What to Expect During Radiofrequency Ablation

Got painful, swollen, unsightly varicose veins? Radiofrequency ablation is one of the best treatment options — but not that many people know about it. 

Radiofrequency ablation is minimally invasive and incredibly effective, and our experts at Advanced Vascular Solutions in Melbourne and Sebastian, Florida, are here to tell you all about it. 

Here’s everything you need to know about every step of radiofrequency ablation. 

What is radiofrequency ablation?

We use radiofrequency ablation to close off damaged or malfunctioning veins. Radiofrequency energy gently collapses the problem vein(s), which your body naturally breaks down and processes. 

Your body also automatically reroutes the blood through healthier veins. With problematic veins eliminated, and your blood coursing through healthy veins, you’re left with less:

• Swelling
• Aching or heaviness in the legs
• Visible varicose veins
• Skin irritation or discoloration

Radiofrequency ablation is especially helpful for people with chronic venous insufficiency or large, bulging varicose veins that don’t improve with compression stockings or lifestyle changes.

Preparing for the procedure

Our patients love radiofrequency ablation because it’s minimally invasive; therefore, very little preparation is needed. That said, there are a few rules of thumb to consider before your appointments. These might include:

• Avoiding certain medications (like blood thinners or aspirin)
• Wearing loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment
• Arranging for a ride home, especially if you’re taking a mild sedative

We may also perform an ultrasound before the procedure to map out the veins and ensure radiofrequency ablation is the right approach for your specific condition.

A closer look at the procedure

The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and is performed right in the office. Here’s what you can expect step-by-step. 

First, your Advanced Vascular Solutions provider cleans and numbs the skin near the treatment site (usually the thigh or calf). You stay awake the whole time, and most patients report minimal discomfort.

Using ultrasound guidance, we insert a thin catheter into the vein through a tiny incision. Don’t worry — it’s small enough that you won’t need stitches afterward.

Once the catheter is in place, we slowly deliver radiofrequency energy along the length of the vein. This heats the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal shut.

You might feel a bit of warmth or pressure at this point, but the numbing solution keeps it very tolerable.

After the treatment is complete, we remove the catheter and place a small bandage over the entry site. There are no sutures or overnight hospital stays; just a compression stocking and some walking instructions.

Life after radiofrequency ablation

Recovery from radiofrequency ablation is typically quick and easy. Most people go back to work and their regular activities within a day or two. Side effects, including mild bruising, swelling, or soreness, are normal and should fade within a few days.

We also send you home with a few aftercare tips. Here are our typical recommendations. 

1. First, wear compression stockings as directed for several days to support healing and reduce swelling.
2. We encourage you to stay active — walking regularly helps prevent blood clots and keeps circulation flowing. But avoid strenuous activity (like heavy lifting or high-impact exercise) for about a week.
3. You must also keep the incision site clean and dry, and follow any additional instructions from your provider.

Many patients notice symptom relief (less pain, less swelling, and lighter legs) within a week or two. Cosmetic improvements, like fading varicose veins, may take a bit longer as the body absorbs the treated vein over time.

The best part? Once a vein is closed, it doesn’t come back. And with proper follow-up care, you can prevent new varicose veins from forming.

Radiofrequency ablation is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive way to treat varicose veins and improve your quality of life. If you’ve been struggling with heavy legs, swelling, or visible veins, it might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Don’t hesitate to talk with your vascular specialist or wound care provider about whether radiofrequency ablation is right for you. You can request an appointment over the phone today or send us a message on our website.