Concierge vascular surgery · UK
RFA for varicose veins - walk in, walk out.
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation of the great and short saphenous veins with the ClosureFast (Venefit) platform. Local anaesthetic, ultrasound-guided, consultant vascular surgeon on the list - and a duplex map before you commit.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A consultant vascular surgeon, doing the ablation
A named vascular surgeon or interventional radiologist on the ClosureFast / Venefit list - not a beauty-clinic sclerotherapist and never a nurse-only session.
- 02
A duplex map before, not a marketing quote
A full standing venous duplex maps every incompetent segment - GSV, SSV, AASV, perforators - before you consent. Half-jobs get half-results.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation - and whether foam or glue would suit you better than RFA - is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What private endovenous RFA costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner vascular units. Send a photo and your symptoms and we quote firm figures across two or three options, with cover checked.
In short
RFA of one leg in our network: £2,000–£3,500, home the same hour.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vascular consultation + duplex venous ultrasound | £350–£550 | 45–60 min | Same visit |
| Endovenous RFA - one leg (GSV or SSV) | £2,000–£3,500 | 45–60 min | Walk-in walk-out |
| Endovenous RFA - both legs, same visit | £3,500–£5,500 | 75–120 min | Walk-in walk-out |
| RFA + concurrent ultrasound-guided foam | £2,500–£4,000 per leg | 60–90 min | Walk-in walk-out |
| RFA + micro-phlebectomy (tributaries) | £3,000–£4,500 per leg | 75–120 min | Walk-in walk-out |
| Follow-up duplex + foam top-up | £450–£800 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by hospital and by whether you need one leg or both, and whether tributaries are treated by foam or phlebectomy at the same visit. Follow-up duplex and any foam top-up should be included in the quote - we will not accept an itemised bill that adds them later.
The problem
A full duplex map, the right platform, and the tributaries taken with it.
Vein treatment is the corner of private surgery most often over-marketed and under-scanned. We insist on a standing duplex, a named consultant and a single quote that covers the leg from truncal reflux to top-up foam.
-
Duplex before deposit
A standing venous duplex maps every incompetent segment - GSV, SSV, AASV, perforators. Quotes given before a scan are guesswork.
-
Treat tributaries too
Closing the trunk without addressing large bulging tributaries leaves visible veins behind. Foam or phlebectomy at the same visit is the standard.
-
One quote, all in
Duplex follow-up and any foam top-up should be inside the original price. If they are not, you will pay again.
The journey
From enquiry to follow-up duplex - what happens, in order.
One team from first message through duplex mapping, ablation and tributary top-ups.
Phase 1 · Before your treatment
Duplex mapping and planning
Phase 2 · On the day
Local anaesthetic and RFA
Phase 3 · After
Duplex check and top-up
- 01
Before
You tell us what your legs are doing
A short, confidential form. Bulging veins, aching, heaviness, night cramps, itching, ankle staining or ulceration, and whether you have had sclerotherapy or stripping before.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: whether endovenous RFA is right for you, if a second-stage foam or phlebectomy is likely, an indicative price per leg, and how many visits to plan for.
- 03
Before
Duplex ultrasound mapping
A standing venous duplex scan by a vascular scientist maps GSV, SSV, AASV and perforator incompetence, and rules out DVT. This is the plan you consent to.
- 04
Before
Compression and anticoagulant review
Class-2 compression stockings supplied ahead of the day. Combined oral contraceptive and HRT reviewed for post-procedure clot risk. No fasting needed - RFA is walk-in walk-out.
- 05
On the day
Endovenous RFA under tumescent anaesthesia
Local anaesthetic only. A ClosureFast catheter is passed into the great or short saphenous vein under ultrasound guidance and heats each 7 cm segment for 20 seconds. Typically 45–60 minutes per leg.
- 06
On the day
Bandage on, walk out
Compression stocking applied in theatre. You walk out within an hour and drive yourself home if it is a right leg - most people are back at a desk the next day.
- 07
After
Duplex check, tributary treatment, follow-up
Duplex scan at 1–2 weeks to confirm closure. Any residual varicosities treated by foam sclerotherapy or micro-phlebectomy at 6–12 weeks. Final review at 3–6 months.
Typical end-to-end: 2–3 weeks from enquiry to treatment. Full recovery: 2 weeks with stocking, 3 months to final result.
When it helps
When endovenous RFA is the right step.
The situations we see most, plus the one red flag that means A&E rather than a vein clinic.
-
Symptomatic great saphenous vein reflux
Aching, heaviness, itching or night cramps traced to GSV incompetence on duplex - the classic RFA indication.
