RF Ablation

Radio Frequency Ablation, or RFA, is a procedure that eliminates varicose veins. Radio frequency waves essentially seal off the damaged vein, redirecting blood into other healthier veins. This technology uses a minimally invasive process that corrects painful and unsightly varicose veins with no downtime and minimal (if any) discomfort.

Varicose veins become more prevalent with age and commonly develop in the legs. This condition is immediately recognizable from the bulging, twisted, and discolored veins visible beneath the surface of the skin. Apart from their undesirable appearance, varicose veins may also cause problems with blood flow, swelling, and skin sores. Patients often report a burning sensation, aching, and night cramps. Thankfully, you no longer have to put up with swollen, painful, and unsightly veins. Dr. Michael Omidi has performed thousands of face, nose, breast and body procedures over the last 15 years. Recently, he’s partnered with Dr. Lee Au to bring Dr. Au’s 33 years of medical experience and vein expertise to his patients. Contact Dr. Omidi’s office in Beverly Hills to finally get safe and fast relief from uncomfortable and unattractive varicose veins.

About Varicose Veins

Venous disorders are a common medical issue in the United States. In fact, research studies estimate that 25 million people in the United States alone experience symptoms. That’s 1 in 12 people who find themselves suffering from the unpleasant symptoms of varicose veins. As we age, our veins weaken and can no longer regulate the flow of blood in the proper direction. This allows blood to pool in the vein, resulting in enlarged and distorted veins. Our saphenous veins are the important veins that transport blood from the legs back up to the heart, where it is then pumped to the lungs for oxygenation. Unfortunately, saphenous vein reflux is the most common venous condition, which is why varicose veins most often appear in the legs.⁽¹⁾

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Vital Valves

Your veins rely closely on their surrounding muscles and a network of one-way valves. These cup-like valves open to allow a steady flow of blood through the vein, and then close to prevent backflow. Factors like hormonal changes, age and lifestyle can cause venal insufficiency– that is, when the valves in the vein cease to work properly to regulate a steady flow of blood. In varicose veins, these failed valves instead allow blood to pool. In the saphenous veins in the legs, this makes it difficult for the muscles to work against gravity and push the blood back up towards the heart and lungs. Rather than moving the blood along the series of valves, the blood instead backs up in the vein. This extra pressure strains the vein, causing it to bulge and twist.⁽²⁾ 

Previous treatments for varicose veins required extensive surgery to remove the entire offending vein. With advances in radiofrequency technology, Dr. Omidi is now able to treat these veins in a quick procedure that requires only one tiny incision. Dr. Omidi makes it a point to stay up to date with the latest research and techniques. He’s here to make sure that you have the best possible treatment and are completely satisfied with your results. You can hear just how happy his patients have been with his diligent care and see their stunning results here. 

Benefits

Treating your varicose veins will allow you to avoid the rare but serious side effects that varicose veins cause. In certain cases, varicose veins can cause painful skin ulcers. Warning signs of a developing ulcer include a discolored area that can be sore or itchy. As the blood backs up in this area, and strains the tissue, an open sore can develop. These can be slow to heal, and pose the risk of infection. These require immediate medical attention. If a vein is particularly enlarged and is very close to the surface of the skin, it can also be at risk of bursting. Blood clots are another particularly dangerous side effect of veins that aren’t functioning properly. As the blood pools in the defective vein, it may begin to clot. This can lead to painful swollen legs. Even worse, if the blood clot detaches from the site, it can travel elsewhere in the body, where it can obstruct blood flow. If it reaches the lungs, this can result in a pulmonary embolism. In the heart or brain, blood clots can cause a heart attack or stroke.  

With RFA, you can get smooth, healthy legs. Besides the improvement to your health, comfort, and safety, RF ablation can dramatically improve the appearance of your legs. This will take years off of the appearance of your skin. No more aching, no more struggling with compression socks, or having to hide your legs under thick hosiery or pants. Get ready for summer, and feel comfortable and confident showing some skin.

Candidates 

Varicose veins are not shy about announcing themselves and their symptoms. If you’ve noticed the telltale twisting, enlarged veins and are suffering from achy, tender legs, you may be a good candidate for varicose vein treatment. During your personal consultation, Dr. Omidi will examine your troublesome veins and determine your candidacy for RFA.

Preparation and Procedure

Radiofrequency ablation treatment works by killing unwanted tissue with heat. This treatment has been used since the 1980s for many medical procedures, including the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia and certain cancers. ⁽³⁾ For the treatment of varicose veins, you can look forward to RFA being a fast, straightforward procedure with little discomfort. You’ll be in and out of Dr. Omidi’s office quickly, and able to return to your daily routine. 

Prior to the procedure, Dr. Au will perform an ultrasound scan and mark the affected veins with a pen. After making a very fine incision at the site, he will then insert a catheter inside the affected vein. This catheter delivers short bursts of radiofrequency energy that causes the walls of the vein to shrink and close. As he slides the catheter through the vein, he is essentially sealing the troublesome vein from the inside. At the same time, injections of a tumescent fluid keep even pressure on the vein, ensuring that the entire interior of the vein wall has contact with the RF catheter, and that other areas of tissue are not affected by the radiofrequency. This fluid also contains lidocaine, which keeps the patient comfortable. After the procedure, other healthier veins adapt to support the blood flow, and as time passes the closed-off vein is absorbed back into the surrounding tissue and vanishes from sight.

Recovery

Varicose vein treatment is clinically proven to be safe and requires virtually no downtime. After the procedure, you should be able to immediately resume your normal activities and return to work. Patients do need to wear a compression stocking and refrain from heavy exercise for 48 hours after the procedure. Long-distance air travel is not advised for one week after the procedure.

RFA treatment for varicose veins is known to be well-tolerated and guaranteed to produce long-lasting results, bringing you self-confidence and satisfaction for years to come. Because Dr. Omidi and Dr. Au are committed to treating patients with utmost consideration and care, they will regularly follow up after the procedure to ensure a rapid healing process.

FAQ

References

1. Almeida JI, Raines JK. Radiofrequency Ablation and Laser Ablation in the Treatment of Varicose Veins. Annals of Vascular Surgery. 2006;20(4):547-552. doi:10.1007/s10016-006-9098-8
2. Mayo Clinic. Varicose veins – symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published 2019. Accessed February 2, 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
3. Haemmerich D. Biophysics of Radiofrequency Ablation. Critical ReviewsTM in Biomedical Engineering. 2010;38(1):53-63. doi:10.1615/CritRevBiomedEng.v38.i1.50