TREATMENTS
We offer a variety of advanced varicose vein treatments, focused on eliminating varicose veins, spider veins and improving leg circulation without surgery. Our procedures are safe, personalized, and performed by board-certified specialists, like Dr. Luis Figueroa, at our VeinCentre.
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Understanding the Difference: Varicose Veins vs Spider Veins
Many patients come to our vein clinic unsure whether they're dealing with varicose veins or spider veins. While both conditions affect the appearance of your legs and share similar underlying causes, they differ significantly in appearance, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the most effective treatment.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted blood vessels that bulge beneath the skin's surface. They typically appear as rope-like, raised veins that are blue, purple, or flesh-colored. Varicose veins occur when valves inside your veins weaken or fail, causing blood to pool rather than flow efficiently back to your heart. This pooling creates pressure that stretches and enlarges the vein walls. Varicose veins most commonly develop on the legs and thighs, often measuring 3 millimetres or larger in diameter.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins, medically known as telangiectasias, are smaller, thinner blood vessels visible just beneath the skin's surface. They appear as fine red, blue, or purple lines that branch out in web-like or tree-branch patterns. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins don't bulge above the skin surface. They're typically less than 1-2 millimetres in diameter and are usually found on the legs and face.
Causes: What Triggers These Vein Problems?
Both varicose veins and spider veins share common risk factors. Genetics plays a significant role—if your parents had vein issues, you're more likely to develop them too. Pregnancy increases risk due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume. Age is another factor, as vein walls and valves naturally weaken over time. Prolonged standing or sitting, particularly in occupations requiring extended periods of immobility, contributes to vein problems by restricting proper blood flow. However, varicose veins typically develop from more severe valve dysfunction and increased
venous pressure, while spider veins often result from milder circulatory issues or even cosmetic factors like sun exposure.
Symptoms: Beyond Appearance
The symptom profile differs notably between these conditions. Varicose veins often cause physical discomfort, including aching, throbbing, heaviness in the legs, muscle cramping (especially at night), swelling in the lower legs and ankles, and itching around affected veins. Symptoms typically worsen after prolonged standing or sitting and may improve with leg elevation. Spider veins, conversely, are primarily a cosmetic concern. Most patients with spider veins experience no physical symptoms, though some report mild burning or itching in the affected area. The main complaint is aesthetic—the visible web-like patterns can cause self-consciousness about wearing shorts, skirts, or swimwear.
Health Implications
Varicose veins can indicate underlying venous insufficiency and may lead to complications if left untreated, including skin changes, inflammation, ulcers, or blood clots in severe cases. Spider veins rarely cause health complications but may signal early venous insufficiency in some patients.
Treatment Approaches
This is where understanding the difference becomes critical. Spider vein treatment typically involves sclerotherapy as the first-line approach, delivering excellent results with minimal intervention. Varicose veins treatment may require more advanced procedures like endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) or ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, depending on the size and severity of the veins.
Why Professional Diagnosis Matters
During your consultation at our Toronto vascular clinic, Dr. Figueroa will perform a thorough visual examination and may use ultrasound imaging to assess the underlying venous system. This comprehensive evaluation ensures you receive the most appropriate varicose vein treatment or spider vein treatment for your specific condition, maximizing results while minimizing unnecessary procedures.
Advanced Vein Treatment Options
At VeinCentre, we offer a complete range of advanced vein treatments tailored to your specific condition. From cosmetic spider veins to more serious varicose veins, our vein clinic provides evidence-based solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with personalized care. Here's a comprehensive overview of the treatment options available to help you achieve healthier, more attractive legs.
Sclerotherapy
As detailed in our dedicated section above, sclerotherapy remains the gold standard for treating spider veins and small varicose veins. This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a specialized solution directly into affected veins, causing them to collapse and gradually disappear. Sclerotherapy excels at treating the superficial, web-like patterns of spider veins that appear on the skin's surface.
Best for spider veins, reticular veins, and small varicose veins up to 3-4 millimetres in diameter, sclerotherapy requires no anesthesia and allows immediate return to daily activities. Most patients see significant improvement within four to six weeks, with optimal results appearing after two to three months. The procedure can be repeated as needed to achieve the desired clearance, and maintenance treatments may be recommended years later if new spider veins develop.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency Ablation represents a significant advancement in varicose vein treatment. This minimally invasive procedure uses controlled radiofrequency energy to heat and seal larger varicose veins from the inside. A thin catheter is inserted into the affected vein under ultrasound guidance, delivering precise thermal energy that causes the vein wall to collapse and seal shut.
