Has your aesthetic appearance and comfort been affected by varicose veins? Varicose veins typically appear as blue, bulging cords that stretch underneath the superficial skin layer. If you are looking for a safe and effective means of correcting these bothersome venous lesions, radiofrequency ablation may be ideal for you.
VENUS Vein Clinic leads the greater Omaha, NE, area in providing the latest and greatest venous treatments and procedures, including radiofrequency ablation. Our team is determined to give all of our patients a successful, safe, and fulfilling experience that rejuvenates their aesthetic and promotes a greater quality of life. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about this cutting-edge treatment option. We look forward to hearing from you!
What Causes Varicose Veins In the First Place?
Before we dive into how a radiofrequency ablation has elevated the state of non-surgical varicose vein solutions, it’s important to understand what varicose veins are and how they form. Varicose veins are veins that have become swollen and distended due to the pooling of blood. Whether due to weak vascular walls, malfunctioning backflow prevention valves, standing for prolonged periods of time, or a combination of these (and other) causes, the problem manifests in unsightly, purple-blue veins that form splotches across your lower extremities.
Varicose veins are often attributed to the natural aging process. They may also be caused by hormonal fluctuations (including those associated with pregnancy, menopause, and birth control pill usage) obesity, and as mentioned, standing too long for too often. There is a hereditary component as well. In any case, treatments like radiofrequency ablation offer a simple, hassle-free, and considerably less invasive option for patients looking to fix the problem quickly and move on with life.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a state-of-the-art treatment that aims to correct the underlying cause of venous lesions and not strictly its symptoms. The procedure involves using radiofrequency energy to heat up and damage the walls of the varicose vein, leading to its closure. This process significantly reduces the visibility of the varicose veins and alleviates associated symptoms such as aching, swelling, and fatigue in the legs.
During this treatment, Dr. Schroeder carefully inserts a small catheter into the targeted area through a tiny incision. Heat energy is delivered to stimulate collagen contraction within the venous walls, causing them to break down and seal themselves off. Once the veins are sealed, blood flow is naturally redirected to nearby healthier veins. The collapsed lesions are gradually processed and absorbed into nearby tissue.
Medical Applications of Radiofrequency Ablation
In addition to effectively eliminating the appearance of varicose veins, radiofrequency ablation has proven useful for treating a wide range of conditions. The most well-documented uses of radiofrequency ablation in other medical applications include, but are not limited to the following:
- Tumors: The heat energy generated by radiofrequency ablation can also destroy tumors, whether benign or cancerous. This treatment approach follows a similar framework to radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins. The heat is administered through a fine probe, directly into the tumor. The heated tissue is destroyed, and the body processes the dead cells out of your system.
- Pain conditions: Arthritis, spinal stenosis, hip pain, chronic back pain, trigeminal neuralgia pain, and several other chronic pain issues can be significantly mitigated by radiofrequency ablation. In this case, the heat energy targets the nerve tissue conducting the pain signal, effectively cutting off the pain signal as the targeted nerve tissue is destroyed. This approach is useful for those who respond poorly to medication or other interventions, and whose pain is constant.
- Heart arrhythmias: Both atrial fibrillation (AFib) and ventricular tachycardia (V-tach) can be treated with radiofrequency ablation, in which a catheter applies radiofrequency energy to the tissue causing the arrhythmia, restoring a natural heart rhythm.
- Thyroid nodules: Finally, radiofrequency ablation can alleviate thyroid nodules by heating up the nodule tissue and destroying them. This approach offers a less invasive option for those who may not be good candidates for a more invasive surgical approach.
These are just a few of the most prevalent medical applications of radiofrequency ablation. For patients looking to resolve varicose veins without the hassle of an invasive surgery, radiofrequency ablation offers a wide range of benefits.
What Are The Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation?
Safe and Effective Means of Correcting Unwanted Varicose Veins
Since radiofrequency ablation is performed on an outpatient basis, there is no need for hospitalization. This aspect greatly reduces the overall cost and complexity of the treatment process. It also allows for a greater level of freedom and control following your procedure. Get back to doing what you need to do faster, and with less help.
Very Minimal Downtime to Properly Recover
Unlike traditional surgical options, radiofrequency ablation requires only a small incision to access the affected vein. This significantly reduces the risk of infection and complications, making the procedure safer for patients. Smaller incisions means a faster and more comfortable recovery window. The majority of acute post-treatment effects resolve within a week, and with very little associated discomfort, if any.
More Comfortable Than Other Surgical Approaches
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers a minimally invasive, comfortable alternative to traditional surgery for treating varicose veins, thanks to local anesthesia and tiny incisions leading to quicker recovery and immediate symptom relief. This approach significantly reduces discomfort and the risk of complications, making it a preferred option for many patients.
