Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia, and the most common sensations are mild pressure or warmth along the vein. You are awake the entire time and can drive yourself home afterward in most cases.

The sealed vein is gradually absorbed by your body over the following weeks and months, and blood reroutes through nearby healthy veins. Because the diseased vein was already failing to move blood properly, closing it improves circulation rather than harming it.

Most patients return to normal activity the same day — walking is actually encouraged. We typically recommend wearing compression stockings for a short period and holding off on strenuous leg workouts and long periods of standing for a few days. Your exact plan is tailored at your visit.

Both close diseased veins from the inside using thermal energy delivered through a thin catheter — RFA uses radiofrequency energy, while laser ablation uses laser energy.

Outcomes are comparable for most patients. Which one we recommend depends on your anatomy and ultrasound findings, and we walk you through the reasoning at your consultation.

Yes. Ablation is recommended based on imaging, not appearance. An in-office vascular duplex ultrasound maps your vein anatomy, confirms reflux, and identifies exactly which veins should be treated — and most insurers require it as part of establishing medical necessity.

A successfully closed vein does not reopen in the vast majority of cases. However, vein disease is progressive, and new veins can develop reflux over time — which is why follow-up imaging matters.

We monitor your results and address any new disease early, when treatment is simplest.

When radiofrequency ablation is done to treat symptomatic varicose vein disease or chronic venous insufficiency, it's covered by most major insurance plans as a medically necessary procedure rather than a cosmetic one. Coverage usually depends on your symptoms, an ultrasound showing how your veins are working, and in many cases a documented trial of conservative measures like compression stockings.

Because every plan sets its own criteria, the most reliable way to find out where you stand is a consultation with our St. Johns team. We can review your symptoms, order the ultrasound if needed, and help walk through what your specific plan is likely to require before you commit to anything.

Radiofrequency ablation is generally best suited for people with a diseased saphenous vein and symptoms like aching, heaviness, swelling, or skin changes tied to venous reflux. Smaller surface veins, spider veins, or certain vein patterns may respond better to other options, so candidacy really comes down to what an ultrasound of your legs shows.

If you're still researching and want to understand the underlying condition first, our blog explains what actually causes varicose veins and why some veins need treatment while others don't.

The clearest way to know which approach fits you is a mapping ultrasound and exam at our Jacksonville-area clinic. From there, our provider can recommend RFA or an alternative and explain why it makes sense for your legs.