Look and Feel Your Very Best This Summer!

summer-legs-west-florida-vein-center

summer-legs-west-florida-vein-centerThings are hot this summer here in Florida and our clothing choices show it. Tank tops, skirts, bathing suits, shorts, we will adorn nearly anything to keep cool. That poses a problem when you are living with venous insufficiency or vein disease.

Not only is vein disease uncomfortable and even sometimes painful it is visually embarrassing for many. Your once beautiful legs now marred by purple and blue lines. Here is the thing… unlike the old days, you don’t simply have to grin and bear it or wear ankle-length skirts the way your grandmother did. You can fix the issue in a few quick painless appointments with our office.

The initial appointment is a consultation. We will take a look at your current state and take into consideration your entire medical history. From there we will create a treatment plan customized to your needs to get you the very best results possible.

The West Florida Vein Center is proud to offer a variety of state of the art vein dissolution services that can help heal your legs and rid you of unsightly painful varicose and spider veins.

We offer the following vein treatment options:

Venefit™ Targeted Endovenous Therapy procedure, formerly known as the VNUS Closure™ procedure, for the treatment of varicose veins and CVI. The procedure is a minimally invasive segmental ablation treatment that utilizes radiofrequency energy to provide an even and uniform heat to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will re-route itself to other healthy veins. This procedure allows for a quick, comfortable recovery and a return to everyday activities for the average patient, while also improving the appearance of varicose veins. It has been proven in clinical studies to have excellent long term effectiveness, with less pain and bruising than laser.

Endovenous Ablation

This revolutionary new treatment for large varicose veins was pioneered at Cornell University in New York. Originally performed in Spain, the EndoVenous Laser Ablation is performed in the office, takes less than an hour and accomplishes the same thing as a major surgical vein stripping. Using ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia, a thin laser fiber in a catheter is threaded up to the vein. As the catheter is slowly withdrawn, the laser shrinks and seals the large vein that causes varicose veins in most patients. There is little or no visible scarring. In those patients who are candidates for the procedure, it is 97% successful.

Microphlebectomy / Phlebectomy

Varicose veins are micro-surgically removed through tiny punctures about the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen.  The word “phlebectomy” literally means removing the vein. On the day of the procedure, the doctor or nurse will mark your leg where the veins bulge out. Then, a special local anesthetic (numbing medication) called “tumescent” is injected into the area surrounding your vein. The doctor will make tiny incisions or “stabs” of about 2-3mm – the size of a ball-point pen tip – and use a crochet-type hook to “grab” the vein and remove it. This interrupts the vein, causes any remaining portions of the vein to “clot off”, and gets rid of those unsightly bulgy areas!

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves the injection, via a very fine needle, of a solution into small to medium varicose veins and spider veins. The solution causes the veins to shrink, close off and gradually disappear. A session usually lasts approximately 15 minutes. There are few reported allergic reactions to the solution used. Depending on the number of veins, multiple sessions may be required, which will be decided after the initial consultation and evaluation.

If you are considering vein treatment but haven’t quite decided yet, let us help you make the right decision for you. Give us a call at (727) 712-3233 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zuzga or visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com to learn more.

Are Your Legs in Summer Ready Shape? – Don’t Let Veins Stop You!

summer-legs-west-florida-vein-center

summer-legs-west-florida-vein-centerThings are downright hot here in Florida this year and our clothing choices show it. Bathing suits, shorts, tank tops, skirts, we will wear nearly anything to keep cool. That becomes a problem when you are living with venous insufficiency or vein disease.

Not only is vein disease uncomfortable and even sometimes painful it is visually embarrassing for many. Your once beautiful legs now marred by purple and blue lines. Here is the thing… unlike the old days, you don’t simply have to grin and bear it or wear ankle length skirts the way your grandmother did. You can fix the issue in a few quick painless appointments with our office.

The initial appointment is a consultation. We will take a look at your current state and take into consideration your entire medical history. From there we will create a treatment plan customized to your needs to get you the very best results possible.

The West Florida Vein Center is proud to offer a variety of state of the art vein dissolution services that can help heal your legs and rid you of unsightly painful varicose and spider veins.

