The Rise of CLaCS in the Treatment of Varicose Veins and Strokes
Varicose veins and strokes, although often confused, are not the same thing.
But regardless of the differences, the truth is that both injuries are responsible for aesthetic embarrassment and physical discomfort, not to mention the possibility of indicating other, more serious health conditions.
That said, it is important treat varicose veins and strokes. It's true that there are several methods to choose from, but CLaCS seems to have been gaining popularity.
Why? That's what we're going to find out.
What is CLaCS?
CLaCS stands for Cryo-Laser and Cryo-Sclerotherapy and it is a technique that has been improved over time, thanks to technological evolution that brought new concepts such as augmented reality.
Indicated to treat mainly strokes, it is a method that combines some therapies available on the market, namely:
- Cryotherapy;
- Laser Therapy;
- Sclerotherapy.
In general, can be used by a large percentage of people, eliminating unsightly marks, which cause so much embarrassment, as well as discomfort, manifested through some symptoms such as swelling of the lower limbs and the sensation of heaviness or tiredness in the legs.
What is the procedure?
In this technique an augmented reality device is used – the VeinViewer - which, through infrared rays projected onto the skin, allows you to identify veins that are invisible to the naked eye, improving treatment accuracy.
This is important because in many cases, It is not enough to just treat the strokes, but also the veins that feed them, known as feeder veins.
Otherwise, the problem will only be solved on the surface and not at its source.
In a simplified way, CLaCS jointly applies sclerosant injections and transcutaneous laser.
In the case of laser, the objective is to selectively target the feeding veins through heat, without causing damage to the skin.
A solution (the sclerosant) is also injected, using sclerotherapy techniques.
Throughout the procedure, a cryogenic unit is used that releases a stream of cold air in the places where the laser and injections are being applied.
This cold sensation, which corresponds to the cryotherapy component of the treatment, provides a kind of numbness to the skin, making the intervention more comfortable for the patient.
Basically, all these effects (laser, injected sclerosant and cold), cause the vein to collapse, thus eliminating visible bleeding.
How long does it take?
The duration of treatment depends on several factors related to the patient's condition, namely the size of the area and number of vessels to be treated, as well as their post-treatment expectations.
Still, generally speaking, a session takes between 1 and 3 hours.
What to Expect After Treatment?
As a non-invasive method, CLaCS does not require a recovery period, meaning you can return to your usual daily tasks immediately.
Furthermore, it is a solution that does not require special care, other than avoiding sun exposure, which allows you to resume your normal life without limitations. Not even elastic support stockings are necessary!
But there's more: it's a treatment no undesirable effects, with some exceptions, where small local edema or bruising may appear, which disappear naturally.
As for the collapse of some veins, there is no reason to worry: the blood flows through healthier veins, not causing any health problems.
What are the CLaCS Results?
Click on the image below to see more Before and After cases!
This is a really effective and innovative treatment.
Who the proves is a recent study, which shows that the vast majority of patients evaluated and treated with CLaCS (86%, more specifically) showed a total or partial improvement in the condition, particularly regarding aesthetic results.
In fact, there are cases in which differences are already visible after the first session, especially regarding the reduction in the internal diameter of the diseased veins.
However, the true results usually take a few weeks or months to become evident.
What are the reasons for the technique's success?
One of the reasons why this procedure is becoming increasingly popular is its great advantage: treat as many vessels as possible at a time.
Although there are more treatments to treat varicose veins and strokes (such as Sclerotherapy, Radio frequency or Stripping, for example), the CLaCS brings together some effective and proven solutions in the same session, benefiting from their effects at the same time.
Although there is always a chance that the problem will return in the same place or another, the effects of this treatment tend to last over time thanks to its ability to treat the source that caused it.
Trust the right experts and boost your results
The technique, in itself, promises good results.
However, finding a trusted specialist doctor is what will allow you, firstly, to make an accurate diagnosis and then proceed with appropriate treatment.
At Allure Clinic we specialize in Vascular Surgery, but there's more: Currently, our Dr. Joana de Carvalho is the only doctor in the entire Iberian Peninsula who has the CLaCS certification from the Miyake Clinic, where the technique was developed.
Don't forget: the sooner you treat, the better the results. Make an appointment with our varicose vein specialists and start taking care of yourself as soon as possible.

Dr. Joana de Carvalho
- Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto
- Specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery
- Fellow of the European Board of Vascular Surgery
- Member of the College of Phlebology