Varicose and Spider Vein Treatments

Sclerotherapy is a popular method for eliminating varicose & spider veins that has been in use since the 1920's. It involves injecting a solution into the diseased vein, causing a reaction that destroys the vessel wall. Sclerosis (hardening) of the vein then results. Blood can no longer travel through it, and blood is therefore rerouted through healthy veins. Eventually, the varicose vein disappears. This is the method most commonly used for spider veins.

The majority of people who have Sclerotherapy performed will see good improvement. Approximately 10% of patients who undergo Sclerotherapy have poor to fair results. In very rare cases, the patient's condition can become worse after a treatment.

Large, swollen and symptomatic varicose vein injections are covered by OHIP. "Spider veins" are considered cosmetic and are not covered. Your insurance company may agree to pay some or all of the costs of solution, surgical tray, procedure costs or prescribed compression stockings. A detailed accounting for insurance forms will be provided upon receipt of services.

We offer diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in a comfortable setting. Dr. Martin evaluates and treats patients with lower extremity problems caused by most types of vein problems, including:

You will be surprised at how quick, easy, and comfortable the treatment can be. You'll relax in our treatment rooms while a highly-trained specialist works to make your veins disappear, area by area. You'll understand why so many of our patients tell us "I wish I'd had this done years ago!" and "I don't know why I waited so long!" It is not unusual for our patients to suddenly need to go out and buy a pair of shorts – something that they have not done for years.

Please watch our video for more information about our vein treatments

Treatment Alternatives

Depending on the need, your treatment alternatives may include standard or micro-injection Sclerotherapy. All of these are medically proven techniques that are safe and effective. You'll walk in and walk out from your treatments - you won't need to take time off work.

FAQ

I have those veins for a reason, right? So, if you inject them, what will my body do for circulation?

There are hundreds of potential routes back to your heart through other veins. The varicose veins are not doing much good for you – the flow is poor. The blood finds a new route.

Is exercise good or bad for varicose veins?

Great question. The answer is "yes" to both.

Blood from the feet begins its journey back to the heart through blood vessels called capillaries, which flow into progressively larger veins in the "superficial" venous system just under the skin. It then travels through "perforating veins" into the "deep system".

When the blood reaches each new level, specialized (but very fragile) valves hold the blood there. On the next contraction of the calf muscles, the blood is propelled up to the new level. As long as the tubes and valves are working properly, all is well. Strong muscles = great circulation.

However, sometimes, through no fault of their own, people have faulty valve systems. This is especially common in the superficial and perforator veins. When the valves allow back flow, suddenly the strong muscle contraction becomes the enemy, propelling blood BACKWARDS into the superficial veins and making varicose veins worse.