RFA offers numerous benefits over traditional surgical approaches. The procedure typically takes 45-60 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia in our comfortable office setting. Patients experience minimal discomfort during treatment and can walk immediately afterward. Most people return to desk work within 1-2 days and resume full activities within a week. The success rates for RFA exceed 95%, with treated veins remaining closed long-term. Recovery involves wearing compression stockings for 1-2 weeks to optimize healing. This vein ablation technique has largely replaced surgical vein stripping due to its superior safety profile, faster recovery, and excellent cosmetic outcomes.
VenaSeal™ Glue Ablation
VenaSeal represents the latest innovation in vein treatment technology. This revolutionary procedure uses a medical adhesive to seal varicose veins without requiring heat or extensive anesthesia. A small catheter delivers the specialized glue into the diseased vein, permanently sealing it closed and redirecting blood flow to healthier vessels.
What sets VenaSeal apart is its unique approach and patient-friendly benefits. Because it doesn't use thermal energy, there's no need for tumescent anesthesia (multiple injections around the vein). Most remarkably, patients don't need to wear compression stockings after the procedure—a significant advantage for those seeking the most convenient recovery possible.
The VenaSeal procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes, and patients can immediately return to normal activities. Success rates mirror those of RFA at over 95%, with the added benefit of potentially fewer post-procedure restrictions. This makes VenaSeal an excellent choice for patients seeking effective varicose vein treatment with maximum convenience.
Conservative Treatment Approaches
Not every vein problem requires immediate intervention. For early-stage varicose veins, mild symptoms, or patients who aren't ready for procedures, conservative management can provide relief and potentially slow progression.
Compression stockings are the cornerstone of conservative treatment, applying graduated pressure that helps veins function more efficiently and reduces symptoms like swelling and achiness. Lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise (particularly walking and swimming), maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding prolonged standing or sitting, elevating your legs when resting, and staying well-hydrated,d can all support vein health.
Conservative treatment is most appropriate for mild varicose veins, pregnant patients (who should wait until after delivery for most procedures), patients with medical conditions that temporarily preclude procedures, or as an adjunct to procedural treatments for optimal long-term outcomes.
Choosing the Right Treatment
The most effective vein treatment depends on multiple factors, including the type, size, and location of your veins, the severity of symptoms, your overall health, your lifestyle considerations, and your cosmetic goals. What works beautifully for spider veins may be inadequate for large varicose veins, while aggressive treatment for minor cosmetic concerns may be unnecessary.
This is why your initial consultation is so valuable. will conduct a thorough
examination, often including ultrasound imaging, to map your venous system and identify the root causes of your vein problems. Based on this comprehensive assessment, he'll recommend the most appropriate treatment or combination of treatments to address your specific condition.
At VeinCentre, we offer all these advanced treatment options under one roof. Your OHIP-covered consultation provides the expert guidance you need to make informed decisions about your vein health. Whether you need simple sclerotherapy for spider veins or advanced laser treatment for problematic varicose veins, our Tclinic delivers the expertise, technology, and personalized care that lead to outstanding results. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward healthier, more beautiful legs.
Why Ontario Patients Trust Ontario Vascular Clinic
When you're seeking treatment for varicose veins or spider veins, choosing the right vascular specialist makes all the difference in your results, comfort, and overall experience. Ontario patients consistently choose Ontario Vascular Clinic for our combination of medical expertise, advanced technology, convenient access, and genuinely patient-centred care.
Expert Vascular Care by Dr. Figueroa
At our vein clinic is Dr. Figueroa, a dedicated vascular specialist with extensive training in diagnosing and treating venous disorders. Unlike general practitioners or cosmetic clinics that may offer vein treatments as a side service, Dr. Figueroa focuses specifically on vascular medicine, bringing deep expertise to every patient consultation and procedure.
His approach goes beyond simply eliminating visible veins. Dr. Figueroa takes time to understand the underlying causes of your vein problems, assess your overall venous health, and create personalized treatment plans that address both immediate cosmetic concerns and long-term vascular wellness. This patient-centred philosophy means you receive care tailored to your unique anatomy, lifestyle, and goals rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Advanced Technology & Proven Techniques
Effective vein treatment requires both skill and state-of-the-art equipment. Our vein clinic locations are equipped with the latest technology including high-resolution ultrasound imaging for precise diagnosis and treatment guidance, advanced sclerotherapy solutions that maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects, and modern laser systems for endovenous treatments.
We follow evidence-based treatment protocols proven through clinical research to deliver optimal outcomes. This commitment to proven techniques rather than experimental approaches means you can trust that your varicose vein treatment in Toronto is backed by scientific evidence and refined through years of successful patient outcomes. Our consistently high success rates and patient
satisfaction reflect this dedication to quality.
Convenient Locations with OHIP-Covered Consultations
Accessibility matters when you're seeking medical care. Our conveniently located clinics offer easy access from throughout the Greater Toronto Area, with ample parking and public transit options nearby. We also serve patients at our Richmond Hill location, providing flexibility for those living north of the city.