Quick Recovery Time
Patients typically resume their normal activities shortly after RFA treatment. The quick recovery time means less disruption to your daily life and faster relief from symptoms. In the majority of cases, patients are able to return to work within a week. Each case is unique, which is why consulting with your provider on recovery time and other specifics is the best practice.
Immediate Symptom Relief
Many patients report immediate improvement in leg pain, swelling, and fatigue following radiofrequency ablation treatment for varicose veins. Radiofrequency ablation effectively alleviates discomfort, allowing for a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
High Success Rate
Radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins boasts a high success rate, with most treated veins remaining closed and symptom-free over time. This reliability provides patients with lasting relief and satisfaction.
Local Anesthesia
Radiofrequency ablation is performed under local anesthesia, which minimizes the risks associated with general anesthesia. This also contributes to the quick recovery time and reduced procedure-related discomfort.
Minimal Scarring
Due to the small incision and the nature of the treatment, radiofrequency ablation leaves minimal to no scarring. This is especially beneficial for patients concerned about the cosmetic appearance of their legs.
Radiofrequency Ablation Vs Laser Ablation
Both of these procedures follow a very similar process, but they are still different in several ways. Like radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation treatment involves inserting a small catheter into the target vein(s), using energy to heat the vein, seal it off, and eventually disappear as it is processed out by the body.
While both of these options are minimally invasive and effective, an American Venous Forum survey from 2015 found that most vein experts preferred radiofrequency ablation because it carried a higher level of patient satisfaction. This is probably attributed in large part to the tendency of radiofrequency ablation to cause less discomfort, tenderness, and other post-treatment effects.
Recovery and Aftercare: Protecting Your Radiofrequency Ablation Results
There are many factors that come together to make each case totally unique, from your age, overall health status, skin quality, presentation, and much more. With this considered, the best practice when seeking out aftercare recommendations is to speak with our team on a one-on-one basis, as we will provide individualized guidelines to help you best recover from treatment and preserve your results going forward.
Generally speaking, it’s important to rest, stay well hydrated, and manage discomfort with cold compresses and pain relievers as appropriate (typically, over-the-counter products are used) for the several days following your treatment. As for the long term, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, using compression garments, avoiding crossing your legs when sitting, and avoiding prolonged sitting can all help to prevent the issue from resurfacing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radiofrequency Ablation
How Long Does the RFA Procedure Take?
The radiofrequency ablation procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how many veins are treated. This quick process allows patients to return home shortly after the procedure.
What Is the Success Rate of Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins?
Radiofrequency ablation has a high success rate, with most studies reporting over 90% effectiveness in closing treated veins. This makes it a reliable option for those seeking to alleviate the symptoms and appearance of varicose veins.
How Long Is the Recovery Period After Radiofrequency Ablation?
Most patients can resume their normal activities within a day after undergoing RFA treatment. Some mild bruising or swelling may occur but typically resolves within a few weeks. As each case is unique, we highly recommend discussing these details with your treatment provider. We will make sure you have a realistic understanding of how to prepare for treatment, what the treatment will entail, and best practices for recovering after the fact.
Is It Possible for Varicose Veins to Come Back After Treatment?
It is highly unlikely that any given vein treated directly with radiofrequency would actually return following the treatment. However, this doesn’t negate the possibility of varicose veins developing in other areas as time goes on. This is why it is very important to identify and address the cause(s) of your varicose veins. Even a highly successful treatment plan will not prevent veins from eventually returning if the root cause is not addressed.
How Many Radiofrequency Ablative Treatments Will I Need?
Many patients have been able to see an improvement in their symptoms, including both the appearance of varicose veins and any related discomfort, after a single session. However, we understand that each of our patient’s needs are very distinctive. During your consultation, we can better customize a treatment plan specifically tailored to your aesthetic and wellness goals.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
Whether you are experiencing discomfort in the legs or are self-conscious of how varicose veins are impacting your overall aesthetic, radiofrequency ablation is an option for you to consider. During your consultation, one of our certified team members will discuss your goals in mind for this treatment and review some aspects of your medical history in order to properly determine your candidacy. We pride ourselves on making sure every patient is confidently informed about every aspect of their treatment options, so that you can have full control and confidence when it comes to managing your own care.
Choose VENUS Vein Clinic for Your Radiofrequency Ablation in Omaha, NE
At VENUS Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE, we offer radiofrequency ablation. We are committed to providing personalized care, tailoring each treatment to meet the individual needs of our patients. The benefits of RFA treatment at our clinic include minimal invasiveness, quick recovery, high success rates, and lasting relief from varicose veins.We invite you to discover the VENUS Vein Clinic difference for yourself. We are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a comfortable and effective treatment experience. If you would like to learn more about radiofrequency ablation to treat varicose veins, contact us online or call (402) 979-8346 today to schedule your consultation!