Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins: What to Know

Varicose Veins Treatment

If you’ve been told you have varicose veins or think you probably would , you might have heard about a treatment called radiofrequency ablation. So, what is it, and could it be the right choice for you?

At the Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore, our skilled vascular team takes a personalised, practical approach to handling vein issues. This article will cover what radiofrequency ablation is all about, how it works, recovery, risks, costs, and more.

WHAT is it

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to close off problematic veins. It’s generally recommended for larger varicose veins that are caused by venous reflux.

Let’s break down how this procedure works, how it stacks up against other treatments, and who can benefit from it.

How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Treat Varicose Veins?

You can think of radiofrequency ablation like fixing a leaky pipe from the inside. When veins in your legs get damaged, their valves stop working well, leading to blood pooling and those unsightly varicose veins.

During the treatment, a specialist puts a thin tube called a catheter into the problematic vein through a tiny cut in your skin. The catheter sends out heat at a controlled temperature—around 120°C—to heat up the vein wall. This heat makes the vein contract and eventually collapse. Over time, your body absorbs the treated vein, and blood is diverted to healthier veins.

The whole process usually lasts about 30-45 minutes per leg, depending on how many veins are treated. Most people say they feel just mild warmth or a small tugging during the procedure.

More about RF Ablation

Thermal vs Non-Thermal Techniques

Vein treatments can be thermal (using heat) or non-thermal. Radiofrequency ablation is a heat-based treatment, like endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). Non-thermal options include foam sclerotherapy or glue-based systems like VenaSeal™. These methods use chemicals or mechanical disruption to close veins.

Thermal treatments, including radiofrequency ablation, typically require local anesthesia and are preferred for medium to large varicose veins. Non-thermal methods might be better for smaller veins or certain conditions.

One big plus of thermal methods is that they heat the entire vein uniformly, leading to better long-term results and less chance of the vein reopening.

Catheter Types and Tumescent Anaesthesia

Modern radiofrequency ablation uses advanced catheter technology, with the ClosureFast™ system being one of the most well-known. These newer catheters provide more consistent heating, leading to better results and shorter procedure times.

Tumescent anaesthesia is an important part of the process. Your specialist injects a diluted local anaesthetic around the treated vein, which numbs the area, protects nearby tissues from heat, and helps compress the vein for better contact with the catheter. This makes the procedure nearly painless and removes the need for general anesthesia.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?

This treatment is suitable for people with bothersome varicose veins, especially if there’s proven venous reflux.

Ideal candidates usually:

Have large, straight veins
Feel leg pain, swelling, or heaviness
Are not pregnant
Don’t have blood clotting disorders

A duplex ultrasound scan is usually done to make sure you’re a good fit for the procedure.

Procedure

Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure & Recovery

Here’s what you can expect during the radiofrequency ablation process and recovery.

What Happens During Radiofrequency Ablation

The procedure is usually done in under an hour and goes like this:

A vascular specialist uses ultrasound to visualize the affected vein.
The area is cleaned, and local anaesthetic is applied.
A catheter is placed in the vein through a small opening.
Tumescent anaesthesia is injected around the vein.
Radiofrequency energy is applied while slowly withdrawing the catheter.
The leg is bandaged, and compression stockings are put on.

Afterward, you can walk and go home the same day.

At Vascular and Interventional Clinic

The procedure is done at our clinic as an outpatient treatment, meaning no general anesthesia or hospital stay is needed. Most people can head back to work the next day, though be mindful of some activity restrictions initially.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from radiofrequency ablation is typically quick , with most people returning to their usual activities within a day or two.

Here’s what you can expect:

Right after the procedure: You might feel a bit of soreness, like a muscle strain. This usually peaks in the first couple of days and gets better after that. Over-the-counter pain relief should handle any discomfort.
First couple of days: Many can return to desk jobs, while those with more physical roles might need 3-5 days off. Avoid heavy lifting or intense activities for about two weeks.
First couple of weeks: You’ll need to wear compression stockings during the day to help reduce swelling and speed up healing

How Long Do Results Last?

This procedure provides long-lasting results. The treated veins are sealed off for good, and symptoms often improve within 2–4 weeks.

That said, keep in mind that new varicose veins can pop up elsewhere over time, especially if you have certain risk factors that are reversible .

RISKS

Risks and Side Effects of Radiofrequency Ablation

Like any medical procedure, radiofrequency ablation comes with some risks, but serious issues are rare when qualified vascular specialists perform it.

Common Side Effects

Most side effects are minor and temporary, such as:

Mild bruising along the treated veins, which fades over time with proper care.
Local swelling, which typically peaks in the first few days and lessens over 1-2 weeks.
Skin discoloration, which may appear around the treatment site but usually improves quickly.

These effects usually don’t impact long-term results.

Rare but Serious Complications

Though uncommon, keep an eye out for these risks:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can happen, with symptoms like severe leg pain and noticeable swelling.
Nerve injury is rare but can occur, causing numbness or tingling in the area. This typically resolves within months.
Skin burns can happen but are really rare with modern methods.
Infection at the insertion site is also a risk, but it’s uncommon.

