A simple series of small injections that closes unwanted leg veins so they fade from view. It is done in our clinic in under an hour, with no incisions and no general anaesthetic, and most people walk out and carry on with their day.
Sclerotherapy is offered at two of our clinics: Calgary Vein and Laser in south Calgary and Edmonton South.
Sclerotherapy is an in-office vein treatment. A trained medical provider uses a very fine needle to inject a medical solution into an unwanted vein. The solution irritates the vein wall so it seals shut, and your body gradually absorbs it. Blood simply reroutes through healthier veins. It is a well-established treatment for spider veins and smaller varicose veins, most often on the legs.
Many people choose sclerotherapy because their veins bother them to look at. Others come in because their legs ache, feel heavy or swell by the end of the day. Either reason is a good reason to be seen. At your consultation, our team looks at your legs, asks about your symptoms and health history, and tells you plainly whether sclerotherapy is the right fit or whether another treatment would serve you better.
They are related, but they are not the same thing, and the difference changes how we treat them.
Fine red, blue or purple lines just under the skin, often in a web or starburst pattern. Doctors call them telangiectasias. They are usually less than 1 mm wide and lie flat, so you cannot feel them.
Larger veins, usually more than 3 mm wide, that look twisted, rope-like or bulging. They are often blue or purple and you can feel them raised above the skin.
| Spider veins | Varicose veins | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Less than 1 mm | More than 3 mm |
| Look | Thin, flat, web-like lines | Twisted, raised, rope-like veins |
| Feel | Cannot be felt | Raised and easy to feel |
| Symptoms | Usually none | Aching, heaviness, swelling, itching, cramps |
| Usual treatment | Sclerotherapy or laser | Ultrasound assessment, then sclerotherapy, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy or endovenous laser |
In between the two are reticular veins: blue-green veins about 1 to 3 mm wide that often feed spider veins. Sclerotherapy treats them well, and treating them can help spider veins clear more completely.
You do not need to know the answer before you call. We match the treatment to your veins after we examine them. These are the options our medical team chooses from.
Injections of a sclerosing solution, either as a liquid or mixed into a light foam for slightly larger veins. Quick, done in the clinic, and the most common choice for leg veins you can see.
Some veins that cause bulging cannot be seen from the surface. Ultrasound lets the provider see and treat them precisely. At Calgary Vein and Laser this is called echosclerotherapy.
About echosclerotherapyWhen a large vein deep in the leg has a valve that leaks, a thin laser fibre placed inside that vein seals it from within. This treats the cause, and sclerotherapy is often used afterwards to clear the smaller branches.
About endovenous laserFacial veins are usually treated with light or laser rather than injections. Laser can also help with very fine leg veins that are too small to inject.
About laser vein treatmentVisible veins are common, especially as we get older. They are worth a visit when they bother you, or when your legs give you any of these signals.
This is not a full list. We review your health history and medications at your consultation before anything is booked.
Do not wait for a consultation if one leg suddenly becomes painful, warm, red and swollen, a vein is bleeding and will not stop, or you have a sore on your lower leg that will not heal. Contact your doctor, go to an urgent care centre, or call 911 if you are short of breath or have chest pain.
Most people are surprised by how simple it is. Here is the whole process from your first call to your final result.
We look at your legs, talk about your symptoms and goals, and review your health. If larger veins are involved, we may check them with ultrasound. You leave with a clear plan.
You lie comfortably while the skin is cleaned and each vein is treated with a very fine needle. Most people feel small pinches or brief stinging. It takes under an hour.
You put on compression stockings and go for a short walk. You can return to light daily activity the same day. Some people like to have someone drive them home.
We review your progress. If more veins need treatment, sessions are usually spaced about six weeks apart so each area can heal and fade.
There is very little downtime. A few simple habits over the first two weeks help you get the best result.
Treated veins fade gradually as your body absorbs them. Patience pays off.
Bruising, mild swelling, tenderness, itching, and light brown lines or spots along the treated vein. Discolouration usually fades over a few months. Some people develop tiny new red vessels near the site, which typically fade or can be treated.
Allergic reaction to the solution, a small skin sore at an injection site, or a blood clot in a deeper vein. We screen for risk factors before treatment and give you clear instructions on what to watch for.
Sclerotherapy is available at two Rejuvenation Dermatology clinics. Call the clinic nearest you, or book a consultation online.
South Calgary, by Rejuvenation Dermatology
| Monday to Friday | 9am to 5pm |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Call for hours |
| Sunday | Closed |
Windermere, Edmonton
| Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 7am to 7pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, Thursday | 7am to 8pm |
| Saturday and Sunday | 9am to 4pm |
Hours shown are general clinic hours. Vein treatment days can vary, so please call to book.
Tap any question to see the answer.
Most people describe it as small pinches or a brief stinging or cramping feeling as each vein is treated. The needle is very fine and no anaesthetic is needed. Any tenderness afterwards is usually mild and settles within a few days.
It depends on how many veins you have and how large they are. Some people need one session, while many need two or three. When more than one is needed, sessions are usually spaced about six weeks apart. We give you an estimate at your consultation.
The treatment itself usually takes under an hour. Plan a little extra time to change, put on your compression stockings and go for a short walk before you leave.
Yes. Sclerotherapy works very well on spider veins, reticular veins and smaller varicose veins. Larger varicose veins are often caused by a leaking valve in a deeper vein. These may need an ultrasound first, and then ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy or endovenous laser, sometimes followed by sclerotherapy for the remaining branches.
A vein that has been successfully treated does not come back. However, sclerotherapy does not stop new veins from forming, especially if you have a family history of vein problems or stand for long periods. Many people come back for an occasional touch-up.
Usually, yes. Compression stockings help the treated veins close properly and can reduce bruising and discolouration. Most people wear them for about two weeks. We will tell you exactly how long, and how tight they should be, for your treatment.
Walking is encouraged right away and every day after treatment. Avoid hard exercise and strenuous workouts for about two weeks, then return to your usual routine.
The cost depends on how many veins are treated and how many sessions you need. We give you a clear price at your consultation before you book any treatment. Some extended health plans may help with vein treatment, so it is worth asking your provider.
Sclerotherapy has been used for decades and is considered safe when done by a trained provider. The most common side effects are bruising, mild swelling and temporary brown discolouration. Serious problems such as a blood clot or allergic reaction are rare. We review your health history first to make sure it is right for you.
Fine veins on the face, nose and cheeks are usually treated with laser or light-based treatment rather than injections. We will recommend the best option when we see you.
Many people choose fall and winter. Treated skin should be kept out of the sun for about two weeks, and compression stockings are more comfortable in cooler weather. It also gives larger veins time to fade before shorts season.
Tell us a little about your veins and we will call you to find a time at Calgary Vein and Laser or Edmonton South. Prefer to talk to someone? Call us directly.
It takes about two minutes. Not sure which treatment you need? That is fine. We will help you decide.
