floridav, Author at Florida Vein Care Page 2 of 24

Why it is Time to Break Up with Your Varicose Veins

Posted on September 14, 2016April 11, 2017 by floridav

Let’s face it – varicose veins are ugly. Blue, gnarled, rope-like bulges; they certainly don’t look like they did years ago. Sure, you don’t spend hours every day staring at your legs. On the other hand, you may be aware of them but may have decided to always wear slacks and long skirts or dresses. Out of sight, out of mind. If you aren’t motivated by the desire to restore the youthful appearance of your legs by having varicose vein removal in Orlando, then here are some other reasons for you to contemplate breaking up with this nasty vein relationship. Dr. Richard Bragg of Florida Vein Care wants you to know how and why varicose veins can negatively impact your health and lifestyle.

Varicose veins are a sign of vein disease. As the valves in your veins malfunction and blood begins to pool behind them, your veins swell. This leads to the swelling of veins and surrounding tissue. The blood pooling causes a reduction in blood flow known as venous insufficiency. It should be taken seriously.
Varicose veins can be very painful. The discomfort experienced as a result of varicose veins can range from a dull ache to severe throbbing or even sharp and stabbing. It can keep you from participating in activities that you once enjoyed and can be so painful that walking becomes difficult.
You may develop skin ulcerations and bleeding. If left untreated, varicose veins may cause ulcerations and bleeding. These ulcerations can be very unsightly and take time to heal.
You may develop deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The blood that pools behind the valves may form clots. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when a clot forms in the larger veins, usually in the legs. DVT can add pain to an already uncomfortable condition. If the clots break free, they can be carried to the lungs, resulting in pulmonary embolism, an exceedingly serious diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with pulmonary embolism once, you run the risk of having it recur, which can cause chronic heart disease.

Dr. Bragg, a board certified MD specializing in vein care, heads the team at Florida Vein Care, and his priority is your vein health. It should be your priority, too. Call us at 407-805-5959 to schedule a consultation for your varicose vein removal in Orlando. It’s time to consider the treatment options that are available to help you break up with your varicose veins!

What to Expect at Your Endovenous Treatment at Florida Vein Care

Posted on September 7, 2016September 13, 2016 by floridav

If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, venous insufficiency, or spider veins, you are probably very concerned about what the next step might be. Has your doctor recommended treatment options or advised you on whether or not you need treatment right away? Dr. Richard Bragg and the skilled staff at Florida Vein Care, the top varicose vein center in Orlando, suggests that you seek a second opinion before you decide which treatment option is best for you.

You are a unique individual and your vein health is equally distinctive. Your symptoms, while they may be similar to another patient’s, are your symptoms. From discoloration, itching, swelling, pain, a feeling of heaviness or achiness to “jumpiness” or a throbbing sensation, each symptom varies in severity based on the patient. Whether you feel that they are mild or severe, eliminating them becomes the driving force that sends you in search of treatment.

Venous insufficiency (vein disease) is the result of malfunctioning of the valves within the veins that control blood flow. The blood pools behind the valves which result in swelling of the veins and all of the symptoms that are sure to follow. Complications, such as deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, may occur if left untreated. Whether it’s one vein or many that are affected, diagnosis is non-invasive and treatment is extremely effective and minimally invasive.

If it’s been decided that you are a candidate for endovenous laser therapy, rest assured that it has become the most well-known of the minimally-invasive treatments used to eliminate varicosities. You will be asked to schedule an appointment where Dr. Bragg or your physician will create a map of your veins in the affected area. This map is used to create a venous flow chart that helps us compile a detailed understanding of your circulatory system that extends below the surface veins to make sure your total vein health is taken into consideration prior to the procedure.

During endovenous treatment, using local anesthesia, an optic fiber is guided through ultrasound, and a very small laser pulse is used to generate the heat required to seal off the damaged vein. As the optic fiber is removed, the vein will seal itself off and the body will adjust to reroute the blood supply to nearby vessels. The body eventually reabsorbs the collapsed, damaged vein. The length of time it takes to perform the procedure, in addition to the number of laser pulses used to generate the required heat, is unique to each patient. The standard is approximately an hour for the procedure.

