Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a treatment for spider veins on the legs. A solution is injected into these small vessels to improve the appearance of unwanted red/purple spider veins. It is one of the most common treatments used, with minimal discomfort or side effects. Several treatments may be required, depending on the number of vessels that need to be treated.
Dr. Loo’s international training and experience treating a range of skin diseases is reassuring for women and men seeking personalized solutions for their concerns.
Sclerotherapy Treaments
A non-laser treatment for varicose and spider veins, sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into a vein. This causes scarring in the vein, forcing blood to flow through healthier veins instead. The tissue surrounding the collapsed vein naturally reabsorbs it, and the vein eventually fades.
It takes a few weeks for treated veins to fade after sclerotherapy treatments, although some patients may not see the full results for a month or more. Occasionally, a patient may need several sclerotherapy treatments to produce the desired outcome. Bruising, darkened skin such as lines or spots, and small skin sores are common temporary side effects that typically resolve within several days.
Sclerotherapy Expertise in Southwest Ontario
Under the medical supervision of Dr. Loo, DermEffects’ highly skilled team of injectors and estheticians serves patients from:
- London
- Sarnia
- Chatham-Kent
- Cambridge
- Waterloo
- Bayfield
- Grand Bend
Sclerotherapy Vs Laser Vein Treatment
| Category | Sclerotherapy | Laser Vein Therapy(CoolGlide) |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | A solution is injected into the vein, causing it to collapse and fade | Targeted light energy heats and closes the vein |
| Best suited for | Spider veins and reticular veins on the legs | Tiny surface vessels and veins on the face or body |
| Needles | Yes — fine needle injection | No — non-invasive handpiece |
| Typical sessions | Often 2–4, spaced several weeks apart | Often 2–3, depending on the vessels |
| Downtime | Minimal; compression stockings often recommended | Virtually none; avoid strenuous activity ~24 hours |
| Common temporary effects | Bruising, discoloration, minor skin irritation | Mild redness or swelling that fades quickly |
Sclerotherapy Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Sclerotherapy cost in London, Ontario?
Sclerotherapy is priced per session, and the total cost depends on how many veins are treated and how many sessions you need. Because cosmetic spider vein treatment isn’t covered by OHIP, fees are out-of-pocket. DermEffects provides a personalized quote at your consultation.
Contact us today.
Does Sclerotherapy hurt?
Most patients feel only minor discomfort during sclerotherapy. The needle used is very fine, and you may notice a brief stinging or cramping sensation as the solution enters the vein. No anesthesia is needed, and the sensation typically fades within seconds. Treatment sessions are generally quick and well tolerated.
How many Sclerotherapy treatments will I need?
The number of sclerotherapy treatments varies by patient, depending on the number, size, and location of the veins being treated. Many people need two to four sessions, spaced several weeks apart, to reach their desired result. Dr. Loo and her team will recommend a treatment plan based on your individual assessment.
What's the difference between Sclerotherapy and Laser Vein Treatment?
Sclerotherapy treats veins by injecting a solution that causes them to collapse and gradually fade, and it works well for spider and reticular veins on the legs. Laser vein therapy uses light energy instead of injections and is often better suited to very small vessels or veins on the face. A consultation determines which option is right for you.
Is there any downtime after Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy involves little to no downtime, and most patients return to normal daily activities the same day. You may be asked to wear compression stockings and to avoid strenuous exercise, sun exposure, and hot baths for a short period. Temporary bruising or skin discoloration can occur and usually resolves within days to weeks.
Who is a good candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Good candidates for sclerotherapy are generally healthy adults bothered by spider veins or reticular veins on the legs. It may not be suitable during pregnancy or for people with certain blood-clotting conditions. A consultation with Dr. Loo and her team is the best way to confirm whether sclerotherapy is appropriate for you.