Understanding that cost concerns often delay necessary treatment, we're pleased to offer OHIP-covered consultations. This means your initial assessment with Dr. Figueroa, including examination and expert recommendations, is covered by your provincial health insurance. You can explore your treatment options without financial barriers, ensuring you make decisions based on medical need rather than cost concerns.
Comprehensive Care from Consultation to Recovery
Your journey with Ontario Vascular Clinic begins with a thorough initial assessment. We will review your medical history, examine your veins visually and with ultrasound if needed, discuss your symptoms and concerns, and explain your diagnosis in clear, understandable terms.
From there, we develop a customized treatment plan that fits your specific needs, schedule, and preferences. Throughout your treatment, you'll receive clear instructions, compassionate support, and answers to all your questions. Follow-up care is included in your treatment plan, ensuring we monitor your progress and address any concerns as you heal.
We believe informed patients achieve the best outcomes, so patient education is central to everything we do. You'll understand exactly what to expect before, during, and after your procedure, empowering you to participate actively in your vascular health.
Your Journey to Healthier Legs Starts Here
At Ontario Vascular Clinic, we're committed to helping Toronto patients achieve not just cosmetic improvement but genuine vascular health. Whether you're struggling with painful varicose veins that interfere with daily life or spider veins that affect your confidence, we have the expertise, technology, and compassionate approach to help you achieve your goals. Schedule your OHIP-covered consultation today and discover why so many patients trust us with their vein care.
Conveniently Located to the GTA
Ontario Vascular Clinic is proud to serve patients throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area from our conveniently located facilities. Whether you're seeking varicose vein treatment, spider vein removal, or consultation about vein health concerns, our accessible locations make expert vascular care available when and where you need it.
Serving Toronto and Beyond
Our primary Toronto vein clinic location provides easy access for patients throughout the city, from downtown Toronto to North York and everywhere in between. We also operate a full-service location in Richmond Hill, extending our reach to serve the northern GTA communities.
Our patient base reflects the trust we've built throughout the region. We regularly welcome patients from Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket, Brampton, Mississauga, and communities throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Many travel from surrounding cities specifically to receive specialized vein care from Dr. Figueroa, valuing the expertise and comprehensive treatment options we provide.
Easy Access from Major Highways
Location accessibility matters, especially when you may need multiple treatment sessions or follow-up appointments. Our Toronto vascular clinic offers convenient access from major highways, including the 401, 404, and 400, making your commute straightforward regardless of which GTA community you're travelling from. Ample parking at both locations eliminates the stress of finding a spot, and public transit options serve both facilities for patients who prefer not to drive.
Why Patients Travel to See Us
While vein treatments are available at various locations throughout the GTA, patients consistently choose Ontario Vascular Clinic for several compelling reasons: specialized vascular expertise rather than general cosmetic services, comprehensive diagnostic capabilities including advanced ultrasound, the full range of treatment options from conservative care to advanced procedures, personalized attention and customized treatment plans, proven results backed by years of successful outcomes, and OHIP-covered consultations that make expert assessment accessible to
everyone.
Whether you're in downtown Toronto, North York, or anywhere in the surrounding GTA, we're here to help you achieve healthier, more beautiful legs. Our convenient locations, flexible scheduling, and commitment to excellence make Ontario Vascular Clinic the trusted choice for vein treatment throughout the Toronto area. Contact us today to schedule your consultation at the location most convenient for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does varicose vein treatment cost in Toronto?
The cost of varicose vein treatment varies depending on the specific procedure, the extent of your condition, and whether treatment is medically necessary or cosmetic.
At Ontario Vascular Clinic, your initial consultation with Dr. Figueroa is covered by OHIP, allowing us to assess your condition and discuss treatment options without upfront costs. Medically necessary treatments may qualify for OHIP coverage, while cosmetic spider vein removal is typically an out-of-pocket
expense.
Factors affecting cost include the type of treatment the number of veins requiring treatment, and how many sessions
you'll need. During your consultation, we'll provide a transparent discussion about costs specific to your situation and explain any available coverage options.
What's the recovery time after vein treatment?
Recovery time varies depending on the specific procedure performed. For sclerotherapy treatments targeting spider veins and small varicose veins, most patients resume normal activities immediately after their appointment. You may be advised to avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours, but walking is encouraged to promote healthy circulation.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and VenaSeal procedures for larger varicose veins also offer remarkably quick recovery timelines. Most patients return to desk work within 1-2 days and resume full activities within one week. Walking immediately after treatment is not only permitted but encouraged to optimize results.
VenaSeal offers a unique recovery advantage: no compression stockings are required after treatment. With RFA, patients typically wear compression stockings for 1-2 weeks to support
optimal healing. Both procedures involve minimal bruising and discomfort, with most patients
managing any post-procedure soreness with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The minimally invasive nature of our varicose vein treatment Toronto approaches means you avoid the extended downtime associated with traditional vein surgery. Our vascular clinic prioritizes treatments that deliver excellent results while allowing you to return to your daily routine as quickly as possible.
