Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive varicose vein treatment used to treat varicose veins, particularly those caused by venous insufficiency in the legs. Closing these damaged veins improves circulation and relieves varicose vein symptoms, including leg pain, swelling, and heaviness.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for varicose veins is a safe, effective option for treating vein disease symptoms, with minimal downtime and long-lasting results.
How Does RFA Work?
During radiofrequency ablation, a doctor inserts a small catheter into the diseased vein through a small incision. Ultrasound technology is used to guide the procedure, so the doctor can easily identify damaged veins.
With RFA, consistent and uniform heat is delivered to contract collagen in the vein walls, causing them to collapse and close. After the vein is closed, blood is diverted to healthy veins, which improves circulation.
Radiofrequency ablation treatment, or RFA, is a safe, proven medical procedure that not only treats the symptoms of varicose veins, but also treats the underlying condition that causes them. The outpatient procedure time is usually less than an hour and does not require hospitalization. While some discomfort may be experienced after treatment, typically the discomfort diminishes within a few days.
What to Expect During the Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Procedure
The radiofrequency ablation procedure is an outpatient, office-based procedure performed under local anesthesia, so you remain comfortable and awake throughout. There is no need for a hospital stay.
During radiofrequency ablation treatment for leg veins, a vein specialist will:
- Use an ultrasound to locate the diseased vein.
- Administer a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area.
- Insert a thin catheter into the vein and deliver controlled radiofrequency energy.
- The heat causes the vein walls to collapse and seal shut.
- Blood flow is redirected to nearby healthy veins.
Following the RFA procedure, the vein specialist will apply a bandage or small dressing.
How Long Does Varicose Vein Ablation Take?
Radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins typically takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the number and size of veins being treated. Since it’s an outpatient procedure, patients can leave the same day of their treatment without a required hospital stay.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins
Radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins offers functional and cosmetic benefits by targeting damaged valves rather than simply treating surface symptoms.
This minimally invasive approach to varicose vein treatment is also worth considering because of its advantages over vein surgery:
- RFA is minimally invasive and has a high success rate.
- It’s a safe and effective procedure that only requires local anesthesia and does not require surgical incisions or stitches.
- Relief from symptoms like pain, heaviness, swelling, and visible vein bulging.
- An RFA vein treatment only takes about 20 minutes for most patients.
- Recovery time is short — you can return to work or other activities the same day.
- Radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient procedure that can be performed at any of our vein clinics.
As treated veins close and are reabsorbed, the appearance of varicose veins typically improves over time, leaving legs looking smoother and more even-toned.
Are There Any Side Effects of Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy?
The risks associated with the radiofrequency ablation vein procedure are generally minimal. In fact, radiofrequency ablation is used as an for varicose veins because it’s associated with less pain and a better patient experience. Using ultrasound guidance during RFA enables precise catheter placement, reducing the risk of injuring nearby blood vessels and tissues.
However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. Some patients may feel numbness or bruising near the injection site, although these side effects go away on their own in a few days.
All specialists at USA Vein Clinics will review potential side effects with you in advance and answer any questions you may have about the radiofrequency ablation vein treatment.
Who Is a Candidate for the RFA Procedure?
You may be a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation vein treatment if you:
- Have been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency
- Experience leg swelling, aching, or cramping from enlarged veins
- Have visible bulging or rope-like veins in your legs
- Have tried conservative treatments like compression stockings and leg elevation without significant improvement
- Want a treatment that is effective, fast, and covered by insurance
Your vein specialist will review your medical history, symptoms, and ultrasound findings to determine whether radiofrequency ablation is right for you.
How to Decide If Radiofrequency Ablation Vein Treatment Is Right for You
Choosing whether or not to pursue radiofrequency ablation should be decided with the guidance of a vein specialist who can discuss your symptoms and other available treatment options. They can use diagnostic ultrasound to confirm your eligibility for RFA or other minimally invasive treatments, such as endovenous laser ablation or sclerotherapy. Many insurance plans will cover a radiofrequency ablation procedure for varicose veins when it is deemed medically necessary, supported by documentation of symptoms, ultrasound results, and a specialist diagnosis.
Take the Next Step Toward Vein Relief
If you’re experiencing leg discomfort, swelling, or visible varicose veins, RFA may be an excellent solution. A vein specialist can evaluate your veins with a diagnostic ultrasound and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include RFA or other minimally invasive therapies.
With convenient locations nationwide and in-person or virtual appointment availability, USA Vein Clinics makes it easier to visit one of our expert specialists.
Our vein specialists will perform an in-depth consultation and determine the best treatment plan based on a patient’s needs and goals. Along with RFA, USA Vein Clinics provides a range of non-surgical vein solutions, such as:
- Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
- ClariVein®
- Varithena®
- VenaSeal™
- Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (USGS)
- Visual Sclerotherapy
Schedule a consultation with USA Vein Clinics to find out if the radiofrequency ablation procedure for varicose veins is right for you.
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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Procedure FAQs
What is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive vein treatment used to manage varicose vein symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency. Instead of surgically removing the vein, RFA gently heats it from the inside, causing it to seal shut and be naturally absorbed by the body over time.
RFA is typically used to treat larger veins such as the and , which are common culprits of venous reflux in the legs.
Does radiofrequency ablation hurt?
Radiofrequency ablation typically doesn’t hurt because a local anesthetic numbs the treatment area, so most patients feel only slight pressure or mild discomfort. Afterward, some people may experience temporary tenderness, tightness, burning, or bruising, which typically improves within a few days to a week.
How many times can you have radiofrequency ablation vein treatment?
Most patients require only one RFA per vein, though additional sessions may be scheduled if multiple veins require treatment. Repeat procedures are considered only if symptoms return and are confirmed by professional evaluation or diagnostic imaging.
How much does radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins cost?
The cost of the RFA procedure for varicose veins varies, but most insurance providers cover medically necessary varicose vein treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation. USA Vein Clinics accepts most insurance plans and offers flexible payment options, including CareCredit® and FSA/HSA funds.