What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of a Vein Ablation Procedure?

Learn About Vein Ablation Side Effects in New Hampshire

If you have varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency, you may benefit from undergoing a vein ablation procedure. Vein ablation is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that offers a long-term solution for diseased or damaged veins. Before undergoing the procedure in New Hampshire, however, it’s important to understand what to expect and if venous ablation has long-term side effects. Here is your guide to understanding the procedure and why you need it, preparing for it, and evaluating potential venous ablation side effects.

What Is Vein Ablation & How Does It Work?

Vein ablation is a minimally invasive medical procedure. A specialist in vein and vascular medicine will use a handheld device to deliver laser light, radiofrequency waves, or chemicals to your veins. This closes off damaged and diseased veins, rerouting your blood flow to healthy veins instead.

Why Do I Need Radiofrequency Ablation?

You may need laser or RF ablation if you have certain symptoms or a vein or vascular condition that is affecting your health and quality of life. The procedure is used to treat or eliminate:

• Varicose veins
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Symptoms like pain, aching, swelling, cramps, restless legs, and venous ulcers
• Poor circulation or blood flow
• Damaged or diseased veins

What to Expect During & After the Procedure

Before the procedure, your surgeon will numb the treatment area. They will then make a small incision and use an ultrasound to guide a thin catheter or needle into the infected vein. Then they will use laser or radiofrequency energy to deliver heat to the wall of the vein, which causes it to collapse and seal shut. During chemical ablation, a medical adhesive is injected into the vein to seal it shut. When the vein is closed, blood reroutes naturally to healthy veins. The procedure may take about an hour, and the recovery period is typically very short. Most people do not experience any negative side effects and can resume their normal routine; however, you should avoid swimming, hot baths, and hot tubs, and keep your treated leg elevated, clean, and dry.

What Are the Side Effects of Vein Ablation?

Most people do not experience long-term ablation effects. You may experience tenderness, soreness, tingling, or bruising in the treatment area. This can be treated with over-the-counter medication. The biggest potential venous ablation long-term side effect is a blood clot in the leg. This is a very rare complication, occurring in less than 2% of patients. Symptoms typically appear within seven days and include leg swelling, redness, warmth, pain, tightness, throbbing, cramping, and skin discoloration.

Is Vein Ablation Worth It?

It’s important to take the time to speak with your physician and understand all the details of the procedure before you make your decision. You should weigh the pros and cons and compare the risks vs benefits of vein ablation so that you can determine if it is right for you. Vein ablation can relieve symptoms, improve the appearance of legs by removing varicose veins, and reduce your risk of venous ulcers and blood clots. The risk of negative side effects or complications is very low, and most patients find that the benefits outweigh those risks.

Contact Us to Schedule Your Vein Ablation

Cardiovascular Specialists of New England specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of general and complex vascular and cardiovascular conditions. We have a team of skilled, experienced specialists as well as board-certified cardiologists. We are committed to providing personalized patient care using non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures combined with lifestyle modification and prevention. We offer the latest technology and most advanced treatment options designed to reduce symptoms and complications and enhance patient outcomes. Call now to schedule vein ablation in New Hampshire, or contact us online with questions.