Does OHIP cover spider vein or varicose vein treatment?
OHIP covers your initial consultation at Ontario Vascular Clinic with Dr. Figueroa, where we'll
assess whether your condition is medically necessary or primarily cosmetic. OHIP typically covers
varicose vein treatment Toronto when veins cause symptoms like pain, swelling, skin changes, or
ulcers that impact your health and quality of life. However, spider vein treatment performed purely for cosmetic reasons is generally not covered by OHIP.
During your consultation, will thoroughly examine your veins using diagnostic ultrasound and determine whether your condition meets the criteria for OHIP coverage. We'll clearly explain what portions of your treatment may be covered and what costs you might be responsible for, ensuring complete transparency before proceeding with any procedures.
Can varicose veins come back after treatment?
Veins that are successfully treated through sclerotherapy, RFA, or VenaSeal are permanently closed and will not reopen. However, it's important to understand that these
treatments address existing problematic veins—they don't prevent new varicose veins from
potentially developing in other areas over time.
The likelihood of developing new varicose veins depends on your individual risk factors, including
genetics, age, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors. Our vascular clinic helps you understand these risk factors and provides guidance on preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and wearing compression stockings when appropriate.
Success rates for properly performed vein treatments exceed 95%, with the vast majority of
patients experiencing lasting relief from their symptoms. During your follow-up appointments, we monitor your vascular health and can address any new concerns as they arise. Many patients find that addressing their vein issues early through modern vein treatment options provides long-lasting results and improved quality of life.
How long does a sclerotherapy treatment session take?
A typical sclerotherapy Toronto session at Ontario Vascular Clinic takes between 15 to 45 minutes,
depending on how many veins we're treating during that visit.
The procedure itself is relatively quick— uses fine needles to inject a specialized solution directly into the problematic veins, causing them to gradually collapse and fade. Most patients require multiple treatment
sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart to achieve optimal results, particularly if you have numerous spider veins or varicose veins.
You'll begin seeing improvement within 3-4 weeks after your first session, with continued fading over the following months. The convenience of sclerotherapy is that you can return to normal activities immediately afterward, making it easy to schedule treatments around your work and personal commitments in Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, or Richmond Hill.
What should I do before and after vein treatment?
Before your varicose vein treatment appointment at Ontario Vascular Clinic, avoid applying lotion to your legs on the day of treatment, and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. If you're having sclerotherapy, you can eat normally and continue your regular medications unless Dr. Figueroa advises otherwise. Bring compression stockings to your appointment if you already have
them. After treatment, you'll need to wear medical-grade compression stockings for 1-2 weeks as directed—these are crucial for optimal results. Walk regularly to promote circulation, but avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths, saunas, and direct sun exposure on treated areas for 48 hours. Elevate your legs when resting and avoid standing or sitting for extended periods. You can shower normally but should avoid submerging treated legs in baths or pools for several days. Dr. Figueroa
will provide personalized aftercare instructions specific to your spider vein treatment or varicose vein procedure to ensure the best possible outcome.
Is sclerotherapy or vein treatment painful?
Sclerotherapy and modern vein removal Toronto procedures cause minimal discomfort for most
patients. During sclerotherapy, you'll feel a slight pinch when the fine needle enters the vein,
followed by a mild burning or tingling sensation as Dr. Figueroa administers the sclerosing solution.
This discomfort typically subsides within seconds.
Many patients describe the sensation as less painful than a typical blood draw. EVLT (endovenous laser treatment) is performed under local anesthesia, so you'll feel pressure but no significant pain during the procedure.
At Ontario Vascular Clinic, we prioritize your comfort throughout treatment. After sclerotherapy, you might experience mild tenderness or cramping in the treated areas for a day or two, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients find vein treatment far less uncomfortable than they anticipated and are pleased with how tolerable the procedures are.
How many sclerotherapy sessions will I need?
Most patients require 2-3 sclerotherapy sessions to achieve their desired results, though the exact number depends on the extent and severity of your spider veins or small varicose veins.
During your consultation at Ontario Vascular Clinic, Dr. Figueroa will assess your condition and provide a
realistic estimate of how many treatments you'll likely need. Sessions are typically spaced 4-6
weeks apart, allowing time for treated veins to fade and for us to evaluate which areas may benefit
from additional treatment.
Some patients with minimal spider veins may see excellent results after
just one session, while those with more extensive vein issues across larger areas may need 3-4
sessions for comprehensive improvement. Each session builds upon the previous one, with
progressive improvement visible after each treatment. Dr. Figueroa will create a personalized
treatment plan for your varicose vein treatment Toronto journey.

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