Millions suffer from varicose veins, often living with them without seeking treatment. While some varicose veins do not necessarily interfere with your life, others can affect a person’s health and well-being.
You don’t have to deal with varicose veins. Treatments have come a long way, including radiofrequency ablation.
RFA is a safe and effective treatment for varicose veins with little downtime and recovery. If you’re interested in finding out how radiofrequency ablation may be right for treating your varicose veins, Beach Cities Vein & Laser Center is eager to speak with you.
RFA Procedure Overview: What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure used to treat many different conditions, including tumors and chronic pain. Among its many uses, RFA is also a minimally-invasive varicose vein treatment.
Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and twisted due to the collection of blood. Any superficial vein, or a vein close to the skin’s surface, can become a varicose vein; however, varicose veins most frequently occur in the legs. This is because of the pressure on the veins in the lower body caused by walking and standing.
Varicose veins may simply be a cosmetic concern, but for many people, varicose veins can cause discomfort or result in complications. Untreated varicose veins can also develop into chronic venous insufficiency, a serious condition.
Therefore, many patients suffering from varicose veins seek treatment to help eliminate them and potential complications.
Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to damage the tissue, causing the vein to close. RFA is an effective treatment for varicose veins for both cosmetic and medical reasons.
How Is the RFA Procedure Performed?
To treat varicose veins with radiofrequency ablation, a small catheter is inserted into the target vein. Electrical current passes through the catheter into the vein, producing heat. The heat closes off the vein, stopping blood flow.
Once the vein is destroyed, it is absorbed into the surrounding tissue. Blood is redirected and begins to flow through other healthy veins.
During your procedure, we use ultrasound to ensure proper and accurate insertion of the catheter into the affected vein through a small incision. We’ll provide a local anesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable for you.
Once the catheter is in the right place, we’ll begin heating the vein. We’ll begin moving the catheter backward, working through the vein. After the procedure is done, we’ll remove the catheter, apply light pressure on the incision, and bandage the area.
What to Expect After Your RFA Treatment
Because the radiofrequency ablation treatment is minimally invasive, recovery is relatively easy. You may return to your regular, everyday activities soon after your procedure.
After the RFA procedure, we may advise you to:
- Wear compression socks to promote healing
- Elevate your legs frequently
- Walk throughout the day to encourage blood flow
- Avoid exercise or heavy lifting for a few days after your procedure
- Avoid traveling by plane right after your treatment
Results inside the vein can be seen through ultrasound right after the procedure, but visually, you may begin to see results after about a week. Your results will continue to progress in the weeks and months after your treatment, as you’ll notice the vein slowly disappear.
Should you have any questions regarding healing, recovery, and results, we’re here to provide the support you need.
Candidates for Radiofrequency Ablation of Varicose Veins
Candidates should be in good health before getting a radiofrequency ablation procedure. We can review your medical history and ensure you have good blood flow to determine whether RFA would be a good method for treating your varicose veins.
Benefits of RFA
There are several benefits to treating varicose veins with radiofrequency ablation. Some of the most significant benefits of this treatment include the following:
- It is minimally invasive
- The procedure itself is quick
- It may be covered by insurance
- Recovery is generally easy with little downtime
- Patients are typically satisfied with the results
We’re happy to sit down with you and discuss how radiofrequency ablation could benefit you and provide the results you seek.
How Many RFA Treatments Do You Need?
Generally, you only need one radiofrequency ablation procedure to take care of a varicose vein. If you have multiple veins that need treatment, we may schedule you for different appointments to take care of additional veins.
Are the Results of Radiofrequency Ablation on Varicose Veins Permanent?
Yes, the results of this kind of varicose vein treatment are permanent. This is because once the procedure is performed and the vein is destroyed, it is absorbed into the body, meaning it cannot return.
This is one of the primary reasons many patients choose radiofrequency ablation to treat varicose veins. It is a quick procedure, but results can last a lifetime.
Consider RFA Treatment for Your Varicose Veins
Not only do the physical results of radiofrequency ablation speak for themselves, but the proof is in the numbers.
Statistics show that 97 out of 100 patients who undergo RFA experience successful results. Additionally, the long-term results of radiofrequency ablation are positive, with patient success rates remaining at 90-95% five years after treatment.
If you still have questions and concerns regarding RFA varicose vein treatment, we’ll do our best to address each one and give you peace of mind.
Find Out Whether RFA May Be Right for You
Varicose vein treatment has come a long way. Among the different treatments for varicose veins, radiofrequency ablation is one of the most beneficial.
If varicose veins are interfering with your life, we want to help. We encourage our Los Angeles, CA, patients to schedule a consultation. At Beach Cities Vein & Laser Center, we look forward to getting to know you and creating your treatment plan.