Varicose Vein Patient Story: 15 Years of Pain Resolved with RFA and Varithena
Meet Brandon: Air Force Veteran and Pilot with 15 Years of Varicose Vein Pain
Brandon, a San Antonio Air Force veteran and pilot, developed varicose veins in his mid-twenties. Over 15 years, the veins progressed from a cosmetic concern to painful, bulging vessels that looked like tumors under his skin and caused sharp shooting pain. Ultrasound at Medical Vein Clinic revealed visible varicose veins in his left leg and deeper problem veins in his right. His care team treated both legs using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and Varithena over six consecutive days in June 2025. His treatment was performed by the physicians at Medical Vein Clinic’s San Antonio locations. There was no significant pain during treatment. Today, his veins no longer bulge, his pain is completely gone, and he describes the results as beyond what he thought possible. This is his story.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat energy delivered through a thin catheter to close damaged veins permanently. Varithena is an FDA-approved injectable foam that collapses and closes varicose veins from the inside. Together, RFA and Varithena can treat both deep and surface varicose veins without surgery. Most patients return to normal activity within days. Learn more about varicose vein treatment at Medical Vein Clinic.
Brandon lives in San Antonio and has spent much of his life in the skies. After serving 20 years as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, he now flies medical transport and business jets. Despite his cool-under-pressure profession, one issue had bothered him for years—his varicose veins.
“I probably had early-onset varicose veins,” Brandon shared. “I got them in my mid-twenties, and they just got worse over the next 15 years.”
When Varicose Veins Became Impossible to Ignore
While stationed at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas, Brandon began to notice severe bulging in his leg veins. “They almost looked like tumors under my skin,” he said. “Then I started getting sharp, shooting pains—it almost felt like something was passing through my veins. That’s when I thought, I’d better take this seriously.” Varicose veins run in his family—his father has them, too—but Brandon developed symptoms much earlier. Long missions at altitude, sometimes lasting 24 hours, likely made things worse.
Why Brandon Chose Medical Vein Clinic in San Antonio
When his primary care doctor referred him to a local vein specialist, Brandon decided to look for a clinic with a strong reputation. His girlfriend searched online and found Medical Vein Clinic. “Because it was called Medical Vein Clinic and was so well-known, I thought—this is probably the perfect place for me.” He first visited Medical Vein Clinic’s Stone Oak location and was immediately impressed. “Both facilities are beautiful and state-of-the-art—clean, modern, and professional. That gave me peace of mind right off the bat.” For convenience, he completed his treatments at the Alamo Ranch clinic, which was closer to home.
The Treatment Plan: RFA and Varithena for Both Legs
Ultrasound imaging revealed that while Brandon’s left leg had the most visible varicose veins, his right leg had deeper problem veins. His care team recommended radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and Varithena™ to treat both legs. “I’ll admit, I was nervous,” Brandon said. “I took a lot of time to think about it. I was worried about pain and side effects. But the staff was so open and honest—they really put me at ease.” In June 2025, Brandon underwent six consecutive days of treatment. “I was very worried about pain because I don’t have a high pain threshold,” he said, “but it didn’t hurt in the least. There was just minor discomfort, and the staff did an amazing job keeping me comfortable.”
Brandon’s Results: No Pain, No Bulging Veins, Back to Normal Life
Today, Brandon’s legs both look and feel dramatically better. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think they could shrink those veins down—but they did. I’m so thankful I went through with it.” His pain is gone, his veins are no longer bulging, and he’s back to enjoying life without discomfort or worry. His girlfriend, who supported him throughout, was equally impressed with his results. “She’s been so supportive,” he said. “She’s the one who encouraged me to go for it—and I’m so glad I listened.”
“I was nervous, but it didn’t hurt in the least—and the results are incredible. My legs feel amazing, and I’m so glad I made the decision to move forward.”
