Radiofrequency Ablation for Veins | Procedures at Metro Vein Centers

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive varicose vein treatment option that uses pulsating radiofrequency energy to improve symptoms of vein disease. A vein specialist inserts a tiny tube into your unhealthy veins, using radiofrequency energy. Once the radiofrequency starts pulsating and emitting heat, none of which you will feel while under local anesthetic, the vein will immediately close and blood circulation will improve through your healthier veins.

What Radiofrequency Ablation Treats

Vein Treatment FAQs

RFA is covered by insurance when it addresses medical symptoms related to chronic venous insufficiency, the underlying cause of vein disease. Metro Vein Centers accepts over 200 insurance plans and works directly with your provider to maximize your coverage.
RFA uses heat-emitting radio waves delivered through an ultrasound-guided catheter to seal off unhealthy veins, which are then reabsorbed by your body.
Recovery is quick. RFA is done under local anesthetic, so at most you'll feel slight discomfort during the procedure. The treatment itself takes about 15 minutes, and most patients are back to normal activity within 24 hours.
- 15 Min Read
  What to Expect at Your Appointment with a Vein Specialist
  Medically reviewed by Dr. Philip LoPresti
Good candidates generally have large, untwisted, straight varicose veins. Your vein specialist confirms candidacy using ultrasound findings along with your vein history, age, and symptoms.
Some patients experience temporary bruising; numbness, itching, sensitivity, burning, or swelling are less common but can occur. There are no stitches, and most patients return to normal activities right away.
Patients with relatively untwisted, straight veins may benefit from either RFA or EVLA. Your Metro Vein Centers specialist will determine the best option based on your vein history, age, symptoms, and the type of veins needing treatment.
Most patients feel little to no pain thanks to local numbing. There's no need for general anesthesia. Curious how RFA compares to other treatments on comfort?
RFA is generally used for larger varicose veins that are too big for sclerotherapy alone; the two treatments are often used together as part of a full treatment plan. See Sclerotherapy for more detail.
Most patients return to normal activity within 24 hours, with no stitches and no required downtime. Your provider will give you compression stockings and specific aftercare instructions.
Most patients will be instructed to wear compression stockings for the next 24–48 hours after RFA treatment, but this varies from patient to patient based on their unique symptoms and lifestyle. Consult with your vein doctor directly for your specific aftercare recommendations.
RFA is performed in-office with no hospital stay, no bedrest, and no extended time off work, unlike surgical vein stripping.