Varicose Vein Treatment
Dr. John Rowen, a phlebologist for over 25 years, assesses and treats varicose veins and spider veins of the legs. After a duplex ultrasound, he proposes the sclerotherapy best suited to your veins. Appointments in Westmount (Montreal) and Knowlton (Brome Lake).
Varicose vein treatment at a glance
About 60% of people experience vein problems in their lifetime. Up to 80% of them feel heaviness, fatigue or pain in their legs.
Varicose veins are dilated veins where blood flows poorly back to the heart. It is a chronic and progressive condition: we explain the causes on our Varicose veins and spider veins page. Treatment aims to close the diseased veins, so blood flows only through healthy veins.
Your first visit: assessment and duplex ultrasound
Dr. Rowen performs a complete medical assessment to find the cause of your varicose veins:
- Medical questionnaire: your health, family history and risk factors.
- Physical exam: your legs are examined while standing, to assess swelling and the appearance of your veins.
- Duplex ultrasound: a painless ultrasound exam that analyzes blood flow and locates faulty valves. Some problems affect deep veins that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
- Discussion: the options suited to your condition, and answers to your questions.
The first visit takes about 45 minutes. All assessments and treatments are performed by Dr. Rowen.
Sclerotherapy, the standard treatment
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosing solution, liquid or foam, into the vein to close it. It is a minimally invasive, well-tolerated method that allows a quick return to normal activities.
Surface sclerotherapy
For spider veins and small visible veins.
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
Performed under ultrasound guidance, for deeper or larger veins.
Each session takes 20 to 30 minutes. The number of sessions depends on the severity of the varicose veins. Compression stockings are often recommended after treatment.
Other options
In some more complex cases, an endovenous catheter treatment (laser or radiofrequency) may be offered. Surgery (vein stripping) is rarely used today: it is more invasive and requires a longer recovery.
After treatment
Some effects may appear. They are usually temporary and not serious:
- Pain, redness or inflammation at the injection site, for a few days or weeks.
- Bruising, which usually fades within 1 to 2 weeks.
- Small lumps or cords under the skin, especially after treating large veins. They fade gradually.
- Treated veins may look darker for a while before fading.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen and warm compresses can ease tenderness. If in doubt, contact the clinic.
Cost and RAMQ coverage
The cost depends on your condition and the number of sessions needed. It is set during your medical assessment. Varicose vein treatments are not covered by the RAMQ (Quebec health insurance).
Preventing new varicose veins
New varicose veins can appear over time. Treating diseased veins early helps limit progression. Good habits also protect your veins:
- Walk or do physical activity that works your legs.
- Wear suitable shoes with good support.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Wear compression stockings when recommended.
- Have regular follow-ups with a phlebologist.
Our varicose vein clinics
Dr. Rowen treats varicose veins at both of our clinics:
- Westmount (Montreal): 4484 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 200.
- Knowlton (Brome Lake): 273 Knowlton Road. For patients from Sutton, Cowansville, Bromont, Granby and the whole Brome-Missisquoi region.
Questions about varicose vein treatment
What is the most effective treatment for varicose veins?
Sclerotherapy is the standard treatment for most varicose and spider veins. The best choice still depends on your veins. That is why Dr. Rowen first performs a duplex ultrasound. He can then choose between surface sclerotherapy, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy or, in some more complex cases, an endovenous treatment.
Is varicose vein treatment covered by the RAMQ?
No. Varicose vein treatments are not covered by the RAMQ (Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec). The cost is set during your medical assessment, based on your condition and the number of sessions needed.
How much does sclerotherapy cost?
The cost depends on the extent of the veins to treat and the number of sessions. It is presented to you during the complete medical assessment, before any treatment. All treatments are performed by Dr. Rowen, a phlebologist for over 25 years.
How can varicose veins be removed without surgery?
Sclerotherapy treats varicose veins by injection, without any incision. The injected solution closes the diseased vein, and blood then flows through healthy veins. Surgery (vein stripping) is rarely used today, as it is more invasive and requires a longer recovery.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions depends on the severity and extent of the varicose veins. Each sclerotherapy session takes 20 to 30 minutes. Dr. Rowen proposes a treatment plan after your first visit, which takes about 45 minutes.
Can I return to my activities after sclerotherapy?
Yes, sclerotherapy allows a quick return to normal activities. Compression stockings are often recommended after treatment. Bruising or tenderness at the injection site is common and temporary.
Can varicose veins come back after treatment?
Treated veins are closed, but venous disease is chronic and progressive: new varicose veins can appear over time. Regular follow-ups with a phlebologist and good habits (walking, healthy weight, compression stockings when recommended) help limit their progression.
Can I be treated during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. We advise pregnant women not to undergo treatment. We also advise waiting until breastfeeding has ended before starting treatment.
Where can I get varicose vein treatment near Granby or Cowansville?
At our Knowlton clinic, 273 Knowlton Road, in Brome Lake. It welcomes patients from Sutton, Cowansville, Bromont, Granby and the whole Brome-Missisquoi region. In Montreal, Dr. Rowen also sees patients at our Westmount clinic.