-
Short saphenous vein reflux (behind the knee)
SSV incompetence causing calf bulging and posterior aching. Treatable by RFA with care around the sural nerve.
-
Visible varicose veins (CEAP C2)
Bulging tortuous veins on the calf or thigh that you can see and feel - usually driven by a truncal reflux the RFA closes down.
-
Skin changes at the ankle (CEAP C4)
Brown haemosiderin staining, eczema, lipodermatosclerosis - venous hypertension that RFA plus compression can reverse.
-
Healed or active venous ulcer (CEAP C5–C6)
Early treatment of the underlying reflux (EVRA-trial style) speeds ulcer healing and cuts recurrence.
-
Recurrent varicose veins after old stripping
RFA of a neo-vascular tributary or an untreated segment - a common referral we accept.
-
Superficial thrombophlebitis in a varicose vein
Treat the underlying reflux once the acute phlebitis has settled, to reduce recurrence.
-
Red flag: swollen tender calf with SOB or chest pain
These are DVT and PE symptoms, not varicose-vein symptoms. Same-day A&E - not a routine cosmetic-clinic booking.
Procedure options
Platform and adjuncts both depend on your anatomy.
What each option involves - energy source (RF, laser, mechano-chemical, glue) and what treats the tributaries (foam sclerotherapy or micro-phlebectomy).
-
ClosureFast / Venefit RFA (segmental)
The Medtronic ClosureFast catheter - 7 cm heating element, 20 seconds per segment, 120 °C. The workhorse platform NICE recommends as first line for truncal reflux.
-
RFITT / Celon RFA (continuous pull-back)
A continuous bipolar system used in some units. Slightly longer procedure than ClosureFast, similar closure rates in experienced hands.
-
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA)
Same principle, different energy - a laser fibre instead of RF. Equivalent long-term closure; slightly more post-procedure bruising in most studies.
-
Mechano-chemical ablation (ClariVein / MOCA)
A rotating wire plus sclerosant, no heat and no tumescent. Useful for tortuous veins near the skin or the sural nerve.
-
Cyanoacrylate glue (VenaSeal)
Adhesive closure - no tumescent, no compression stocking in some protocols. Slightly higher cost, similar closure at 3–5 years.
-
Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS)
The go-to for tributaries after RFA, and for recurrent or reticular veins. Often combined with RFA at the same visit.
-
Micro-phlebectomy (ambulatory)
Hook removal of large bulging tributaries through 2–3 mm stab incisions under local - combined with RFA when the varicosities are large or superficial.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of vascular surgeons, we picked them.
Consultant vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists across London and the major UK cities. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every vascular surgeon in our network.
-
Consultant vascular surgeons or interventional radiologists on a dedicated endovenous list, not general clinics
-
Vascular scientists performing standing venous duplex - not a quick supine cosmetic-clinic scan
-
On-site foam sclerotherapy and micro-phlebectomy so tributaries can be treated in the same pathway
-
Duplex follow-up at 1–2 weeks and 3–6 months, with retreatment covered in the original quote
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
Endovenous RFA is one of the safest procedures in vascular surgery. The things worth planning are the stocking regime, the walking, and the follow-up duplex.
-
Local anaesthetic only - walk-in walk-out
Endovenous RFA is done under tumescent local anaesthesia. No sedation is needed in most cases, and you walk out within an hour of the catheter coming out.
-
Bruising and pulling along the vein
A firm cord-like feeling along the treated vein for 2–4 weeks is normal - that is the vein sealing shut. Mild bruising in the thigh or calf for 1–2 weeks. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are enough.
-
Compression stocking for 1–2 weeks
A class-2 stocking is worn day and night for 48–72 hours, then daytime only for another 1–2 weeks. It is uncomfortable, but skipping it raises the risk of phlebitis and DVT.
-
Phlebitis in a tributary is common
Around 5–10 percent of patients develop a tender inflamed tributary in the first month. It settles with heat, ibuprofen and continued walking - not with antibiotics.
-
Nerve irritation near the ankle or behind the knee
Numb or tingling patches near the treated segment occur in around 2 percent - usually saphenous nerve near the ankle or sural nerve behind the knee. Almost always temporary.
-
DVT and EHIT (endovenous heat-induced thrombus)
DVT and clinically significant EHIT together run at under 1 percent with modern segmental RFA. Duplex at 1–2 weeks is standard to check the deep system.
-
Skin burns are very rare
True skin burns are under 1 in 500 with tumescent anaesthesia - the fluid buffer around the vein prevents thermal spread. Older non-tumescent techniques carried higher risk.
-
Recurrence - the honest number
Truncal closure at 5 years is 90–95 percent. New varicose veins appear elsewhere in around 20–30 percent of patients over 5–10 years - usually from an untreated tributary or a new incompetent perforator, easily topped up with foam.
