Dealing with varicose veins can often feel like an uphill battle. They not only disrupt the smooth look of your skin but can also cause discomfort and health issues if left untreated. However, many common at-home treatments aren’t enough to resolve more severe types of varicose veins.
At Venus Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE, we provide effective treatments to address this problem. Among these, radiofrequency ablation stands out for its efficiency and minimal invasiveness. With many years of experience in these treatments, we can help you understand what to expect from each step of the process from consultation to your final results.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that typically appear swollen and raised, and are often a blue or dark purple color. They occur when malfunctioning valves in the veins cause blood to flow backward or pool, resulting in the veins becoming overstretched or twisted. While they commonly appear on the legs and feet due to the pressure of standing and walking, varicose veins can develop in any part of the body.
How Do Varicose Veins Form?
Varicose veins originate from the failure of one-way valves within our veins. When functioning correctly, these valves allow blood to flow toward the heart and prevent it from flowing backward. However, if these valves become weak, they can’t efficiently stop the backflow of blood, leading to accumulation and pressure build-up within the veins. This pressure causes the veins to expand and twist, especially in the lower extremities due to the strain of standing and walking. That’s why treatments like radiofrequency ablation of veins are important, as they target and close off these faulty veins.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation uses heat energy to break down varicose veins in the body. Using a tiny incision in the area, we insert a catheter into the vein that we want to treat. Then the catheter delivers the heat energy to the vein, causing it to collapse in on itself. This seals the vein, forcing your body to redirect the blood flow to other veins that are more healthy. After your RFA treatment, your body eventually absorbs the old vein. You are left with skin that has a much more even tone.
Who Is the Right Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins can be a good option for many patients. It doesn’t require surgery, general anesthesia, or significant downtime. However, as with any treatment, it may not be for everyone. The best candidates for this treatment are usually those who are healthy overall and who have other healthy veins in the legs that can handle the rerouted blood.
What Are the Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation?
- Can Offer Permanent Results: Radiofrequency ablation can offer permanent results for those who are dealing with varicose veins. The treated veins will not come back. However, you may develop additional varicose veins as time goes on.
- Provides Pain Relief: One of the immediate benefits of radiofrequency ablation is the significant reduction in discomfort associated with varicose veins. As the problematic veins are closed off, patients often experience an alleviation in pain and throbbing sensations that are commonly linked with the condition.
- Does Not Require Downtime: Another appealing aspect of radiofrequency ablation is its minimal impact on your daily routine. The treatment does not require extended periods of rest or recovery, which means you can resume normal activities shortly after treatment.
- It Is an Outpatient Treatment: The RFA treatment is typically carried out in an outpatient setting, adding to its convenience. This means you won’t need to plan for an overnight stay in a hospital, making the process simpler and more straightforward.
What to Expect From Radiofrequency Ablation: Step by Step
Step 1: Pre-Treatment Preparations
Before the radiofrequency ablation treatment, you will have a detailed consultation with us where we’ll discuss your medical history and the specifics of your varicose veins. We’ll then conduct an ultrasound to visualize the veins and plan the treatment.
Step 2: Anesthesia
On the day of your radiofrequency ablation, we will first administer a local anesthetic to numb the area to be treated. This ensures you remain comfortable throughout the treatment, minimizing any discomfort or pain.
Step 3: Insertion of the Catheter
Once the area is numb, we proceed to the radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins by inserting a small catheter into the faulty vein, guided by ultrasound imaging. This catheter delivery system is designed to be minimally invasive and precise.
Step 4: Application of Radiofrequency Energy
During the RFA treatment, radiofrequency energy is delivered through the catheter, directly targeting the problematic vein. This energy heats up the vein walls, causing them to collapse and close off. The radiofrequency ablation of veins is meticulously monitored to ensure safety and efficacy.
Step 5: Post-Treatment Care
After the radiofrequency ablation treatment, we’ll apply a bandage and compression stocking to the treated area. This helps to minimize any swelling and encourages blood flow in the surrounding healthy veins.
Step 6: Recovery
The recovery period following the radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins is usually quick and uncomplicated. Most people can return to their normal activities within a day or two, and any minor discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. We’ll recommend that you continue wearing compression stockings for a certain period after the treatment to promote healing and optimize results.
Taking the First Step Toward Smooth, Vein-Free Legs With Radiofrequency Ablation
At Venus Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE, we are dedicated to delivering effective treatments like radiofrequency ablation to address your varicose vein concerns. With a team committed to providing personalized care and results, we’re here to help you get back to comfortable, healthy legs. You can call us today at (402) 922-8346 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options.