RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION (RFA) TREATMENT

RFA treats the underlying condition that causes varicose veins, not just the symptoms. Below are a few reasons to consider this minimally-invasive approach to varicose vein treatment:

• It’s safe, effective, and does not require hospitalization.
• The outpatient procedure time is usually less than an hour.
• Recovery time is generally a matter of hours.
• Some studies show that the RFA procedure may be associated with less pain, bruising and complications when compared to other similar vein treatments.

The price of a radiofrequency ablation treatment varies depending on the physician’s diagnosis of the vein issue and insurance coverage.  Because treating vein disease is our specialty, we work with patients to discuss payment options that best fit their needs. Two popular options we have are Care Credit® and Flex Spend Accounts (FSA/HSA).

• Care Credit® is a credit card made for out-of-pocket healthcare costs when insurance doesn’t fully cover treatments.
• FSA and HSA are other options that may allow for reimbursement of health-related treatments and expenses, including those for vein disorders. However, always check with your plan’s administrator for options. For more information, visit our Financial Assistance page.

Some possible risks of RFA treatment for varicose veins include:

• Superficial skin infection. Infection is a potential risk with any procedure. As soon as the skin is broken, you may be at risk of infection. These are extremely rare as   staff is thoroughly trained on sterile and aseptic techniques, significantly reducing the risk ofinfection.
• Numbness. This is also rare but can occur. Most numbness improves within 3-6 months.
• Allergic reaction to anesthetic or cleaning agent. If you are allergic to an anesthetic or an antiseptic skin cleanser, alternatives can be used; however, if you discover you are allergic during the procedure, medication can be administered and alternate products used on subsequent treatments.
• Damage to surrounding blood vessels. The vascular system is very complex with numerous tiny vessels surrounding diseased veins. The appropriate use of ultrasound, in skilled hands, greatly reduces this risk.

What to expect during your initial consultation:

• First, your provider will discuss your medical and health history to ensure you are in the proper health to undergo treatment.
• Next, you’ll have a comprehensive ultrasound, where superficial veins are assessed and a map is drawn of your legs, demonstrating which veins are functioning properly, and which are diseased and require treatment.
• Lastly, your provider will create a personalized treatment plan, describe the recommended procedures, and you will be scheduled for the first procedure.
• Tip: Don’t forget to get plenty of sleep the night before treatment!

What to expect on the day of treatment:

• Make sure to eat, drink and take all regular medications as you normally would leading up to the procedure unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
• Wear comfortable clothing and bring in your compression stockings.
• The team will walk you through the entire procedure from start to finish so you know exactly what to expect.
• Plan to be in the office for about 70-90 minutes, although the procedure itself should only take about 20 minutes.

What to expect following treatment:

• Remember that you can return to almost all normal activities following treatment. Some patients come in during lunch hour and return to work after.
• The team will provide you with take-home instructions that includes aftercare tips, activities you can and cannot resume, what you should expect to feel, and more.
• The team will schedule a follow-up appointment within 1 week of your procedure to check your recovery and determine if any additional treatments may be necessary.

There are cases where RFA may not be the best option to treat your veins — particularly when veins are too small, twisted, and/or close to the surface of the skin. In this case, sclerotherapy would be a better treatment. In order to improve your health, maximize your results, and restore your active lifestyle, your vein specialist will tailor a treatment plan specifically for your condition.