Following the procedure, you will return to your normal daily routine, but you will be cautioned to avoid engaging in high-impact activities. You will also be asked to wear compression stockings, which will help to reduce the possibility of developing tenderness, swelling, or bruising after the procedure. The need for follow-up is also unique to each patient.

Dr. Bragg is the leading vein care specialist in Central Florida, and his team at Florida Vein Care Center, the top varicose vein center in Orlando invite you to schedule a consultation now to find out if endovenous treatment is right for you.

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Why Those Creams Won’t Work for Your Varicose Veins

Posted on August 31, 2016August 24, 2016 by floridav

Many people believe that if they begin to treat those unsightly little spider veins the minute they appear, they will be able to keep them from developing into more noticeable ones. They begin to research topical treatments such as creams, lotions, essential oils, and a host of other products that promise to make their legs look and feel young once again. Here at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center, a vein treatment center in Orlando, we want to help you separate fact from fiction when it comes to treating spider and varicose veins and your venous health.

Many of the ingredients found in theses “wonder creams” may indeed temporarily improve the appearance of your skin, but they will do very little to alleviate the real symptoms associated with varicose veins, such as pain, swelling, and discoloration. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular ingredients:

Vitamin K: Found mainly in leafy, dark green vegetables, vitamin K is often sought for its ability to diminish the appearance of rosacea and localized bruises. While it may work temporarily to dissipate the look of spider veins, it is not effective on larger varicose veins and must be used regularly to continue any measure of effectiveness. Vitamin K assists your body in clotting blood, which is counterintuitive to those with varicose veins.
Horse Chestnut: Horse chestnut is primarily grown in Greece and Bulgaria and has historically been used in the treatment of venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory capabilities. Horse chestnut doesn’t cure spider or varicose veins as it just helps to relieve symptoms, and must be used regularly to achieve its effect.
Butcher’s Broom: Butcher’s broom is an herb that is also thought to reduce inflammation and swelling within the circulatory system and, therefore, will “tighten” veins to stop varicose veins from developing. Butcher’s broom has also been used in the treatment of venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids. It does not provide long-term relief or cure.

Spider and varicose veins begin beneath the surface of the skin and some develop deeper. When the valves in the veins stop working appropriately, blood begins to pool behind the valve which causes the vein to swell as the blood collects. Eventually, the vein begins to bulge, which results in the discoloration observed and is typically accompanied by swelling, pain, itching, discoloration, and a feeling of achiness. It should come as no surprise then that topical treatments are not able to eliminate spider or varicose veins as they cannot penetrate or be absorbed deep enough to work.

The great news is that there are treatment options available to help you eliminate those unsightly spider and varicose veins AND eliminate the symptoms associated with them. Contact Dr. Richard Bragg and his expert staff for vein treatment center Orlando at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center. Call us today at 407-805-8989 to take the first step to improving your vein health.

Healthy vs Varicosed Vein Breakdown

Posted on August 24, 2016August 15, 2016 by floridav

Have you ever wondered what exactly happens to a healthy vein to make it become a varicose or spider vein? This infographic from Orlando vein center, Florida Vein Care, shows exactly that.

For more information on varicose or spider vein treatment, contact Orlando vein center, Florida Vein Care, today at 407-805-8989, or contact us online.

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Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Varicose Veins

Posted on August 17, 2016July 21, 2016 by floridav

So, you’ve noticed these bluish, purplish veins on the calf of your leg. They are itchy and might even be causing pain and swelling. You suspect they might be varicose veins, but since you’ve never experienced this before, you really aren’t sure. It’s time to schedule a visit to the best varicose vein center in Orlando, Florida Vein Care. Here, you will be welcomed by Dr. Richard Bragg and his expert medical staff who will take the time to thoroughly review your medical history and determine what’s going on with your vascular health. You can’t afford to ignore these warning signs and here are a few reasons why.

