Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins (1 Leg) in Turkey
Modern radiofrequency treatment for varicose veins, minimal discomfort, quick recovery. from £2,148 with 4 nights 5-star hotel, transfers, and aftercare.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a modern, minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins that uses controlled radiofrequency energy to heat and seal faulty veins from the inside. Like EVLA, it is a walk-in, walk-out procedure performed under local anaesthesia with no hospital stay required.
RFA uses a catheter inserted into the vein through a tiny needle puncture. The catheter delivers radiofrequency energy that heats the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut. Blood is naturally rerouted through healthy veins. Many patients describe RFA as slightly more comfortable than laser ablation during the procedure itself, as it delivers heat in a more controlled, segmental manner.
A private RFA procedure in the UK costs between £2,500 and £4,500. Your all-inclusive package starts from £2,148.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins (1 Leg)?
Radiofrequency ablation works similarly to EVLA but uses radiofrequency energy instead of laser. A catheter is inserted into the saphenous vein through a small needle puncture and guided into position using ultrasound. The catheter delivers controlled radiofrequency energy that heats the vein wall to approximately 120 degrees Celsius, causing it to shrink, collapse, and seal shut.
The key difference from EVLA is the method of energy delivery. RFA delivers heat in measured 7cm segments, treating the vein in a stepwise manner. This can result in more consistent heating and potentially less bruising and discomfort compared to laser, although both techniques achieve excellent results.
Once the vein is sealed, blood is rerouted through healthy deep veins. The sealed vein is gradually absorbed by your body over the following weeks and months. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes per leg.
RFA has success rates comparable to EVLA (over 93%) and is equally recommended by NICE as a first-line treatment for varicose veins.
This package covers treatment for one leg.
Am I Suitable?
You may be suitable for this treatment if you have symptomatic varicose veins that are affecting your quality of life.
You may be a good candidate if:
- You have visible varicose veins causing aching, heaviness, or swelling
- Your legs feel tired and uncomfortable, particularly after standing
- You have skin changes (discoloration, eczema, thickening) around the ankles
- You have had a duplex ultrasound confirming venous reflux
- Conservative measures (compression stockings, exercise) have not provided sufficient relief
- You have been on an NHS waiting list and want to proceed sooner
You may not be suitable if:
- You have significant deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the affected leg
- You are pregnant (treatment is deferred until after delivery)
- You have peripheral arterial disease affecting blood supply to your legs
- Your varicose veins are purely cosmetic with no symptoms or reflux
What Happens During the Procedure?
Before your procedure
A free consultation reviews your symptoms and any previous ultrasound findings. A duplex ultrasound scan is performed in Turkey to map your veins and confirm the treatment plan. This scan shows exactly which veins are faulty and guides the treatment approach.
On the day
You are driven from your 5-star hotel to the clinic. Your personal translator accompanies you. The veins to be treated are marked on your skin. Local anaesthetic is injected around the treatment area to ensure you are comfortable throughout.
The radiofrequency catheter is inserted through a tiny needle puncture and guided into position under ultrasound. Radiofrequency energy is delivered in measured segments, sealing the vein. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes per leg.
After the procedure
Compression stockings are applied immediately. You can walk out of the clinic and are encouraged to walk regularly. You return to your hotel the same day. Follow-up appointments and ultrasound checks are scheduled during your stay.
Hotel recovery
Your hotel stay allows time for follow-up scans, graduated compression wear, and comfortable recovery before travelling home.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery from radiofrequency ablation is generally quick, and most patients are walking on the same day.
Day of treatment: Walk for 30-40 minutes after the procedure. Mild discomfort and tightness in the treated leg is normal. Wear your compression stockings continuously (day and night) for the first 48 hours.
Days 1-7: Continue wearing compression stockings during the day. Walk daily, at least 30 minutes. Some bruising along the treated vein is normal. Mild to moderate discomfort managed with paracetamol and ibuprofen. Avoid hot baths, saunas, and prolonged standing.
Weeks 1-2: Bruising fades. Discomfort reduces. Most patients return to desk work within 2-3 days. Avoid heavy exercise for 2 weeks.
Weeks 2-4: Compression stockings can usually be stopped after 2 weeks (your specialist will advise). Gradually return to all normal activities including exercise.
Months 1-3: The treated vein is gradually absorbed by the body. Visible improvement continues. Any residual lumps or firm areas along the treated vein soften and resolve.
Long-term: Results are typically permanent for the treated veins. However, new varicose veins can develop in other veins over time. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and wearing compression stockings during prolonged standing can help prevent new veins developing.
Risks & Considerations
This is a safe, well-established procedure with a strong track record. Understanding the possible side effects helps you feel fully informed.
Common and temporary effects:
- Bruising along the treated vein (resolves in 1-2 weeks)
- Mild to moderate discomfort or tightness in the leg
- Firmness or a cord-like feeling along the treated vein (this is the sealed vein, it softens over weeks)
- Slight skin discolouration along the treatment area (usually fades)
- Temporary numbness near the treatment area
Less common risks:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), rare, minimised by walking and compression stockings
- Nerve damage causing numbness (usually temporary, rarely permanent)
- Skin burns (rare with modern equipment and experienced operators)
- Phlebitis (inflammation of the vein, managed with anti-inflammatories)
- Need for additional treatment sessions (some patients need touch-up treatments)
Your treatment is performed by an experienced vascular specialist in a government-licensed facility. Follow-up ultrasound scans during your stay confirm successful treatment.
UK vs Turkey: What You Save
UK prices are indicative ranges based on private healthcare providers. Your THST price is confirmed during your free consultation.
UK Aftercare: We Are Here When You Get Home
Unlike other medical tourism companies, we do not leave you on your own once you are back in the UK. We have two dedicated aftercare clinics staffed by NHS-registered wound care specialists, so you can see a professional face-to-face for wound checks, dressing changes, and recovery support.
Medical disclaimer: Results of any surgical or interventional procedure may vary from person to person. You are advised to consult your physician for detailed information before undergoing any procedure. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer for full details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Both techniques seal the faulty vein from the inside, RFA uses radiofrequency energy while EVLA uses laser energy. RFA delivers heat in measured segments, which some studies suggest causes slightly less bruising and post-procedure discomfort. Both achieve excellent results with success rates above 93%. Your vascular specialist will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your specific vein anatomy.
The local anaesthetic injections may cause brief stinging. Once numb, most patients feel only mild warmth during the procedure. RFA is often described as slightly more comfortable than EVLA during the treatment itself. Afterwards, mild tightness and discomfort is normal for a few days, managed with paracetamol and ibuprofen.
The treated vein is permanently sealed. Studies show that RFA remains effective in over 90% of patients at 5 years. New varicose veins can develop in other veins over time, but the treated vein will not recur. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps prevent new veins from developing.
NICE recommends endovenous thermal ablation (including RFA) as the first-line treatment for varicose veins because it offers equivalent results to surgery with less pain, faster recovery, no general anaesthetic, and no hospital stay. Most patients return to normal activities within days rather than weeks.
Yes. Both legs can be treated in a single session, which is why the bilateral package exists. Treating both legs at once saves you from needing two separate trips. The procedure takes slightly longer (up to 90 minutes total), and you may have slightly more post-procedure discomfort, but overall recovery is the same.
Combine Treatments and Save
Many patients combine procedures in a single trip, reducing recovery time and overall cost. Build your personalised package and get a free quote.
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