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Does Pregnancy Cause Varicose Veins?

January 11th, 2011

About 40% of women develop varicose veins during pregnancy. They can disappear after delivery, but are also likely to reoccur during a future pregnancy or stage in life. They can also get worse with each subsequent pregnancy following the development of varicose veins. There are a number of different reasons why pregnancy increases the likelihood of varicose veins.

1. Increases levels of progesterone – the changing hormone levels actually cause blood vessels to relax.  Valves on a vein can separate and back blood flow is not blocked, causing varicose veins to develop.

2. Pressure from the uterus – as the uterus enlarges as the baby grows, there is pressure placed on the pelvic region which causes changes in blood flow to the legs.

3. Family history – as with most things, family history plays a role. Family members that have had varicose veins during pregnancy are more likely to see the same problems in future generations.

If you have had varicose veins develop during pregnancy that have not returned to normal, contact us for a consultation.

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Normal Side Effects of Vein Treatment and Removal

January 5th, 2011

Following vein treatment, there are some normal side effects that you may notice, and it’s important to understand them in advance. The side effects are not permanent and once they subside, the results of the treatment will become more apparent. The specific side effects depend upon the treatment method selected and can include the following:

With sclerotherapy, normal physical side effects that can be expected after treatment include:

  • Some pain at the injection site which may feel like stinging or a cramp
  • The injection site may become irritated and appear red and raised. There may also be bruising
  • In the area surrounding the treated vein, spots or brown lines may be visible but will typically disappear
  • Fine red blood vessels or blood clots may also be visible, but these pose no threat and correct themselves

With laser surgery for vein treatment, there are even fewer side effects:

  • For the first few days following treatment the skin may appear red or swollen in the area around the vein
  • skin can appear discolored, but only lasts one or two months
  • Scars and burns can only occur in circumstances where the procedure is performed incorrectly. A reputable medical office that specializes in the treatment of veins will ensure that this is not a side effect

Understanding the potential normal side effects is important when considering and following through with any procedure, as it prevents greater stress once the procedure has been completed. Treatment for varicose veins and spider veins is relatively non-invasive as far as cosmetic procedures go and there is minimal risk. In order to discuss your candidacy for the procedure, contact Vein Care of New York.

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What to Expect Following Varicose Vein Treatment

December 28th, 2010

Most patients undergoing a medical procedure are most concerned about what to expect during recovery, because that is an unknown factor when it’s nothing they’ve experienced before. With varicose vein treatment and surgery, there are a few different things that individuals should know to expect;

  • Varicose vein removal is an outpatient treatment – there is no overnight hospital stay, individuals will go home to recover. This means it’s important to organize help at home with children or other responsibilities since the anesthesia may still have an effect and mobility may be more limited. Someone must also be available to transport a patient home as they cannot drive after the procedure.
  • Moving during recovery is essential – encouraging blood flow through the legs during recovery is essential for healing. An exercise regimen will be provided following the procedure, but it’s important to work through any pain and stick to it.
  • Support garments may be required – support garments may be recommended and can be worn for 3-6 weeks after the procedure. They can help to reduce swelling and bruising.
  • You shouldn’t remain in one position – ensure that you don’t stay in the same position for more than 2 hours at a time. This means no sitting or standing for more than 2 hours without moving to encourage blood flow.
  • Know it won’t look perfect – while results will be visible, the procedure won’t render the long-term results instantly. Swelling and bruising can be present for up to 8 weeks.
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    Trends in Aesthetic Surgery Predicted for 2011

    December 20th, 2010

    Vein treatment has aesthetic goals, and therefore the The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery  predictions for 2011 may have an impact on this industry and the choices that patients make with regards to their own appearances. The ASAPS predicts that 2011 will be a strong year in general for growth and progress in the plastic surgery world. While they have released specific trend expectations for individual procedures, in general their predictions speak volumes about where the United States stands when it comes to making aesthetic surgical choices.  Some of the ASAPS’s specific predictions include:

    • It’s expected that there will be even greater demand for facial rejuvenation surgery as the economy is improving. The demand for non-surgical facial procedures may also rise, but as these have been more affordable alternatives during the economic downturn for many individuals, the increase may not be as drastic.
    • New injectables will be created and the current technologies will evolve creating demand.
    • There will be a demand for procedures following dramatic weight loss due to society’s increased focus on health that’s expected for 2011. Body contouring, abdominoplasty and other procedures will be sought after.
    • Baby boomers that got breast implants in their 20s may choose to have an implant replacement or a breast lift to improve the look of them following age-related changes.
    • Cosmetic surgeons will continue to explore other options for fat removal that are less invasive than liposuction.
    • There will be a substantial number of botched surgeries in 2011 due to patients visiting under-qualified doctors or illegally obtaining injectables to use at home.
    • There will be a diverse group of people that turn to plastic surgery as seen in recent years.
    • There’s so much talk about the butts of celebs like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez that more patients will seek posterior body lifts and other buttocks augmentation procedures to improve their assets!

    Vein Care of New York can help you reach your aesthetic goals in 2011. Learn more by visiting our website.

