What to Expect on Your Thyroid RFA Day
17 March 2026 · Reviewed by Dr. Ebrahim Yusuf Ebrahim
Knowing what will happen takes most of the worry out of it. Here's your day, step by step.
Not knowing what to expect is often more stressful than the procedure itself. Here's exactly how an RFA day usually unfolds.
Before you arrive
We'll have already reviewed your ultrasound and biopsy, confirmed RFA suits you, and answered your questions on WhatsApp. You can eat normally beforehand — there's no general anaesthetic, so no fasting is needed unless we tell you otherwise.
1. Consultation and consent
You'll meet the specialist, who examines your neck, reviews your scans with you, and explains the plan and any risks. You'll have the chance to ask anything before giving consent.
2. Numbing
Local anaesthetic is applied to the skin and around the nodule. This is the part most people are nervous about, and it's over quickly — after it, the area is numb and you stay fully awake.
3. The treatment
Using live ultrasound, a fine electrode is guided into the nodule and controlled heat is delivered for around an hour. You may feel warmth or mild pressure. You can talk to the team throughout and tell them how you're doing.
4. A short rest, then home
Afterwards you rest briefly while we check the site, then you go home the same day. Most people are back to normal activities within one to two days.
Afterwards
The nodule shrinks gradually over the following months. We follow your progress — in person or remotely on WhatsApp for international patients — and arrange a follow-up ultrasound to track the reduction.
Ready to start?
It begins with a review of your scans. Send your ultrasound and biopsy on WhatsApp and we'll tell you whether RFA can help.
