What Is a Vein Ablation Procedure?

By Dr. Edward Mackay

February 24, 2022


While varicose veins are mostly a cosmetic concern, there are cases in which they can cause pain and even predispose a person to potentially serious complications, such as ulcers and blood clots.

Fortunately, you now have a lot more treatment options for those problematic veins. One of them is endovenous ablation, a minimally invasive, nonsurgical treatment modality that eliminates diseased veins through cauterization.

Below, you’ll learn more about vein ablation, particularly how it works as well as what the recovery from it entails.

What to Expect During a Vein Ablation Procedure

Endovenous ablation is an image-guided, outpatient procedure in which your vein doctor uses a radiofrequency electrode or a laser fiber intravenously to treat your varicose vein/s. If you’re looking to have your varicose veins removed using a vein ablation procedure, you have two choices: either a radiofrequency ablation or a laser ablation.

Both procedures are safe and involve only minimal discomfort. Your vein doctor will determine which is best for your condition after a thorough assessment.

With the first option, your vein doctor uses high-frequency radio waves under ultrasound guidance to create intense heat in the vein and cause it to collapse and seal shut.  The latter is a similar procedure, except laser energy is used instead of radio waves.

Once the varicose vein collapses and seals shut, it eventually gets reabsorbed by the body, and the blood automatically gets rerouted through the surrounding healthy veins.

Recovery from a Vein Ablation Procedure

The recovery time after vein ablation is relatively short since the procedure is minimally invasive and little healing is involved. However, your doctor will likely recommend that you use compression stockings, which are designed to facilitate normal circulation of blood from your legs back to your heart, thereby minimizing the risk of blood clot formation following the procedure.

Vein Doctor in Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, and Largo, FL

For top-notch vein care, visit us here at Edward G. Mackay and Associates, LLC. Dr. Edward G. Mackay— our highly regarded, board-certified and fellowship-trained vein expert— has an excellent track record spanning nearly 30 years for the unparalleled treatment outcomes he delivers. He offers endovenous ablation procedures and a range of other innovative techniques to help patients successfully overcome their vein problems—let him help you as well!

To arrange your consultation with Dr. Mackay, call our staff at (727) 527-2888. You may also submit an appointment request, and our scheduler will contact you to confirm your visit.  We look forward to serving you at any of our three locations: in Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, or Largo, Florida!

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The Trusted Vein Expert in Tampa