Arbutus Laser

Leg Veins

Leg Veins

The Vein Clinic

We don’t just treat a few leg veins, there is an entire section of our practice we refer to as ‘The Vein Clinic’.

Our Vascular team is composed of some of the most skilled and experienced physicians and nurses whose sole careers revolve around leg veins of any size.

Established in 1996, our Vascular team is committed to delivering comprehensive solutions for various vein-related conditions. We began with sclerotherapy which involves the injection of a chemical solution (sclerosant) directly into the veins. We have learned this technique is most accurate and predictably effective in removing these cosmetic veins. In 2001, we started treating symptomatic and asymptomatic varicose veins with a surgical procedure called EVLT (Endovenous laser treatment). This minimally invasive procedure was the first innovative alternative to surgical stripping of the leg veins. We now also employ Foam Injections and VenaSeal as additional alternatives for larger Varicosities.

If you have stopped wearing shorts because of problematic, or simply unsightly leg veins, consultation with our team will allow you to understand your options for treatment.

Spider Veins

Spider veins on the legs are typically thin, red, blue, or purple veins or clusters of veins that resemble spider webs or tree branches. They are much smaller than varicose veins, which are larger, bulging veins. Spider veins develop when the small blood vessels near the skin’s surface become dilated or damaged. A variety of factors cause spider veins, including genetics, aging, hormonal changes, pregnancy, prolonged standing or sitting, obesity, and sun exposure.

Spider veins are found on all parts of the legs but common areas include the thighs and around the knees and ankles. Spider veins vary in size, but they are generally <1-2 millimeters in diameter.

OUR APPROACH TO SPIDER VEINS

Sclerotherapy is our preferred choice of treatment for spider veins on the legs. It has been the gold standard since 1840 and we still find it to be more effective, and cost efficient than using lasers.

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution (with a very fine needle) into the spider veins to irritate the lining of the vein wall, causing them to collapse and stick together. Over time, scar tissue develops and closes the veins off. While those veins are gone, your body may eventually develop new ones and in the same areas.

What You Can Expect:

Our initial consultation will assess the extent of the spider veins and outline the potential number of treatments for desired results.

Multiple sessions are needed and expect multiple injection pokes to the legs.

Cost for sclerotherapy is $285 per 30 min session.

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Spider Veins

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Spider and Reticular Veins

If it's a concern for you,
it's one for us.

Reticular Veins

Reticular veins are slightly larger than spider veins but smaller than varicose veins. These are usually blue or purple in colour and they are approximately 2-4 millimeters in diameter. They can also have a slight bulge and be either asymptomatic or symptomatic. Larger veins are typically treated by one of our vascular surgeons.

OUR APPROACH TO RETICULAR VEINS

Reticular veins are injected by sclerotherapy. What may be different from treating spider veins is the size of the vein, what type of injection solution is used and the technique involved. This is up to the nurse/physician to determine.

What You Can Expect:

Our initial consultation will assess the extent of the reticular veins and outline the potential number of treatments for desired results. An additional consultation with one of our vascular surgeons may be necessary at this time.

Multiple sessions are required.

Cost for sclerotherapy is currently $285, or $400 for foam injections, per 30 min session.

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After

Reticular Veins

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Reticular Vein

Ditch the Veins,
Not the Confidence.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged (larger than 4mm), tumultuous and sometimes bulging veins that typically appear in the legs and feet.

Some varicose veins may be asymptomatic but are cosmetically unattractive. People with symptomatic varicose veins may experience symptoms such as aching, swelling, itching, cramping, throbbing, or discomfort, especially after prolonged standing or sitting. 

Varicose veins typically result from the weakening of the vein walls or valves. The valves are responsible for preventing the backflow of blood, but when they fail, blood accumulates in the veins, causing them to swell.

The causes are mainly genetic predisposition, however, additional factors such as age, pregnancy, obesity, hormones, and prolonged standing or sitting will contribute to the worsening of the veins.

OUR APPROACH TO VARICOSE VEINS

We have been treating varicose veins since 2001. We pioneered the Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT), also called radiofrequency ablation (RFA), right in our very own surgical room at Arbutus Laser. Since 2017, we have ceased surgical procedures at our facility and they are now performed at the Diamond Centre at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH).

What You Can Expect:

We will perform a thorough assessment of your varicose veins using ultrasound to determine the severity and main source of reflux. With this information, we can determine your treatment options and outline expectations.

There are currently 3 different procedures available for the removal of varicose veins. The EVLT and VENASEAL are private procedures whereas surgical stripping may be covered by the BC medical plan.

  1. Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)/ Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA): A minimally invasive treatment that uses heat energy to seal off the greater saphenous veins or the short saphenous veins, diverting blood to healthier veins. With time, your body will absorb the inactive veins, and they will disappear.
  2. VENASEAL: A minimally invasive treatment that uses medicated adhesive (glue) to seal off the greater saphenous veins or the short saphenous veins, diverting blood to healthier veins. With time, your body will absorb the inactive veins, and they will disappear.
  3. Surgical Stripping: A surgical procedure that removes the damaged or diseased vein, diverting blood to healthier veins.


The cost of the EVLT/RFA and VENASEAL will depend on the specific veins that need to be removed and whether one leg or both legs need to be treated. Treatment costs range from $3500-$8000. You may return to normal activities immediately after either of these procedures.

Consultation for Varicose Veins may be covered by MSP with a referral from your family physician. For more information, please call 604-731-5512.

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Varicose Veins

Have more questions?

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Our experienced team is ready to help.