Tag Archives: varicose veins tampa

01.02.21
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What You Need to Know About Spider Veins

spider veins tampa safety harbor west florida vein center

spider veins tampa safety harbor west florida vein centerSpider veins, while not painful, can be embarrassing and a visual eyesore.

A Closer Look at Spider Veins

Living with spider veins isn’t any fun. This is especially true in Florida. We are after all, the tropics – land of shorts and bathing suits. Hiding your vein issues becomes a hassle and a hot one at that. Thankfully there is no need to hide or cover any longer. Spider veins are completely treatable.

The Causes

Spider veins, much like varicose veins, are rooted in insufficient blood flow. (Venous insufficiency). When veins become frail or weak, they may start to leak collecting or pooling blood. This is what gives the appearance of a spider vein or in the case of more damaged veins, varicose veins.

Are you at risk?

Millions of Americans suffer from spider veins. Factors that contribute include gender, heredity, weight, age, pregnancy, history of deep vein thrombosis, excessive sitting or standing, repeated sun burns, smoking, wearing tight clothes, and excessive heat use (sauna and hot tubs).

Interesting Statistics

  • Close to 50% of women ages 40 to 50 have spider veins
  • About 75% of women ages 60 to 70 have spider veins
  • Around 25% of men age 30 to 40 have spider veins
  • Close to 50% of men over the age of 70 have spider veins

Spider Vein Symptoms

Usually spider veins are visible. They are small veins that remain close to the surface. They may be blue, reddish, or even purple in appearance and look like tiny tree branches or spider webs.

You may also experience restless legs when you are trying to go to sleep or relax, itching in the area of the vein damage, throbbing, aching, cramping or just an over all uncomfortable feeling in your legs.

What you can do to rid your legs of spider veins

Lifestyle changes can help alleviate the pain associated with spider veins and reduce new ones from forming but a lifestyle change alone cannot rid you of already existing vein issues.

Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy is done via injection of a sclerosant into the damaged veins. It begins a reaction of closing the vein so it can be reabsorbed into the body and the blood flow redirected.

Ultrasound may be used to help guide the placement of the needle into the vein being treated.

Treatment of Spider veins is very effective and virtually painless. The results are permanent. Interested to learn more and see if you are a good candidate?

Give our office a call at The West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor, Florida serving the Tampa Bay Florida area as your Vein Specialist. Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O. would be more than happy to help you get healthy legs that feel good again.  www.westfloridaveincenter.com 727-712-3233.

09.05.20
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Cardiovascular System Basics with the West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor, Florida

circulatory-system-west-florida-vein-center-dr-mark-zuzga-d.o.

A Look at the Cardiovascular System

At The West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor | Tampa Bay, Florida, we understand that the majority of our patients are not physicians themselves and have only a basic layman’s understanding of the vascular system. While this is generally enough information, as a person ages or their vein health becomes an issue, there may come a time when treatment at a vein center by a licensed vascular specialist becomes necessary.

For those who become vein patients, a certain level of understanding of the cardiovascular system becomes crucial in understanding and addressing what is going on in their own bodies.

We have included a basic easy to follow introduction to the vascular system in this article. This guide is simply intended to introduce some of the vocabulary words your doctor will likely be using with you, ensuring that their directions and recommendations are clear.

The circulatory system is made up of a series of blood vessels designed to carry blood, oxygen, and nutrients delivering them throughout the body. Waste products your body doesn’t need is picked up at the same time throughout the tissues and carried to the correct locations for disposal.

The types of Blood vessels and what they do

  • Capillaries are extremely numerous and tiny blood vessels located between the veins and arteries. The main purpose of capillaries is to assist both the arteries and the veins as they perform their functions. Capillaries distribute the oxygenated blood from the arteries out into the cells, and then collect the waste and distribute it back into the veins.
  • Veins are medium-sized vessels that perform an extremely important function in the circulatory system. It is the job of the body’s veins to pump blood from throughout the body’s tissues back to the heart, expanding as they collect waste.
  • Arteries are the largest, fewest, and most vital vessels within the human body. The purpose of arteries is to carry oxygen-rich blood pumped directly out of the heart and distribute it throughout all other tissues. The body’s major arteries are quite large but break down into smaller and smaller branches in order to be able to reach all of the body’s organs.

It’s easy to see how vital this system is. Other important bodily systems – the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems, as well as the body’s ability to regulate its own temperature – would not be able to function without nearly constant interaction from the vascular system. Because the pumping action in the vascular system must constantly battle with the force of gravity, the body’s arteries, veins, and capillaries must work very hard, and they are highly sensitive to problems and issues.

