Vein care  /  Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy for spider and varicose veins.

A precise, minimally invasive injection treatment that collapses problem veins from the inside, easing aching legs and visibly fading veins.

Symptoms

What we see

Visible veins are often more than a cosmetic concern. Many people also feel them.

Spider veins

Fine red, blue, or purple web-like lines close to the surface of the skin, most often on the legs.

Bulging varicose veins

Raised, twisting veins that can be seen and felt under the skin, especially when standing.

Aching, heavy, tired legs

Throbbing, heaviness, or fatigue that builds through the day and eases when you elevate your legs.

Swelling, cramps, or itching

Ankle swelling, night cramping, itching near veins, or skin discolouration that compression stockings haven't resolved.

How it works

How sclerotherapy is used here

Faulty veins let blood pool and stretch, which is what creates the visible, symptomatic vein.

A sclerosing solution is injected directly into the affected vein. It irritates the vein lining, causing the vein to scar, collapse, and be gradually absorbed by the body. Blood is rerouted to healthy veins nearby.

Treatment starts with an ultrasound at your consultation, which maps the veins and confirms where the problem is coming from, so we treat the source and not just the surface.

Numb

Numbing cream is applied to the treatment area so you stay comfortable.

Inject

The sclerosing agent is injected into the affected veins with a fine needle. No incisions and no general anesthesia.

Compress

You go home wearing a compression stocking, with written after-care instructions.

Benefits

Why people choose it

A targeted treatment with a long track record and very little disruption to your day.

No incisions, no general anesthesia

Done in clinic with a fine needle. No cutting and no operating room.

15–45 minutes

Most sessions treat several veins in a single visit.

Back to your day

Walking is encouraged right away, and most people resume normal activity the same day.

Relieves symptoms, not just appearance

Eases the aching, heaviness, swelling, and night cramps that often come with varicose veins.

Well-established results

Most treated veins fade noticeably over the following weeks.

Repeatable

Safe to repeat on new or residual veins, so your plan can evolve with your legs.

Is sclerotherapy for you

Who tends to do well

Most healthy adults with visible spider or varicose veins are candidates. Your consultation confirms it for you specifically.

Often a good fit

  • Visible spider or varicose veins, cosmetic or symptomatic
  • Aching, heaviness, or swelling not resolved by compression stockings
  • Generally healthy and able to walk soon after treatment
  • Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Comfortable with gradual results and possibly more than one session

Needs a closer look first

  • History of blood clots (DVT or PE) or a clotting disorder
  • Currently pregnant
  • Known allergy to a sclerosing agent
  • Limited mobility, or unable to walk after treatment
  • Veins that may point to an underlying condition needing evaluation first
The evidence

Where sclerotherapy fits

It works very well for some veins and is only one option for others. We'll be straight with you about which is which.

Strong

Spider & reticular veins

A well-established first-line treatment for small surface veins.

Good

Small to medium varicose veins

Effective for many symptomatic varicose veins, often using foam solution.

Case by case

Large, deeper veins

Ultrasound tells us whether sclerotherapy is enough or another approach is a better fit.

New veins can still form over time.

Sclerotherapy treats the veins you have today. It doesn't prevent new ones from developing, so some people return periodically for maintenance. Results vary from person to person.

What to expect

From first visit to follow-up

Initial consultation

Assessment & ultrasound

We prefer to meet in person to discuss the treatment, perform an ultrasound, and answer any questions you have.

Treatment day

Numb, then inject

Numbing cream is applied for comfort, then the sclerosing agent is injected into the affected veins. Mild stinging, redness, or bruising is common.

Going home

Compression & aftercare

You leave wearing a compression stocking, with after-care instructions. Walking is encouraged right away.

Weeks 1, 3 and 6

Follow-up

We follow up with you at 1, 3, and 6 weeks after your procedure. If questions or concerns come up, contact the clinic to book with one of our expert providers. Smaller spider veins typically fade over these weeks.

Months 3–6 and beyond

Full results & maintenance

Larger varicose veins can take three to six months to fully resolve, and a touch-up session is common. Maintenance visits treat new veins as they appear.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Does sclerotherapy hurt?

Most people find it very tolerable. We apply numbing cream first, and you may feel a mild sting or cramp as the solution is injected with a fine needle.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the number and size of the veins being treated. Many people need more than one session, and a touch-up is common if any vessels persist.

When will I see results?

Smaller spider veins often fade within a few weeks. Larger varicose veins take longer and can take three to six months to fully resolve.

Is there downtime?

Very little. Walking is encouraged right away and most people return to normal daily activities the same day, following their after-care instructions.

Can the veins come back?

Treated veins are absorbed by the body and usually do not return, but sclerotherapy does not stop new veins from forming over time. Some people return periodically for maintenance.

Who should not have sclerotherapy?

People with a history of blood clots, who are pregnant, or who have an allergy to the sclerosing agent need a closer look first. Your provider will review this with you at your consultation.

Start with a proper assessment.

Book a consultation with our expert practitioners today. Fill in the short form below and our team will be in touch.

Preceptus Health · Sclerotherapy · Calgary, Alberta

This page is for general information and does not replace a medical evaluation. Candidacy for sclerotherapy is confirmed during a consultation with a licensed provider. Individual results vary.