If you have been living with varicose vein pain, bulging veins, or leg discomfort, Medical Vein Clinic can help. Call 210-622-8000 or book online at medicalveinclinic.com/book-an-appointment. We treat varicose veins at two San Antonio locations: Stone Oak at 18831 Meisner Drive and Northwest San Antonio at 5742 W. Loop 1604 N.
Brandon’s Results at a Glance
- Condition: Varicose veins in both legs, onset mid-twenties, worsened over 15 years
- Symptoms: Severe bulging veins, sharp shooting pain, visible vein protrusion
- Contributing factor: 20 years of Air Force flying at altitude, long missions
- Diagnostic finding: Visible varicose veins in left leg, deeper problem veins in right leg confirmed by ultrasound
- Treatment: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and Varithena, both legs, six consecutive days
- Pain during treatment: Minor discomfort only
- Results: Veins no longer bulging, pain completely gone
- Clinic location: Medical Vein Clinic Stone Oak and Alamo Ranch, San Antonio TX
What Brandon’s Story Tells Us About Modern Varicose Vein Treatment
Brandon’s story is a reminder that varicose veins are not just a cosmetic issue. They cause real pain, progress over time, and can significantly affect quality of life. The good news is that treatment has changed dramatically. RFA and Varithena are outpatient procedures with no general anesthesia, minimal discomfort, and results that patients like Brandon describe as life-changing. At Medical Vein Clinic in San Antonio, most varicose vein treatments are covered by insurance when symptoms are medically documented. If you have been living with varicose vein pain, Brandon’s experience shows that relief is possible — and closer than you think.
Ready to get results like Brandon’s? Call 210-622-8000 or book your consultation at medicalveinclinic.com/book-an-appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RFA for varicose veins hurt?
No. Radiofrequency ablation is minimally invasive and done under local anesthesia, so most patients feel little more than minor discomfort. Brandon, who said he doesn’t have a high pain threshold and was nervous going in, reported that “it didn’t hurt in the least.” The care team keeps you comfortable throughout.
How long does RFA treatment take?
RFA is a quick outpatient procedure, and you walk out the same day. After the area is numbed, a thin catheter uses heat to seal the faulty vein, and blood reroutes to healthy veins. Most patients return to normal activity right away.
What is Varithena and how is it different from RFA?
Varithena is a foam solution injected into the problem vein using ultrasound guidance, while RFA uses heat delivered through a catheter. Both close the faulty vein without surgery and have a similar recovery. Varithena is well suited to certain vein shapes and locations, which is why Brandon’s care team used both RFA and Varithena to treat the different veins in each of his legs.
Can varicose veins come back after RFA?
Once a vein is sealed, it stays closed, and blood reroutes to healthy veins, so the treated vein doesn’t return. New veins can develop over time, which is why early treatment and follow-up matter. Treating the underlying source veins is what gives lasting results.
How many treatment sessions does varicose vein treatment require?
It depends on how many veins need treatment and which procedures are used. Some patients are treated in a single appointment, while more extensive cases take several. Brandon had deeper and more widespread veins in both legs, so his plan involved six consecutive days of treatment.
Does insurance cover RFA and Varithena?
Yes. RFA and Varithena are covered by most insurance plans when your symptoms are medically documented. Coverage usually requires a trial of conservative care first, such as compression stockings. We verify your benefits before your appointment. Call 210-622-8000 to confirm your coverage.
How soon can I return to normal activity after varicose vein treatment?
Most patients return to their normal routine right away, since the treatments are minimally invasive with no surgery and no general anesthesia. We encourage walking soon after to support healthy blood flow. Brandon was back to enjoying life without the pain and bulging that had bothered him for years.
Does Medical Vein Clinic treat varicose veins in San Antonio?
Yes. We treat varicose veins at both San Antonio locations, in Stone Oak and Alamo Ranch, Northwest San Antonio, using ultrasound mapping to plan treatment around your specific veins. Call 210-622-8000 or book online to schedule an evaluation with Medical Vein Clinic.