While you may understand the vascular system a little better after reading this, unless you are a physician you will most likely not be able to self-diagnose or treat any venous conditions that come up. Without a properly functioning system of blood vessels to distribute oxygen and eliminate waste, the body would simply fail.

To learn more about the vascular system and the importance of your vascular health, please get in touch with Dr. Zuzga at West Florida Vein Center today. www.westfloridaveincenter.com. (727) 712-3233 to schedule your appointment.

 

05.04.20
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Treatment Options for Varicose Veins in Safety Harbor, Florida

varicose veins west florida vein center

varicose veins west florida vein centerIf you have put off healing yourself from varicose veins or even going for a consultation with a Vein Specialist because you didn’t think you could afford a cosmetic procedure, wait no longer. Most vein issues are not considered cosmetic and are covered under insurance!

If you have varicose veins it means you have a condition known as Venous insufficiency. This is an indication of physical damage to your veins. Leaving damaged veins untreated can lead to the spreading of damage making things worse. Even if they do not start out painful, often can lead to pain.

Vein issues can make your legs feel tired, achy, itchy, and even painful. When left untreated for a very long time ulcerations can occur which are very difficult to heal.

The best course of action is to make an appointment, have an exam, and find out what exactly you are dealing with as well as a recommended best course of treatment to get you back to health.

Dr. Mark Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center has been treating patients for years now with much success. In-office, they offer several state-of-the-art medical options that can heal those damaged veins for good.

Option 1: The Venefit Procedure Endovenous Targeted Therapy – We proudly offer the Venefit™ procedure, formerly known as the VNUS Closure™ procedure, for the treatment of varicose veins and CVI. The Venefit™ procedure is a minimally invasive segmental ablation treatment that utilizes radiofrequency (RF) 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.

The Venefit™ 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.

The Venefit™ procedure has been proven in clinical studies to have excellent long term effectiveness, with less pain and bruising than endovenous laser.

*A comparison of the patient experience between those treated with the Venefit ™procedure, using the Covidien ClosureFast™ Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Catheter, and those treated with 980nm laser ablation.

Option 2: 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.   Sclerotherapy is sometimes used alone but in the instance of very small spider veins, laser treatment is also used.

Option 3: 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!

Option 4: EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment or 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 through 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.

Interested to learn more and find out what option may be right for you? Don’t wait. Call us today at (727) 712-3233 or visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com to learn more about each procedure.

04.25.20
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Online Screening for Vein Issues

Online screening vein issues

Online screening vein issuesDid you know that step one in getting your vein health back can be done right from the comfort of your own home?

You might be surprised how much our Vein Specialists can tell you from just a quick introductory email containing a few questions.

Your West Florida Vein Specialist will asses your answers that have been entered into a secure contact form housed on a HIPPA compliant server. Your information is safe and confidential. It will be studied and compiled and a specialist will follow up with you to answer you directly. You will receive a response from a  live specialist, not an online programmed robot.

If your questionnaire answers and current health condition sound like they could potentially be a situation that would require treatment, they may recommend that you then follow up with an in-person office visit. If your condition does not require an in-person follow up, they will tell you that as well, possibly making simple suggestions for at-home care, preventatively.

Making steps that help to ensure your health are always positive. If your legs exhibit signs of possible venous disease, take a minute and fill out the online consultation. The consultation is completely FREE and you are under no further obligation.

Signs you may have venous insufficiency:

  • Tired legs
  • Achy legs
  • Restless legs at bedtime (twitching)
  • Visible varicose veins
  • Visible spider veins
  • Leg cramps
  • Itchy Legs
  • Odd skin textures on your legs
  • Wounds or ulcers that will not heal

These uncomfortable issues can be corrected through proper care.  Let the specialists at West Florida Vein Center set you on the right path back to leg health. If you have more questions or would prefer to see our doctors in person please visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com or call 727-712-3233.

04.02.20
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Sun Exposure and Varicose Veins

Vein-health-and-sun-exposure-west-florida-vein-cente

Vein-health-and-sun-exposure-west-florida-vein-centeIf you live somewhere where sunshine is a year-round presence you will want to know how it can affect your vein health! 

