions of prompt scheduling, detailed consent conversations and practical post‑procedure instructions point to an approach that balances safety with realistic expectations. Reviews complement clinical credentials but should be considered alongside a formal assessment and imaging when choosing a provider.

If you’re considering care, Ontario Vascular welcomes symptomatic patients to book a consultation to review symptoms and imaging and to discuss a tailored treatment strategy.

How can patients prepare for and recover from varicose vein treatments?

Good preparation and clear aftercare improve safety and satisfaction. Before treatment, you’ll receive instructions about medications, transport and expectations for the day of the procedure — bring a current medication list and arrange a ride if sedation is planned. After treatment, compression and gradual activity are key; timely follow‑up with duplex ultrasound confirms closure and helps plan any adjunct therapy. The checklist below outlines practical steps that support a smooth transition from assessment to recovery.

Pre‑ and post‑procedure checklist overview:

• Pre‑procedure: Record symptoms, bring a medication list, follow clinician guidance on anticoagulant use, and arrange transportation if sedation is expected.

• Immediate post‑procedure: Walk shortly after the procedure, wear prescribed compression stockings, and expect bruising or tightness that improves over time.

• Follow‑up: Attend scheduled duplex imaging and clinic visits to confirm closure and plan any additional treatments.

Following these steps reduces anxiety and supports better outcomes. For tailored pre‑op instructions and a personalized recovery plan, schedule an assessment so the care team can advise based on your medical history and planned procedure.

Compression Option	Wearing Schedule	Expected Symptom Relief Timeline
Class I — light support	Wear during the daytime for 1–2 weeks	Early reduction in swelling within days
Class II — moderate support	Wear during the daytime for 2–4 weeks	Improved comfort and decreased bruising over several weeks
Graduated stockings with adjunct care	Wear as directed by your clinician, up to about 6 weeks	Supports longer‑term healing and symptom control

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the potential risks and complications associated with varicose vein treatments?

Minimally invasive treatments such as EVLT and RFA are generally safe, but can cause common, usually temporary effects like bruising, swelling and mild discomfort along the treated vein. Rare but more serious complications include deep vein thrombosis, skin burns or allergic reactions to sclerosants. Discuss risks and benefits with your clinician so you understand the likelihood of complications and can make an informed decision.

How long does it take to see results after varicose vein treatment?

Many patients notice symptom improvement — less aching and swelling — within a few weeks of EVLT or RFA. Cosmetic results may take longer as treated veins fade over several months. Recovery and visible changes vary with the extent of disease and the procedures used. Regular follow‑up helps monitor progress and confirms successful closure.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can help prevent varicose veins from worsening?

Yes. Regular leg‑focused activity (walking, calf exercises), maintaining a healthy weight, elevating your legs when possible and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting all help reduce venous pressure. Wearing compression stockings as recommended can also support vein health and ease symptoms. These measures complement procedural treatment and lower the risk of recurrence.

What should I expect during a consultation for varicose vein treatment?

A consultation includes a review of your medical history, symptoms and lifestyle factors, a focused physical exam and often a recommendation for venous duplex ultrasound to evaluate venous insufficiency. Bring any prior test results and a list of medications. The clinician will explain treatment options, expected outcomes and a proposed plan tailored to your findings.

How can I manage discomfort after varicose vein treatment?

Light walking soon after the procedure promotes circulation and speeds recovery. Over‑the‑counter pain relief such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen usually controls mild discomfort. Wear prescribed compression stockings as directed to reduce swelling. If pain persists or worsens, contact your healthcare team for assessment.

What follow‑up care is necessary after varicose vein treatment?

Follow‑up is important to confirm vein closure and healing. You’ll typically have a clinic visit and duplex ultrasound within a few weeks after the procedure. Ongoing monitoring may be recommended to assess symptoms and determine if additional treatments are needed. Report any unusual symptoms, such as increasing pain or swelling, promptly.

Conclusion

Understanding varicose veins and available minimally invasive treatments helps you make informed choices about care. Many patients experience meaningful symptom relief and improved quality of life after image‑guided procedures. If you’re experiencing discomfort or want to explore options, consider booking a consultation with Ontario Vascular for a personalized evaluation and treatment plan — the first step toward lasting relief.