Radiofrequency Ablation for Leg Veins: What to Know Before You Book
If you’ve been dealing with uncomfortable varicose veins — maybe aching, swelling, or heaviness in your legs — you’ve probably seen radiofrequency ablation (RFA) come up as a treatment option. It might sound high-tech (and it is), but RFA is actually a well-established, minimally invasive procedure that many people find life-changing.
Here’s what you should know before deciding if it’s right for you.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
Radiofrequency ablation is a treatment used to close off unhealthy leg veins — most often large, dilated veins that aren’t functioning properly. The goal is to stop backward (refluxing) blood flow. Once the vein is sealed, your body naturally absorbs it over time.
How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?
RFA works by using a small catheter (thin tube) to deliver controlled heat to the inside of the vein wall. This heat, generated by radiofrequency energy, causes the vein to collapse and seal shut. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and usually takes less than an hour. It’s performed in-office and you are back to normal activities immediately.
When Is RFA Recommended?
Radiofrequency ablation is typically recommended for patients with larger, dilated veins, especially when lifestyle changes or compression stockings haven’t helped enough. If you’re dealing with leg pain, heaviness, or swelling related to vein disease, your specialist might suggest RFA as a first-line treatment option.
Does It Hurt?
Most patients find RFA to be surprisingly comfortable. That’s because Dr. Tonie Reincke takes extra steps to make sure patients are numb and at ease throughout the procedure. In addition to local anesthetic, she uses a cold, topical numbing spray before any injections for added comfort. She walks patients through every step so there are no surprises.
You may feel a bit of pressure or warmth during the procedure, but it shouldn’t be painful — and most people are back to walking the same day.
Where Should I Go for RFA Treatment?
This part really matters. While RFA is safe and effective in the right hands, it should always be performed by a board-certified physician with specialized training in vascular procedures. Not all providers advertising vein care have the experience or credentials to back it up.
Look for a doctor who has completed a residency or fellowship related to vein disease (like interventional radiology or vascular surgery), and check their certification with the the American Board of Medical Specialties, or your state’s medical board (For Texas, that would be the Texas Medical Board)
At Reincke Vein Center, Dr. Tonie Reincke brings years of experience and board-certified expertise to every procedure. Patients travel from across the greater Houston area — including Sugar Land, Katy, and Missouri City — for trusted, personalized care.
If you’re considering radiofrequency ablation and want to know if it’s right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Reincke and get a plan tailored to your specific needs.
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