The Importance of sunscreen when it comes to veins

These days most of us do put on sunscreen when laying out catching some rays. Sunscreen can deter UVA and UVB rays from doing skin damage, aging the skin or leading to cancer. While many are aware of the dark spots or wrinkles the sun may cause but what many don’t think about how sun exposure can egg on spider veins to form on the nose or cause already active vein disease in the body to worsen. With people currently flocking to South West Florida for the end of the beach season, it’s important to be aware of how to protect your skin from the sun whether it’s on the beach or just gardening in the yard.

Can the Sun Actually Cause Varicose and Spider Veins?

Yes and no. The sun can cause spider veins. It cannot cause varicose veins.

Many people believe a good tan will hide the appearance of spider veins, which is true. However, it’s a temporary measure and one that can backfire if you get too much sun, causing even more spider veins to spread.

Should I Avoid the Sun?

The only time you really should avoid sun exposure is if you have recently had a vein removal done. It is important to protect the skin after such treatment. Doctors recommend that people who have undergone vein treatment surgery should remain out of the sun anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks. The sun’s rays can cause pigment changes in the skin. Once the doctor clears you to go in the sun, it is important to apply sunscreen to the area to protect the skin.

Spider Veins: The sun breaks down collagen under the skin and in blood vessels right beneath the surface causing spider veins to appear. Sun exposure may also cause veins in your face to do the same, especially in light-skinned individuals.

Varicose veins: On the other hand, varicose veins are never created by the sun. However, veins that are diseased may worsen in hot weather. The sun’s heat can cause the veins to dilate and enlarge causing venous distention. Venous distention is a condition in which veins swell due to being filled with more blood than is needed. An increase in blood and size means swelling and pain.

Sun exposure vein health West Florida Vein center

When Is the Best Time of Year to Get Veins Treated?

The winter months are the ideal time to get skin looking healthy for the summer. Most people don’t think of their veins during the colder months because we wear so much clothing, but it can make life a lot easier to get problems fixed before summer beach weather returns.

Why Winter Treatment is Ideal:

  • Veins can worsen in winter months from inactivity.
  • Veins could require additional treatments, so there is plenty of time to be ready for the warmer weather.
  • Compression hosiery is often worn before and after varicose vein procedures. These stockings are easier to wear or hide in cooler months.

Learn More About Sun Exposure and Veins

If you have concerns about sun exposure on your spider or varicose veins or have any other questions about treatments, schedule an appointment with a vein specialist. If you are in the greater Tampa area, you can schedule a visit with Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center at (727) 712-3233. www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

03.04.20
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Sun Exposure – What You Need to Know When it Comes to Varicose and Spider Veins

Sun-exposure-vein-health-West-Florida-Vein-center

Sun exposure vein health West Florida Vein centerSummer in the sunshine state means shorts, bathing suits, and cool summer wear. It can be massively frustrating and limiting to have vein issues. It is just too hot out to be wearing long pants all the time.

Sunscreen and Vein Issues

Most of us do wear sunscreen when laying out getting some sun. Wearing sunscreen can deter UVB and UVA rays from doing skin damage, skin aging or stimulating cancer cells. While many are aware of the dark spots or wrinkles the sun may cause but what many don’t think about how sun exposure can egg on spider veins to form on the nose or cause already active vein disease in the body to worsen. With people currently flocking to South West Florida for the end of the beach season, it’s important to be aware of how to protect your skin from the sun whether it’s on the beach or just gardening in the yard.

Does the Sun Cause Varicose and Spider Veins?

This is a complicated answer. The sun can cause spider veins. It cannot cause varicose veins.

Many people believe a good tan will hide the appearance of spider veins, which is true. However, it’s a temporary measure and one that can backfire if you get too much sun, causing even more spider veins to spread.

Varicose veins: On the other hand, varicose veins are never created by the sun. However, veins that are diseased may worsen in hot weather. The sun’s heat can cause the veins to dilate and enlarge causing venous distention. Venous distention is a condition in which veins swell due to being filled with more blood than is needed. An increase in blood and size means swelling and pain.

Spider Veins: The sun breaks down collagen under the skin and in blood vessels right beneath the surface causing spider veins to appear. Sun exposure may also cause veins in your face to do the same, especially in light-skinned individuals.

Is the Sun to Be Avoided?

In general, no. However, after vein removal procedures it is important to protect the skin. Doctors recommend that people who have undergone vein treatment surgery should remain out of the sun anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks. Sunshine may cause pigment changes in the skin. Once the doctor clears you to go in the sun, it is important to apply sunscreen to the area to protect the skin.

 

What Is the Best Time of Year to Get Veins Treated?

