Recovery After RFA Treatment?

What is the recovery Like After RFA Treatment?

RFA Treatment

For faster recovery after RFA Treatment, endovenous radiofrequency ablation, follow your doctor’s instructions. These general guidelines will let you know what to expect:

  • You will be able to return to your normal job activities within three to four days. However, if your job involves standing or heavy lifting, you may need more time off.
  • You will be able to resume many of your normal activities on the same day of the procedure.
  • On the day of the procedure, walk every hour until bedtime. After that, walk daily for 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Avoid sitting or standing for a long time, and elevate your legs while sitting.
  • Avoid exercise and heavy lifting for two weeks.
  • Keep the dressing and elastic bandages or stockings on for two to three days, until you have a follow-up visit with your doctor.
  • Wear compression stockings or bandages all the time for the first 48 hours, and then during the day for the next two weeks.

What are possible complications of RFA Treatment – endovenous radiofrequency ablation?

Possible complications or side effects of this RFA Treatment are rare, but include:

  • Bleeding
  • Blood clots in the superficial or deep veins
  • Bruising
  • Darkening of the skin
  • Numbness due to an injured nerve
  • Pain
  • Skin burns
  • Skin infection

Contact your doctor if you notice tingling, numbness, discoloration or coolness of the toes. This may mean that the compression bandages or stockings are too tight.

You should also contact your doctor immediately if you have swelling or excessive pain that isn’t helped by the pain medications prescribed by your doctor. This could be a sign of a deep vein thrombosis, which is a potentially dangerous blood clot.

Getting Ready for the Procedure

There isn’t much to get ready for because it’s a minimally invasive operation. It is recommended to go into an appointment with an empty stomach, so aim to eat your last meal approximately six hours beforehand. Before the treatment, you can consume clear drinks up to two hours earlier.

On the day of your procedure, local anesthetic and a moderate sedative administered intravenously will keep you awake but may partially sedate you. The procedure will start once you’re calm and under the influence of medication. Your doctor will use x-ray imaging to get near to the troublesome nerve while guiding a catheter to the pain source. The target tissue will then be eliminated using radiofrequency ablation using the heated needle at the end of the catheter.

Recovering from Radiofrequency Ablation: After the catheter is taken out and a bandage is applied to the skin, you will be requested to take some time to rest before being let go.

Recovery Time After Radiofrequency Ablation

After undergoing radiofrequency ablation, patients are typically monitored for anywhere between a quarter and an hour. Until you are given the all-clear to depart, a nurse will monitor your vital signs, including your blood pressure.

Any discomfort or side effects you might have will be discussed by your doctor or medical team, along with any symptoms to watch out for that might necessitate calling in for additional assistance.

If you have significant discomfort, leg weakness, or redness/bruising at the injection site, call your doctor right once.

You will also be told to: Avoid driving and operating machinery for 24 hours in addition to taking it easy. Call a cab or have someone pick you up.

  • For at least one or two days, take a shower but refrain from taking a bath.
  • The following day, take off any bandages.
  • There are no dietary limitations. On the day of the surgery, you won’t be allowed to eat, but once you’ve been released, you can start eating regularly again.

Can I resume using skincare products or makeup on the treatment area after RFA?

After radiofrequency ablation (RFA), it’s generally advisable to wait until the skin has fully healed before applying skincare products or makeup to the treatment area. This is typically around 1-2 weeks after the procedure, but it can vary depending on the individual and the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Once the skin has healed, you can resume using skincare products and makeup as usual, but it’s important to be gentle with the treated area.

How long should I avoid direct sunlight or tanning beds on the treatment area after RFA?

After radiofrequency ablation (RFA), it’s generally recommended to avoid direct sunlight or tanning beds on the treatment area for at least 4-6 weeks. This is because the skin in the treated area may be more sensitive to sun exposure during the initial healing process, and exposure to sunlight or tanning beds could increase the risk of skin damage or hyperpigmentation.

Can I apply ice or heat to the treatment area to help with recovery after RFA?

Applying ice or heat to the treatment area after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can help with recovery, but it’s important to use caution and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

Ice: Applying ice to the treatment area can help reduce swelling and discomfort. It’s generally recommended to use a cold pack wrapped in a thin cloth and apply it to the area for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. Be sure to avoid applying ice directly to the skin, as it can cause frostbite.

Heat: Heat can also be beneficial for relaxing muscles and improving blood flow to the treated area. You can apply a warm compress or take a warm bath, but be careful not to use heat that is too hot, as it can burn the skin.