We offer the following vein treatment options:

Venefit™ Targeted Endovenous Therapy procedure, formerly known as the VNUS Closure™ procedure, for the treatment of varicose veins and CVI. The procedure is a minimally invasive segmental ablation treatment that utilizes radio frequency energy to provide an even and uniform heat to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will re-route itself to other healthy veins. This procedure allows for a quick, comfortable recovery and a return to everyday activities for the average patient, while also improving the appearance of varicose veins. It has been proven in clinical studies to have excellent long term effectiveness, with less pain and bruising than laser.

Endovenous Ablation

This revolutionary new treatment for large varicose veins was pioneered at Cornell University in New York. Originally performed in Spain, the EndoVenous Laser Ablation is performed in the office, takes less than an hour and accomplishes the same thing as a major surgical vein stripping. Using ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia, a thin laser fiber in a catheter is threaded up the vein. As the catheter is slowly withdrawn, the laser shrinks and seals the large vein that causes varicose veins in most patients. There is little or no visible scarring. In those patients who are candidates for the procedure, it is 97% successful.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves the injection, via a very fine needle, of a solution into small to medium varicose veins and spider veins. The solution causes the veins to shrink, close off and gradually disappear. A session usually lasts approximately 15 minutes. There are few reported allergic reactions to the solution used. Depending on the number of veins, multiple sessions may be required, which will be decided after the initial consultation and evaluation.

Microphlebectomy / Phlebectomy

Varicose veins are micro-surgically removed through tiny punctures about the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen.  The word “phlebectomy” literally means removing the vein. The day of the procedure, the doctor or nurse will mark your leg where the veins bulge out. Then, a special local anesthetic (numbing medication) called “tumescent” is injected into the area surrounding your vein. The doctor will make tiny incisions or “stabs” of about 2-3mm – the size of a ball-point pen tip – and use a crochet-type hook to “grab” the vein and remove it. This interrupts the vein, causes any remaining portions of the vein to “clot off”, and gets rid of those unsightly bulgy areas!

If you are considering vein treatment but haven’t quite decided yet, let us help you make the right decision for you. Give us a call at (727) 712-3233 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zuzga or visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com to learn more.

Vein Ligation and Stripping – The Recovery Process

varicose veins

When a patient decides to undergo any type of medical procedure it is important that they have all of the information. This includes what to expect post-procedure. Though the vein treatment may take only a few minutes, your body will need some additional care and rest afterward.

varicose veinsEvery person recovers at a slightly different rate. Your own recovery time may vary. This is based on the average experience of all of our patients.

What You Can Expect

Your leg(s) may feel a little sore or stiff for the first few weeks. You may be prescribed pain medication to get through this part of the recovery. Your legs in the areas they worked on may be slightly bruised.

We ask that you continue to wear tight compression dressings for the first 3 days after surgery. If you have stitches they will dissolve on their own or your doctor will let you know they need to be removed if non-dissolvable within 14 days.

Make sure to rest for 3 to 7 days. Veins removed will be immediately non-visible. Those injected will take time to fully dissolve and disappear from sight.

Caring for Yourself at Home

  1. Your doctor may limit activity for a few days
  2. Get enough rest/sleep
  3. Avoid strenuous activities
  4. Prop your legs up on a pillow many times throughout the day
  5. Walk a little more each day
  6. Take all medicine as directed
  7. Do not drive until you are given the go ahead
  8. You may shower after the compression dressing comes off. Please do not take a bath for the first two weeks.
  9. Ice and elevate. 10-20 minutes at a time place an icepack on the leg worked on.
  10. Be sure to follow up with your physician as directed for the very best outcome.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to call and ask, that is what we are here for during your recovery. Ready to take back your leg and circulatory health? Call us to schedule an appointment today: www.westfloridaveincenter.com (727) 712-3233.

Sclerotherapy – the Right Choice for Small Vein Removal

sclerotherapy-west-florida-vein-center-tampa

sclerotherapy-west-florida-vein-center-tampaAs we age many of us begin to notice small changes in our bodies. If your parents or grandparents had varicose veins or spider veins in their legs you are more likely to develop them as well. Genetics is not the only factor though. Lifestyle also plays a big part.