The winter months are the ideal time to get skin looking healthy for the summer. Most people don’t think of their veins during the colder months because we wear so much clothing, but it can make life a lot easier to get problems fixed before summer beach weather returns.

Winter Treatment is Ideal:

  • Compression hose are often worn before and after varicose vein procedures. These stockings are easier to wear or hide in cooler months.
  • Veins can worsen in cold weather months due to lack of activity.
  • Veins could require additional treatments, so there is plenty of time to be ready for the warmer weather.

 More About Sun Exposure and Veins

If you have concerns about sun exposure on your spider or varicose veins or have any other questions about treatments, schedule an appointment with a vein specialist. If you are in the greater Tampa area, you can schedule a visit with Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center at (727) 712-3233. www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

02.10.20
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Vein Ligation and Stripping – The Recovery Process, What to Expect

When a patient decides to have any type of procedure performed it is important that each detail not only of the procedure but also of the recovery expected is to be discussed. No one likes surprises when it comes to their health and healing.

Though the vein treatment may take only a few minutes, your body will need some additional care and rest afterward.

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

What to Expect Post Vein Ligation and Stripping

Please continue to wear tight compression dressings for the first 3 days post-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 nonvisible. Those injected will take time to fully dissolve and disappear from sight.

Your legs may feel a little stiff or sore for a few weeks. We do prescribe pain medication to manage this so your recovery period is comfortable. Your legs in the areas they worked on may be slightly bruised.

Self Care at Home

  1. Get plenty of sleep
  2. Limit activity for a few days as instructed by your physician
  3. Walk. Add a few more steps each day
  4. Avoid strenuous activities
  5. Prop your legs up on a pillow many times throughout the day
  6. Do not drive until you are given the go-ahead
  7. You may shower after the compression dressing comes off. Please do not take a bath for the first two weeks.
  8. Take all medicine as directed
  9. Ice and elevate. 10-20 minutes at a time. 
  10. Follow up with your physician as directed.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to call – especially during your recovery. 

Schedule your consultation today: www.westfloridaveincenter.com (727) 712-3233.

01.04.20
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Could Compression Stockings Make Your Legs Feel Better?

compression stocking west florida vein

Medical-surgical treatments are often recommended for varicose veins and other venous disorders, there are a few at-home things that can be tried by the patient and integrated into their daily routines that can help alleviate symptoms greatly improving the comfort level. Vascular specialists often recommend compression stockings. These are specially designed type of hosiery specifically created to help prevent the occurrence of or progression of various venous disease issues, such as varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and deep vein thrombosis.

Compression stockings work by compressing the muscles, veins, and arteries on the surface, forcing the blood that is being circulated to fit through smaller channels than it is used to, resulting in an increase in arterial pressure and more blood being returned to the heart and less blood flowing backward and pooling towards the feet.

Compression stockings use stronger elastics than any other type of stocking including athletic performance socks, to create pressure at certain points throughout the legs, including the knees, ankles, and feet. The elasticity is tightest around the ankle, they become gradually less restrictive going upwards until reaching the thighs. These place pressure on the leg veins and increase the blood flow velocity as well as the effectiveness of the weakened valves.

Compression stockings are recommended for the following conditions and symptoms:

  • Achy legs
  • Varicose veins
  • Spider veins
  • Tired legs
  • Edema and/or swelling
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Phlebitis
  • Lymphedema
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Lipodermatosclerosis
  • Economy Class Syndrome (ECS)

Compression stockings are available in different styles that can be worn under clothing or on their own.
There are two main categories:

1. Anti-embolism stockings – Anti-embolism stockings on the other hand sometimes referred to as thromboembolism-deterrent hose, are designed to support the venous and lymphatic drainage of the leg.

2. Gradient stockings – gradient stockings are designed to remedy impaired valve performance and faulty leg vein valves, they are typically recommended for ambulatory patients that are prone to blood clots, edema, and blood pooling in the lower extremities.

Both gradient and anti-embolism stockings allow the right compression to be applied throughout the legs, and, because most compression stockings are now made to be indistinguishable from normal dress stockings, no one ever has to know!

Compression stockings are currently available over-the-counter at many retail stores. Speak with Dr. Zuzga at West Florida Vein Center today to discuss whether compression stockings are right for you. www.westfloridaveincenter.com. Give the office a call at (727) 712-3233. We look forward to speaking with you.

