Is radiofrequency ablation the best treatment for varicose veins?

I'm 39 and was just diagnosed with varicose veins due to sever swelling of my feet and legs. Recently I had an ultrasound of bilateral legs that verified varicosities with no blood clots or PAD. I wear thigh high compression stockings.

Answers from doctors (2)


More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Sep 30, 2021

Endovenous ablation - which is administered by radiofrequency or laser light energy - is used to treat, primarily, insufficiency of the Great Saphenous Vein and the Small Saphenous Vein.

Prominent varicose veins that appear under the skin as abnormal protruding, bulging, enlarged and tortuous veins - that are usually branches of the Great Saphenous Vein and Small Saphenous Vein - are best treated by Sclerotherapy. An alternative to Sclerotherapy is Phlebectomy that involves multiple small incisions that leave small scars on the legs. This latter procedure usually does not provide as complete removal of all segments of varicose veins as does Sclerotherapy.

The location of your Varicose Veins and Venous insufficiency will determine whether endovenous ablation (utilizing radiofrequency or laser light energy) or Sclerotherapy will provide the best treatment option.

Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

Endovenous ablation - which is administered by radiofrequency or laser light energy - is used to treat, primarily, insufficiency of the Great Saphenous Vein and the Small Saphenous Vein.

Prominent varicose veins that appear under the skin as abnormal protruding, bulging, enlarged and tortuous veins - that are usually branches of the Great Saphenous Vein and Small Saphenous Vein - are best treated by Sclerotherapy. An alternative to Sclerotherapy is Phlebectomy that involves multiple small incisions that leave small scars on the legs. This latter procedure usually does not provide as complete removal of all segments of varicose veins as does Sclerotherapy.

The location of your Varicose Veins and Venous insufficiency will determine whether endovenous ablation (utilizing radiofrequency or laser light energy) or Sclerotherapy will provide the best treatment option.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jun 02, 2017

There are many methods to seal the saphenous veins including laser and radio frequency ablation. I would be more concerned with finding a Board Certified Vascular trained surgeon who specializes in treating varicose veins. Varicose veins are actually the bulging, worm-like veins on the surface which are caused by underlying venous reflux (back flow due to inherited broken valves). I would caution that not all swelling in the lower extremities is caused by venous reflux and may not be resolved by venous ablation. In some cases it is more lymphedema than venous. Get all the information you can ahead of time to ensure you can make the right decision.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

There are many methods to seal the saphenous veins including laser and radio frequency ablation. I would be more concerned with finding a Board Certified Vascular trained surgeon who specializes in treating varicose veins. Varicose veins are actually the bulging, worm-like veins on the surface which are caused by underlying venous reflux (back flow due to inherited broken valves). I would caution that not all swelling in the lower extremities is caused by venous reflux and may not be resolved by venous ablation. In some cases it is more lymphedema than venous. Get all the information you can ahead of time to ensure you can make the right decision.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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