Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicose veins. These thick, lumpy veins are typically visible just beneath the skin’s surface, and RFA targets the primary vessels responsible for the varicose veins’ appearance, or ‘trunk’ veins. It is often paired with another effective treatment called Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (UGFS), which helps treat the more tortuous veins. Together, RFA and UGFS provide an excellent solution to both the discomfort and visible appearance of varicose veins.
What are the benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation over alternative treatments?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends RFA as a first-line treatment for varicose veins. When combined with UGFS, it offers several advantages compared to traditional treatments:
- RFA leaves behind little to no scarring, bruising, or swelling.
- It’s less invasive than surgery, meaning you’ll heal faster and experience less downtime.
- The treatment is a walk-in, walk-out procedure.
- It’s less painful and more comfortable than Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA).
What Does the Radiofrequency Ablation Involve?
RFA is a quick and straightforward procedure, typically performed under local anaesthetic, taking less than an hour to complete. During the treatment, radiofrequency energy is used to heat and collapse the affected veins, which eventually disappear as your body absorbs the treated tissue.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of what you can expect during the RFA procedure:
- First, an ultrasound scan will identify the veins that need treatment.
- You’ll receive a local anaesthetic to ensure comfort during the procedure.
- Guided by ultrasound, a thin tube is inserted into the vein. A fine wire at the tip of the tube will deliver the radiofrequency energy, causing the vein to collapse and seal shut.
- After the treatment, the area will be bandaged, and you’ll wear a full-length compression stocking to support healing.
RFA recovery time: What to Expect
While RFA offers a relatively quick recovery, it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure the best results:
Returning to Work
Depending on how active your job is, you may be able to return to work immediately after treatment.
Driving
You should avoid driving on the day of the treatment. You can resume driving once you’re able to make an emergency stop safely. If your left leg was treated, driving can resume the day after the procedure. For the right leg, you should wait until the bandage is removed (usually after 2 days).
Exercise
Walking is an excellent post-procedure exercise as it encourages blood circulation in your legs and promotes the healing process. It is best to avoid more vigorous exercise such as jogging, aerobics or gym work-outs until after your follow-up appointment.
Swimming & Cycling
Low-impact activities like swimming and cycling are great for your veins. You can swim once your bandages are off, as long as you continue to wear your compression stocking. Cycling is fine too, but avoid intense cycling until after your follow-up.
Flying
It’s recommended to avoid flying for at least four weeks after the procedure, especially on long-haul flights (over 8 hours).
Following your RFA treatment, a follow-up appointment will usually be scheduled about 4 weeks later to ensure that your healing is progressing well.
Radiofrequency Ablation risks and side effects
RFA is a safe and low-risk procedure, but as with any medical treatment, some side effects may occur. These are usually minor and temporary, including:
- Mild discomfort – This can be relieved with over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Temporary bruising – Any bruising will typically fade within a few weeks.
- Pigmentation – Some people may notice brown streaks on their skin, which will gradually fade over 6 to 12 months.
- Lumps – A few lumps may form under the skin, especially where the veins are larger. These usually resolve within 6 to 12 months.
- Thrombophlebitis – A red, painful lump may appear at the site of treated veins. This can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications and usually resolves within 1-2 weeks.
- Numbness – this only affects the skin area where the vein(s) were treated.
- Headache – this is temporary and can be treated with paracetamol
- Minor bleeding – a very small amount of bleeding onto the stocking during the first 24 hours post-procedure
Complications are rare for patients undergoing RFA, but there is a small risk of developing:
- Deep vein thrombosis (1 in 200 or 0.5%);
- Stroke – extremely rare;
- Mild allergic reaction;
- Ulcers;
- Transient visual disturbance; and
- Coughing and/or chest tightness.
Your consultant will discuss these risks with you in detail during your consultation, and you’ll have the chance to ask any questions.
How much does RFA cost?
You can take a look at our most up-to-date treatment plan prices on the pricing page of our website.
Contact us for more information
At Premier Veins, we specialise in walk-in, walk-out treatments for varicose veins and thread veins. If you’re interested in learning more about our treatment packages or booking a FREE no-obligation consultation, please contact our friendly reception team who will be happy to help: 0333 366 2246.