12.22.19
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Natural Vein Health Support

varicose-veins-natural-remedies West florida vein

varicose-veins-natural-remedies West florida veinVaricose veins are not only a visual distraction they are also often painful and uncomfortable. Lifestyle alterations can help – exercising more regularly, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight – all can do wonders. While the best options to permanently eliminate varicose veins are medical in nature there are some natural things you can do at home which may help support vein health overall.

Looking to nature’s medicine cabinet you may find some relief with the following vitamins and herbs.

B Vitamins – B vitamins can lower your cholesterol and improve your overall circulation, with B12 and B6 being specially recommended for those at risk of developing blood clots.

Vitamin C – vitamin C is important for the production of collagen and elastin, tissues that help to keep vein walls strong and flexible, helping greatly to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with varicose veins.

Vitamin E – often used alongside vitamin C, vitamin E is important for improving blood flow and general circulation, and also reduces the stickiness of blood platelets to assist those who are at particular risk for blood clot formation.

Gotu Kola – also known as Centella Asiatica, Gotu kola is an effective herb in treating varicose veins because it encourages healthy blood flow, promotes vein flexibility, and tones the connective tissues which surround the veins.

Bilberry – often sold as a companion product to Gotu kola, bilberry is an antioxidant herb that improves blood flow by strengthening capillaries.

Horse Chestnut Seed – typically sold as an over-the-counter supplement called Venastat, horse chestnut seed extract helps varicose veins by reducing fluid retention, swelling, and inflammation.

Butcher’s Broom – an herb that has proven to be especially effective when used in combination with horse chestnut seed, butcher’s broom works by strengthening the walls of blood vessels.

For more information on natural remedies for varicose vein treatment and prevention, contact Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center today at (727) 712-3233.

*Please check with your doctor prior to taking any vitamins or supplements for your venous condition. While the supplements listed above have been proven to be safe in most situations,  it is always best to double-check with a professional before taking anything that might interact negatively with any current medications or conditions.

11.15.19
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Treat Your Vein Issues This Winter!

Vein-treatment-west-florida-vein-center-Dr-mark-zuzga

Vein-treatment-west-florida-vein-center-Dr-mark-zuzga

You shouldn’t have to suffer from painful embarrassing vein problems. Nor should you have to cover up and feel self-conscious.

This winter be kind to yourself. It is the perfect time to stop putting off vein treatment and get back to feeling like yourself again!

If you are dealing with venous insufficiency issues you know that having varicose, spider or other vein problems can wear you down. They can make you self conscious and can be painful on a daily basis. Many patients give up on summer and wear long pants year round making hotter months far less comfortable.

If you’ve made the decision to treat your varicose or spider veins this winter, the West Florida Vein Center in Safety Harbor of Tampa, Florida can provide you the treatments you need. We offer a wide selection including minimally invasive treatments: ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, radiofrequency thermal ablation, and endovenous laser ablation. Browse our website to learn more about the conditions we treat and the options we offer. Give us a call to schedule a screening today!

TREATING VEINS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAKES THE HEALING TIME EASIER!

The Cold Helps You to Avoid Pain and Irritation

If you have varicose veins, you are more likely to experience pain and irritation during the winter season due to being less active. Pain and irritation are also common during the warmer months, but constant physical outdoor activity can help ease some of the irritation. Many consider having vein treatment at the beginning of the winter season allowing treatment of the problem before it has a chance to cause you any more discomfort.

Treated Areas are Less Likely to be Exposed to the Sun

When receiving vein treatment one side effect to watch for is discoloration. Discoloration is common when the areas are exposed to direct sunlight. Doctors recommend that patients cover up the treated areas for the first few weeks following therapy. In the winter we naturally tend to wear more clothing anyway, allowing less sun exposure while still remaining comfortable.

Compression Stockings Are More Comfortable During the Winter

Compression stockings can help you find relief both before and after your vein treatment. Compression socks are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, many patients feel uncomfortably hot wearing them during the warmer months of the year. Also if style is a concern, compression socks and shorts likely aren’t going to be your ideal combination.

Give Yourself Time to Heal Before Spring

Receiving vein treatment during the winter is ideal as it allows plenty of time to heal and recover, giving you the freedom of wearing whatever you want when spring and summer finally arrive!

The Time Is Now!

If you’re ready to finally stop the pain and discomfort that has kept you from living your life to its full potential, Dr. Mark Zuzga can provide you with the vein treatment you deserve at the West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor located in Tampa Bay, Florida. www.westfloridaveincenter.com 727-712-3233.