These risks are minimal, especially when working with an experienced specialist.

How to Minimize Risks

To reduce your risk of complications, consider the following:

Choose a qualified and experienced vascular specialist for the procedure.
Follow pre-procedure advice closely, which can include avoiding certain medications, staying hydrated, and setting up post-procedure support.
Care after the procedure is key—wear compression stockings as directed, walk regularly, and avoid long periods of sitting or standing.

COSTS

Cost of Radiofrequency Ablation in Singapore

The cost of radiofrequency ablation in Singapore can vary based on factors like the complexity of your veins, how many need treatment, where you go for care, and the specialist’s experience.

When thinking about the total cost, consider the lasting results and lower chance of veins coming back, since treated veins are permanently closed.

Typical Cost Range

According to the Ministry of Health, the surgeon’s fee for treatments generally runs from $4,900 to $7,300 per leg, depending on different factors. The variation in price reflects differences in clinic overhead, specialist expertise, and technology used.

Facilities also play a role in pricing, with hospital day-surgery units usually being more expensive compared to specialised outpatient clinics. Both can offer great outcomes when done by qualified specialists.

SURGEON’S FEE RANGE (SINGLE LEG)

Public vs Private Clinic Costs

Public hospitals typically have lower costs but may come with longer wait times.

Private clinics may charge more but often have shorter waits and more flexible scheduling.

Choosing between public and private often depends on how quickly you want treatment, your budget, and personal preferences. Both options can provide excellent care, so it often boils down to cost and convenience.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Vascular and Interventional Centre is the only private vascular centre in Singapore with its own in-house operating theatre.

This allows us to offer you greater convenience, reduced facility and equipment-related fees, and minimised waiting times for your procedure.

Insurance & Medisave Coverage

Coverage for radiofrequency ablation can depend on your insurance plan and whether the treatment is seen as medically necessary. Many plans cover it when used to treat symptoms like pain or swelling, rather than for cosmetic reasons.

You can typically use Medisave for the procedure if it’s done at an approved facility and deemed medically necessary. Check with your healthcare provider about eligibility before scheduling.

Some private insurance plans may cover varicose vein treatments, but terms vary. Pre-approval may be required, and some policies might not cover cosmetic procedures, so it’s best to review the details with your provider.

RF Vs Endovenous ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation vs Endovenous Laser Ablation: Which is Better?

Both radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) are effective minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins. As they both typically fall within the same price range in Singapore, the key differences lie in the technology and comfort.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Uses radiofrequency energy to generate heat.
Operates at around 120°C, providing controlled, consistent heating.
Generally causes less pain and discomfort during and after treatment.
Feels like mild warmth or a gentle pulling sensation.
Lower risk of skin or vein wall damage due to gentler temperatures.
Often preferred for patients with sensitive or thinner skin.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

Uses laser energy, which produces much higher heat — over 700–800°C.
Tends to result in more post-treatment bruising and tenderness.
Can feel more intense or uncomfortable during and after the procedure.
Higher temperatures increase the risk of thermal injury if not carefully controlled

FAQ about RF Ablation

Is radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins painful?

Most people find the procedure to be painless or only mildly uncomfortable, describing it as slight warmth or a gentle tugging sensation.

The tumescent anaesthesia administered during the procedure ensures you won’t feel pain from the radiofrequency energy itself. The most discomfort usually comes from the tumescent injections, which might feel like a few small bee stings, but that only lasts for a short while.

Can problematic veins come back after treatment?

The specific vein that’s treated can’t return since it’s permanently closed, and your body will eventually absorb it.

However, new varicose veins can develop in different areas over time, as varicose veins are often part of a progressive issue influenced by factors like genetics, age, and lifestyle. While radiofrequency ablation handles the current problem, it doesn’t stop new veins from appearing later on.

CONTENTS

What is radiofrequency ablation?

About the procedure

Risks and side effects

Cost of radiofrequency ablation

Stop living with varicose veins

Book your $150 Varicose Veins Screening

YOUR Preferred Health Partner

Why Choose the Vascular & Interventional Centre

We Own Our Own Hybrid Operating Theatre

Unlike many other clinics, the Vascular & Interventional Centre owns and operates our own fully equipped day surgery theatre (angiosuite). This gives you a significant advantage:

Lower facility and equipment fees – as we do not rely on third-party hospitals.
Faster scheduling – skip the hospital queues, your procedure can be done promptly and at your convenience.
Seamless care – from consultation to surgery and follow-up, all under one roof.

This integrated setup allows us to offer greater cost transparency, shorter waiting times, and a smoother overall experience for patients seeking varicose veins treatment.

Highly Experienced Team with Transparent Pricing

Our team brings years of specialised experience in varicose veins treatment, having successfully treated thousands of patients with various venous conditions.

We believe in transparent pricing without hidden costs or unexpected charges. Before beginning treatment, you’ll receive a detailed cost breakdown including all anticipated expenses, helping you plan accordingly and avoid financial surprises during your treatment journey.

Our commitment to transparency extends to treatment expectations, potential risks, and realistic timelines for results. We want you to feel confident and well-informed.