RFA Therapy for Varicose Veins: What Are the Side Effects? 

Varicose veins can be a mild, cosmetic inconvenience or a serious, painful, and debilitating disease. At BASS Vein Center, we try to address our patient’s vein concerns as early as possible. Early intervention can prevent a serious disorder that requires the most extensive treatment. One of the very popular varicose vein treatment methods we use is Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy or RFA.

What Is RFA and When Is It Recommended?

Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy is part of the recommended treatment plan when the valves in your legs become damaged and are unable to properly return the blood to your heart. This causes the veins below these valves to become engorged, gnarled, and painful. These can start as small spider veins but progress into full-blown varicose veins needing treatment. Treatments for varicose veins can clear those blockages. In RFA, radiofrequency waves send pulsating heat beams to the veins. The scar tissue kills the vein, then the blood redirects to another vein. 

What Are the Contra-Indications to RFA?

RFA is a minimally invasive procedure, but it is not the best option for people with the following conditions:

• Infection of the leg needing treatment
• Deep venous disease  
• Non-ambulatory patient
• Pregnancy
• Tortuous vein making placement of the RFA difficult
• Not able to wear compression stockings
• Hormonal replacement or contraceptive pill
• Peripheral arterial insufficiency of any kind
  

Am I a Good Candidate for RFA?

At BASS Vein Center, our specialists have many options available for your varicose vein treatments. We evaluate each patient individually, then design a treatment plan for you. Our recommendations are specific to your personal needs. If your physician recommends RFA for you, you must meet certain requirements such as:

• Discomfort due to varicose veins pain and swelling
• Legs feeling heavy due to swelling
• A sensation that induces the urge to scratch the vein area, known as pruritus
• A sensation of the leg having sunburn, burning feeling
• Trouble sleeping due to night cramps in the thigh or calf
• Painful swelling, or edema in any portion of the leg
• Skin discoloration or paresthesias. pins and needles” sensation in legs and feet
• Pain or discomfort caused by your varicose veins

What Are the Side Effects of RFA?

The side effects of RFA are usually very mild. You may experience some burning or numbness at the injection site. You may experience some numbness, swelling, and tenderness of the vein treated initially. These symptoms are usually controlled with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and ice. Wearing compression stockings as advised by your physician will also help. The side effects are usually not very severe but the residual pain can last for several weeks.

Deep Vein Thrombosis is a real concern for anyone undergoing treatment for varicose veins. There is a very small likelihood, around 1%, of this occurrence following an RFA. The surgeons at BASS Vein Center are well trained in these possibilities. If you have any unusual symptoms, be sure to report them to your physician or office staff.

There are many options available for varicose vein treatments. RFA is one popular treatment. Our specialists consider your complaints, symptoms, and test results to determine your customized treatment plan, then discuss it with you to decide on the best approach for you. At BASS Vein Center, we want to render the services that solve your problems. Contact us at 925-281-5912 or BASS Vein Center for a consultation to see how we can help you.