Post RFA 1 week after. How long will the numbness around the site of RFA will go away?

Question

I had the RFA done about a week ago. I have been wearing compression stockings post procedure. When I run my hand over the area i had the ablation (mid-thigh to near groin) I still feel numbness. The numbness is more prominent over and around the area where the cut was made to insert the laser. I also feel the pain when I am going up the stairs and especially when I bend my knee... How long more will it take for numbness and pain go away? Thanks

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It’s important to distinguish between varicose veins and spider veins when choosing between laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and vein surgery. With two board certified vein specialists, our center uses a combination of visual examination, functional flow measurements, ultrasound, transillumination, and infrared light to map out vein networks prior to therapy. Lasers can be used to treat deep varicose vein insufficiency, vein perforators, and varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is ideal for spider veins and reticular veins. Whereas surgery is reserved for severely incompetent varicose vein segments.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Kevin Haney, MD · Answer

It is normal to experience minimal numbness and pain around the site a few days to a few weeks and occasionally a few months afterward. Keep wearing your compression stockings, and take exercise lightly.  These symptoms typically go away.

Jeffrey Gosin, MD, FACS · Answer

The sensation that you are feeling can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.  It is best to try to just work through it, as it will go away with time.  There is sometime saphenous nerve irritation with the RFA procedure and that can cause numbness that may last for a few months.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Apply a horse chestnut based cream to the area to relieve inflammation in the area. It also contins Arnica montana. See link below for Omega Vein Cream from Plato's Medicinals. The tugging feeling thta you are experiencing is due to shrinking of the great saphenous vein along the long axis of the body following ablation.The VNUS Closure catheter is at least 8 times wider than endovenous laser catheters and can cause some discomfort at the insertion site. Hratch L Karamanoukian MD FACScertified vein specialist

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question! It's not uncommon to experience some discomfort and numbness one week after RFA. On average, the sensation of numbness will resolve in a couple of weeks but it may persist up to a month. It's great that you are wearing compression stockings to aid the healing process; also make sure to refrain from strenuous physical activities. You should be able to enjoy your final results in about a month after the procedure. 
An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and obtain expert medical advice. Best of luck!

Post RFA 1 week after. How long will the numbness around the site of RFA will go away?

Answers (6)