-
Red flags after treatment
A hot swollen calf, breathlessness or chest pain, spreading redness with fever, or heavy bleeding through the stocking need the same-day team or A&E - not a routine call.
Reading your treatment note
Your ablation report in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever platform was used - ClosureFast, Celon, EVLA or a hybrid - the note the surgeon sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Vascular language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the treatment note and the follow-up duplex before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication, CEAP grade and segments treated
Why the ablation was done, the CEAP clinical grade of your veins, and which segments - GSV, SSV, AASV or perforator - were ablated on the day.
- 02 Technique
Catheter, tumescent volume and cycles
Which platform (ClosureFast, Celon, EVLA), the length of vein treated in cm, the tumescent volume used and the number of heating cycles per segment.
- 03 Findings
Adjunctive treatment and closure check
Whether ultrasound-guided foam or micro-phlebectomy of tributaries was done at the same sitting, and the immediate ultrasound check confirming an occluded vein.
- 04 Impression
Stocking regime and follow-up plan
Read this first: how long to wear the compression stocking, when to walk, when to fly, and when the duplex follow-up scan is booked.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Endovenous RFA is covered by most UK insurers when symptoms and duplex findings meet policy criteria - usually CEAP C2 with symptoms, or any C4–C6. Cosmetic-only treatment of reticular veins is not usually covered. We confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about vein RFA.
Quick answers on stockings, driving, cost, recurrence and how it compares to laser and glue.
-
What is endovenous radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins?
It is a minimally invasive treatment done under local anaesthetic. A thin ClosureFast (Venefit) catheter is passed into the incompetent saphenous vein under ultrasound guidance, and radiofrequency heat closes the vein wall from the inside in 7 cm segments. The refluxing blood is redirected through deeper healthy veins and the treated vein is reabsorbed by the body over months.
-
Who is RFA suitable for?
RFA is NICE first-line treatment for symptomatic varicose veins caused by great or short saphenous vein reflux confirmed on duplex ultrasound. It suits most patients with visible varicosities, aching, heaviness, itching, skin changes or venous ulceration. Very tortuous veins near the skin may be better served by ClariVein or VenaSeal.
-
How long does it take and is it painful?
One leg takes about 45–60 minutes, both legs 75–120. You are awake throughout; the only discomfort is the injections of tumescent local anaesthetic around the vein, which sting briefly. Afterwards, a dull ache and cord-like tightness along the vein for 2–4 weeks is normal and controlled with paracetamol and ibuprofen.
-
When can I go back to work and drive?
Most patients are back at a desk the next day and driving within 24–48 hours. Standing jobs and heavy lifting are best avoided for 3–5 days. Long-haul flights are not recommended for 2 weeks because of the DVT risk. Gentle walking - 30 minutes twice a day - is encouraged from day one.
-
How long does the compression stocking need to stay on?
Most units use class-2 stockings for 48–72 hours continuously day and night, then daytime only for a further 1–2 weeks. Some VenaSeal protocols skip stockings altogether, but for RFA the evidence supports 1–2 weeks to reduce phlebitis, bruising and DVT risk.
-
What are the risks?
DVT and clinically significant EHIT together run at under 1 percent. Phlebitis in a tributary happens in 5–10 percent and settles in 2–4 weeks. Nerve irritation (saphenous or sural) around 2 percent, almost always temporary. Skin burns under 1 in 500 with tumescent anaesthesia.
-
How much does private RFA cost in the UK?
Roughly £2,000–£3,500 for one leg, £3,500–£5,500 for both legs treated at the same visit. Add £500–£1,000 per leg for concurrent ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy or micro-phlebectomy of tributaries. Duplex follow-up and any foam top-up should be included in the quote. We confirm firm figures within one working day.
-
Will the varicose veins come back?
The treated saphenous vein stays closed at 5 years in 90–95 percent of patients. However, 20–30 percent develop new varicose veins somewhere else in the leg over 5–10 years, usually from an untreated tributary or a new incompetent perforator. These are easily managed with foam sclerotherapy at a follow-up visit.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
-
ClariVein (MOCA)
Mechano-chemical alternative to thermal ablation.
Learn more -
RFA for Barrett’s oesophagus
Same energy source, different organ.
Learn more -
Radiofrequency neurotomy
RFA for spinal facet-joint pain.
Learn more -
Cryoablation for cancer
Cold-based ablation for other indications.
Learn more -
Pain management
Leg heaviness and post-treatment support.
Learn more -
All tests & procedures
Every test and procedure we arrange.
Learn more