If you have visibly noticeable small veins that resemble a spider web you likely have telangiectasia, a lesser form of varicose veins or vein disease. While not usually painful, if not treated they tend to start out in a small location and spread fairly quickly.

Sclerotherapy is the main go to treatment for combatting telangiectasis. Sclerotherapy is used on spider veins as well as small superficial varicose veins appearing on the legs. They may also appear (though less commonly) on other parts of the body as well.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is injection therapy using a very thin 32 gauge needle and a solution to chemically treat specific areas where vein damage exists. The injected chemicals collapse the blood vessel. This takes place within only a few seconds taking effect immediately. The doctor can see it working as they proceed. Sclerotherapy typically takes from 1 to 6 treatment sessions to reach the fading level desired for the treated veins.

Thanks to the natural adaptive healing processes of the human body the blood is simply re-routed to other healthy veins that can easily take on the extra flow while the spider veins fade from view gradually over a period of several weeks due to nonuse and reabsorption.

This procedure is performed using the smallest gauge needle made in order to minimize the sensation of an injection. Most patients are pleasantly surprised when they experience just how painless modern sclerotherapy actually is. Even if you are needle phobic this procedure has been said to be a breeze.

The Doctor’s Suggestion: Wear graduated compression stockings immediately after treatment for up to a week or more. The main benefit is, of course, the look of your legs. No longer encumbered by purplish blue lines sclerotherapy may also help improve annoyance symptoms sometimes linked to spider veins, such as itching, aching, burning and nighttime cramps. If you have tried sclerotherapy in the past and have been unsuccessful in relieving symptoms outside of the visual it could be a sign that deeper veins may need to be treated as well.

It is important to note that there is minimal to no discomfort with this treatment and no downtime.

Sclerotherapy is, so far, the most effective treatment option for spider veins.

Interested to learn more? We are here to help. Give the office of Dr. Mark Zuzga a call today at The West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor / Tampa, Florida.

www.westfloridaveincenter.com (727) 712-3233 to set up a consultation and get you on the road to healthier legs.

Most insurance accepted!

What Exactly IS a Vein Specialist?

The only credentialing body for the treatment of veins in the office setting is the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission or the IAC.

IAC - Vein specialist

You may have heard that if you are dealing with venous insufficiency you will need to consult with a Vein Specialist. 

Are all Vein Specialists created equal? Unfortunately, the answer is No. This is where you need to look for an accredited office and physician.

 

The IAC is made up of representatives from 9 medical societies including:

  • Society for Vascular Surgery
  • Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery
  • American College of Surgeons
  • American Venous Forum
  • American Academy of Dermatology
  • American College of Phlebology
  • Society for Vascular Ultrasound
  • Society for Vascular Medicine
  • Society of Interventional Radiology

These societies have joined forces to stop the dangerous practice of treating veins by unqualified doctors thereby establishing national standards of patient safety.

For your own protection and peace of mind, please only choose a vein doctor with this national certification. There are many “med spas” that pop up around the country and tend to be fly by night operations. Though, yes they are actual doctors who run them, they are not specialists in the true nature of the word and may have only taken a weekend class certification in venous issues.  It takes years to master the art. You do not want to be someone’s practice piece.

Magnant
While there are now several routes to becoming a “Certified Vein Specialist” if you want your health entrusted to the best, choose a doctor, such as Vein Specialists very own Dr. Joseph Magnant, who is a Vascular Surgeon with over 26 years of experience. They are the only specialists who have focused their practice solely to vascular disease.

True excellence comes from experience and this proficiency develops from treating damaged veins day after day, year after year, one patient, one case at a time.

Vein Specialists www.weknowveins.com holds the IAC seal as it is displayed right on the website itself.

If you are in the Fort Myers | Bonita Springs, Florida area we would love to work with you to get you on your way to the best vein health possible. The first step can be taken right now, right here online by going to www.weknowveins.com and clicking the Confidential FREE vein screening button at the top the page or by calling 239-694-VEIN (8346).