Other Laser Skin Treatments
By having an array of laser platforms available, we can tailor treatment plans to suit your specific concerns and skin type. Practices that have only a single laser system are limited to its capabilities, and can’t truly customize the treatment to the condition.
Advances in aesthetic laser technology enable us to improve the texture and appearance of your skin with less downtime than previously required.
AviClear™
This laser treatment targets sebaceous oil glands in your skin to prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts. AviClear is safe for all skin types, offering excellent results with minimal downtime. It improves mild, moderate, and severe acne.
Laser Genesis
An innovative, noninvasive laser treatment that targets a range of concerns, including fine lines, large pores, uneven skin tone, facial redness, and acne scars. By gently heating the upper layers of the dermis — just below the skin’s surface — the treatment stimulates the production of new collagen with no discomfort. Patients often describe the treatment as relaxing and therapeutic, like a warm facial. We perform treatments in a relaxed, comfortable manner without the use of topical numbing cream.
For optimal results, we generally recommend 5 or 6 treatment sessions. There is no downtime following treatment, and you can go outside if you first apply sunscreen.
LimeLight IPL™
We can customize treatments with the innovative intense pulsed light (IPL) based on each London, Ontario, patient’s skin type. These treatments address imperfections associated with aging and sun damage, such as:
- Redness
- Spider veins
- Brown spots
The LimeLight IPL works by targeting pigmented brown or red cells with heat energy, causing them to fade while at the same time improving skin texture and tone. Before starting the treatment, we apply a gel to ensure optimal contact between the laser handpiece and the skin. Patients generally say they feel a mild pinching or stinging sensation during the treatment.
The number of treatments needed to get the desired results varies, but typically a patient needs 4 to 5 sessions. In cases involving severe sun damage, we may recommend additional treatments. A treatment session is usually completed in less than a half-hour. Expect some swelling and redness in the area treated, which generally fades after a few hours. It can take between 1 to 3 weeks for the darkened spots to flake and then fade and we recommend applying sunscreen daily to help prevent the development of new brown spots or spider veins.
CoolGlide Vein Therapy
The long wavelength of the CoolGlide laser is ideal for treating vessels ranging from tiny spider veins to darker reticular veins found deeper in the skin. Dark, light, or tanned skin can be treated safely and quickly using the CoolGlide vein therapy. Laser vein treatments are often better suited to remove unsightly veins on the face or body than sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a saline solution directly into veins.
CoolGlide treatments cause the blood within veins to coagulate using light energy. Treated vessels gradually fade as they’re absorbed by the body. It typically takes 2 to 3 treatments to completely destroy the veins, and few patients experience any side effects following the procedure. There is virtually no downtime, although we recommend avoiding vigorous exercise or other strenuous activities for the first 24 hours following the treatment.
Healite II
Healite II is a non-invasive, low-level light therapy (LLLT) treatment that delivers concentrated light energy deep beneath the skin’s surface, promoting new collagen production and increased blood flow to enhance the healing process. It is beneficial both as a standalone treatment or when used after other aesthetic procedures, such as laser skin resurfacing or chemical peels, to promote faster recovery. Additonally, Healite II treatments can help patients experiencing hair loss.
DermEffects also uses lasers to treat the following dermatologic conditions:
- Viral Warts
- Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
- Rosacea
- Keloid Scars
- Atrophic Scars
- Stretch Marks
- Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
- Acne and Acne Scars
- Laser Hair Removal (Hirsutism)
- Hair Loss (Alopecia)
Request a consultation with Dr. Loo at DermEffects to learn more about laser skin treatments. Women and men seeking both aesthetic and medical skin care travel from throughout Southwestern Ontario and the Waterloo Region to our practice. You can also call our office at (519) 472-2929 to schedule an appointment.
Book Your Appointment
DermEffects: Dr. Wei Jing Loo
Medical Inquiries: (519) 472-2929
Cosmetic Inquiries: (519) 472-8686
Fax: (519) 472-8484
Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–3 p.m.