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    Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins

    December 13th, 2010

    Some patients mistakenly assume that any pronounced veins that appear in their bodies are varicose veins. This is not always the case, and it isn’t just the appearance of the veins that can lead to a diagnosis, or a suspicion that medical care should be sought.  Here are some of the signs that can help you determine if what you’re experiencing could be varicose veins that requires treatment:

    • Achy feeling in the area where the vein or veins are present
    • Swelling in the tissues around the affected area. This occurs as fluid from stagnant blood leaks into the area.
    • Increased feelings of fatigue or a heaviness in the body. This can be aggravated by standing for long periods of time or around the time of menstruation for women.
    • Itchy skin in the area by the veins
    • Changes of skin color that often looks more brown/gray

    If you experience any of these symptoms, book a consultation to diagnose and treat varicose veins

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    Cosmetic Procedures Better Embraced by Society, Says Study

    December 8th, 2010

    Cosmetic procedures are being talked about more than ever before, and a new study by the organization Superdrug proves just how important it is to Americans to look as good as they feel. 3,000 people were polled as part of this study and the findings include:

    • According to the women polled, the average ideal age to get plastic surgery is 52
    • 1 in 3 women have things about their appearance they don’t like and would consider plastic surgery
    • 1 in 3 women would prefer to look 20 years younger than win the lottery
    • 25% of women polled said they’d get an eye lift
    • 29% of women said they’d get a tummy tuck
    • 29% of women polled said they’d consider Botox or a chemical peel
    • 62% of people polled believe that there is more pressure now to look good than with previous generations, so plastic surgery has become more important

    While this study focused specifically upon plastic surgery, it provides valuable insight into how much today’s Americans have embraced improving themselves aesthetically.

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    How Your Weight Compromises Vascular Health

    November 29th, 2010

    Vascular disease occurs primarily in seniors as blood flow is restricted and conditions like cartiroid artery disease develop. The consequences of vascular disease can be severe and even fatal as it can lead to a stroke or be the cause of gangrene or foot ulcers. A healthy lifestyle can both treat and prevent vascular problems in people of all ages.  Obesity has an impact on vascular health for a number of different reasons:

    1. Exercise increases blood flow – by improving circulation in the body, the risk of vascular disease is greatly reduced.

    2. With weight loss, blood pressure and cholesterol can be maintained at healthy levels – when levels are normal, there is less plaque in the ateries which can allow blood to pump effectively through the body.

    3. Eating healthy foods lower in sugar and cholesterol regulates the body - when focusing upon consuming a healthy diet, individuals will reduce their blood pressure and cholesterol as outlined above. Often vascular problems begin due to poor nutritional habits so the damage can be undone by focusing upon a nutrient-rich diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins.

    If your unhealthy weight is contributing to poor vascular health, there are solutions and your first strategy should be to improve your lifestyle and begin to shed the pounds.

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    Preventing Varicose Veins With a Healthy Lifestyle

    November 20th, 2010

    As with many physical ailments, varicose veins can occur due to poor lifestyle which put the body into a tailspin and have a number of effects. Many of the risk factors that can lead to the development of varicose veins relate to poor lifestyle choices that can be prevented. Other factors may not be as easily prevented but do relate to physical health.

    Individuals at risk for deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins include:

    • People that lead an inactive lifestyle - seniors who are no longer able to engage in regular exercise due to declining mobility and individuals who are sedentary by choice may be at risk for varicose veins. This occurs because the circulation of blood in the legs declines.
    • People that are obese - obesity can cause varicose veins due to immobility. While this is related to the point above, obesity is the actual cause.
    • People with auto-immune diseases - blood disorders that cause blood thickening can lead to lack of circulation and the development of varicose veins.
    • Women that are pregnant - pregnancy hormones can cause varicose veins due to blood clots that form due to an increased presence of estrogen.
    • Women that use birth control pills – as with pregnancy, birth control pills can increase estrogen levels and cause blood clots.
    • Individuals recovering from surgery – blood clots can occur after surgery for various reasons, and blood clots can lead to the development of varicose veins.  Health prior to surgery  can play a role  if the need for surgery occurred due to poor lifestyle choices.While some health conditions that require surgery may not be preventable, there are many that are.

    Many of these risk factors can be reduced simply by incorporating physical activity into daily routine, and focusing on improving overall health and wellness. Other risk factors depend upon personal choices that pertain to health, and provided these individuals understand the potential risks they can take measures to ensure that they reduce their likelihood of varicose veins.

    Once varicose veins are present, retroactive lifestyle changes can be beneficial, but may not eliminate their presence. Treatments are available for varicose veins.

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    Patient of the month November 2010

    October 29th, 2010

    For 20 years I have watched my varicose veins get worse. I thought I would have to live with them forever as they continued to worsen. After the first meeting with the staff at Vein Care of New York I realized there was help for me. From the consultation to today, the doctors and staff have been extremely helpful. They explained the procedure, listened to my questions and checked on me after the procedure to follow up on my recovery. The procedure was simple, pain free, and the recovery was quick, and the result was amazing. I am extremely grateful to everyone at Vein Care of New York for all of their assistance and care.”

    Pat C.

    VEIN CARE OF NEW YORK patient

    Treatment: Endovenous Laser

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    Public Health Screenings

    September 12th, 2010

    Vein Care of New York will be providing free public health screenings throughout the greater metropolitan NY area on an ongoing basis. These health screenings will be designed to identify members of the general public who are at risk and/or appear to have signs or symptoms suspicious for peripheral vascular and cardiovascular disorders.

    If you would like to provide a free health screening for your organization or employees please call us for qualifying details at 1-800-691-VEIN(8346).

    News Archive:

    Summer 2010 schedule:

    Dates Location
    June 25, 26, 27 Jones Beach State Park
    July 9, 10, 11 Robert Moses State Park
    July 16, 17, 18 Sunken Meadow State Park
    July 23, 24, 25 Jones Beach State Park
    July 30, 31 Robert Moses State Park
    August 1 Robert Moses State Park
    August 20, 21, 22 Robert Moses State Park
    August 27, 28, 29 Sunken Meadow State Park
    September 3, 4, 5 Jones Beach State Park

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