Radiofrequency ablation, otherwise known as fulguration, is a minimally-invasive heat-based treatment that can destroy varicose veins. At VENUS Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE, we offer this treatment to help our clients address a number of concerns, including itchiness, swelling, and skin discoloration. Today, we’re taking an in-depth look at when the right time to consider this treatment is. Let’s get started.
When Should You Consider Getting Radiofrequency Ablation?
You should consider getting radiofrequency ablation veins when you suffer from varicose veins. Often, people who get this treatment feel self-conscious about the appearance of varicose veins in their lower legs. It is also common for people to consider this treatment because they have varicose veins that are causing them medical problems, like itchiness, pain, or discomfort.
It is worth noting that you should strongly consider getting your varicose veins treated even if they are not causing you problems right now. When left untreated, varicose veins can cause a number of very serious, sometimes fatal, complications. For example, there is nearly a 50% chance that you will develop chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) if you don’t treat your varicose veins. CVI can lead to such problems as:
- Inflammation
- Internal tissue damage
- Ulcers
- Cellulitis
Is There an Ideal Age To Consider This Treatment?
No, there is not ideal age to consider this treatment. There is no age cap to qualify for this treatment, so you don’t have to worry about being too old to be considered a good fit. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about being too young to qualify for this treatment.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
There is an excellent chance that you will qualify for this minimally invasive treatment if you suffer from varicose veins that are over 3 mm in diameter. However, you need to attend an initial consultation to make sure that there are no contraindications. Some of the most common contraindications include pregnancy, a history of severe deep vein thrombosis in the area of concern, and varicose veins that are fewer than 2 mm in diameter.
Do I Suffer From Varicose Veins?
Whether you suffer from varicose veins will be determined during your initial consultation. Symptoms of varicose veins vary, but you probably suffer from varicose veins if dark purple or blue veins appear twisted, bulging, or cordlike. Other common symptoms include localized swelling, muscle cramps, dry skin, skin discoloration, achiness, heaviness, itchiness, and discomfort.
What Are the Most Significant Varicose Vein Risk Factors?
Age is one of the most significant risk factors for the development of varicose veins. This is because the older you are, the more wear and tear the valves in your veins are subjected to. Pregnancy is another significant risk factor due to the blood volume increase. Furthermore, you are far more likely to develop varicose veins if you have a family history of the condition.
What Are the Benefits of This Treatment?
The Convenience
One of the most compelling benefits of this treatment is its convenience. Individual treatments vary based on the scope of the treatment, but you should not expect your treatment to take longer than 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Another thing that makes this treatment extremely convenient is that there is almost no downtime due to the minimally invasive nature of the treatment.
To perform this treatment, we only need to make an incision that is a quarter of an inch long. Through this tiny incision, we can destroy varicose veins that are up to 2.5 feet in length. You will need to rest for 24 hours after treatment, but after that, you should be healed enough to resume most of your usual routine. You will, however, need to avoid strenuous physical activity for roughly seven days following your treatment.
The Safety
Another incredible benefit of this treatment is its safety. Due to the minimally invasive nature of this treatment, there is no need for the administration of general anesthesia. This is particularly advantageous because seniors have the highest risk of developing large varicose veins, and the use of general anesthesia in the elderly can lead to such problems as confusion, heart attack, stroke, and pneumonia.
The Comfort
Yet another great thing about this treatment is that you don’t need to worry about pain. Before your treatment begins, we will administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. Local anesthesia is much safer than general anesthesia and just as effective at preventing pain.
The Efficacy
People also love this treatment due to its efficacy. Success rates for this treatment range from 95 to 98%, and if a single treatment doesn’t destroy a varicose vein, a follow-up treatment can be performed.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
The right time to consider radiofrequency ablation is when you have concerns about varicose veins. There is no age cap to qualify for this treatment, and there is no need to worry about being considered too young to qualify. If you have cosmetic or medical concerns caused by varicose veins, we can help. To find out how, contact us today at VENUS Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE to schedule your initial consultation.