Varicose veins can be incredibly displeasing in appearance and they can also be very painful. While some may seek treatment for the cosmetic aspect, many people end up reaching out for treatment because of the pain. Fortunately, there are several forms of treatment for varicose veins available. There are different levels of treatment based on how severe your varicose veins are, and several are minimally invasive. One such type of minimally invasive treatment is Radiofrequency Ablation, which can be great for relieving painful varicose veins.
Radiofrequency Ablation, or RFA for short, uses radiofrequency energy to close off varicose veins. Ablation itself is the use of heat to damage tissue and cause scar tissue to form. This may sound menacing, but it is not that bad. The idea is to heat the tissue inside of a vein so that the vein will close, which will stop blood from flowing into that vein and reduce pain and swelling. The procedure itself is quite fast and involves little to no pain.
Radiofrequency ablation boasts a very high rate of success when done by an experienced doctor. It has been shown to work on around 95 out of 100 people, which is incredible. Furthermore, painful varicose veins are typically reduced in those who receive radiofrequency ablation. The results from RFA are also similar to those of vein surgery after two or more years.
When you go in to receive RFA, you will first lie down on a bed. The doctor will inject local anesthesia into the area being treated so that it will not be painful. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, a small needle will be used to make a hole in the target vein. A catheter is inserted into the vein and the doctor will use an ultrasound to guide it into position. When the catheter is in position, it will start sending out heat and be pulled slowly backward. As the catheter outputs heat and is pulled back, the vein will close behind it. The catheter will then be removed and pressure will be applied to stop bleeding. A bandage may be placed on the puncture site. You will then be sent home with a list of things to do to help you recover at home.
The first thing you should do is talk to your doctor about any varicose veins that are painful. Radiofrequency ablation is not for everyone, as there are some types or severities of varicose veins that may not benefit from the treatment. Your doctor will be able to look at your particular case and recommend the best course of treatment or refer you to a specialist. Even if radiofrequency ablation is not the best course of action, several other forms of treatment can be beneficial.
At BASS Vein Center, we are equipped with the best vein specialists and vascular surgeons to meet all your vein needs. If you want treatment for varicose or spider veins but are unsure which treatment is for you, give BASS Vein Center a call at (925) 281-5912. We have vein clinics that serve Alameda, Alamo, Antioch, Berkeley, Brentwood, Concord, Danville, Lafayette, Oakland, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek. We can talk you through each process and answer any questions or concerns you may have. If you are ready to come into our vein centers, schedule an appointment today!
Vein surgery can be life changing for many people and a huge boost of confidence, let's get you scheduled for a consultation.