The appearance of spider veins, or even worse, the manifestation of thick, bluish, and gnarled veins beneath the surface of the skin are warnings you should not ignore. To some, these unsightly and, often painful, indicators may be considered a minor irritation and an expected part of the aging process. For others, they are a source of embarrassment which prohibit them from wearing dresses, skirts, or shorts. Truth be told, the appearance of these alien-looking lines are a warning sign that your vascular health is not as good as you might think it is.

Varicosities are the result of poor blood flow in the veins. The valves within the vein walls that regulate circulation are not functioning properly anymore. As a result, blood begins to pool behind the faulty vein which causes the outward signs of skin discoloration and swelling. Itchiness, pain, heaviness in the leg, and fatigue are usually soon to follow. If varicosities are left untreated, the odds of developing blood clots increases and that, in turn, bumps up the risk of suffering from further (and potentially life-threatening) complications. Left untreated, varicose veins may also result in skin ulcerations and external bleeding. This can increase the risk of developing an infection.

Such risks can be greatly reduced with medical diagnosis and the treatment of varicose veins at the top varicose vein center in Orlando. Help is just a phone call away. Dr. Bragg and his team of vascular health specialists at Florida Vein Care are here to help determine the health of your vascular system and will work with you to determine the treatment options that are best for you. Listen to your body’s warning signs. Call 407-805-8989 now to schedule an appointment, and put your vein health in our hands!

5 Reasons it is Time to Treat Your Varicose Veins

Posted on August 10, 2016July 21, 2016 by floridav

So, you’ve been diagnosed with varicose veins. You’ve known people who have lived with them for years, and, other than the occasional complaint, they’ve never sought to do anything about them. Patients who come to the Florida Vein Care frequently ask when it’s the right time to treat their varicose veins. Dr. Richard Bragg suggests the following five reasons that it’s time to seek varicose vein treatment in Orlando:

Nothing seems to be working. You’ve followed your doctor’s recommendation to the letter. You’ve lost weight. You’re exercising and wearing looser clothing. You’ve worn compression stockings, balance periods of time sitting and standing, etc., yet you’ve not seen any reduction in the appearance or symptoms of varicose veins. It’s time to learn about treatment options.

The pain is constant. While some patients are relatively lucky in that they don’t experience any pain with their varicose veins, others may feel a dull ache. People also express that their legs feel itchy, “jumpy”, and that they are swollen. For others, the pain is constant and can be severe especially after long periods of time either sitting or standing. Even minor aches can impact your quality of life when they occur daily. Please consider seeking the advice of a physician; you don’t need to live in pain.

Your skin is ulcerated. Sometimes, varicose veins lay so close to the skin’s surface that they make you feel very itchy. Repeated scratching of these areas can cause the skin to ulcerate. The risk of infection is high as a result of poor circulation in these areas and must be taken seriously. If you have noticed bleeding from the varicose veins, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

You’ve developed superficial clots or deep vein thrombosis. Varicose veins run the risk of having clots form from the blood that pools behind the malfunctioning valve. If these clots break loose, they can travel to the lungs and/or heart, resulting in a significant medical emergency.

You are embarrassed by the way you look. If you feel the need to wear clothing that covers up your unsightly varicose veins, you should check into treatment options that might drastically change the way you look.

Dr. Bragg and the medical team at the Florida Vein Care are experts who will help you make an informed decision when selecting varicose vein treatment in Orlando. Sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) are some of the options that are available to help manage or eliminate varicose veins. These treatments are minimally invasive and usually require just a local anesthetic. Most patients return to normal daily activity the same day. Call the Florida Vein Care today, and schedule your appointment: 407-805-8989.

The Difference Between Xeomin® & Botox®

Posted on August 3, 2016July 21, 2016 by floridav

If Ponce de Leon had indeed located the Fountain of Youth, what a world this would be. Alas, he did not find that miraculous cure for aging, and our bodies will age despite our best efforts to keep the process at bay. The appearance of small lines or wrinkles around your nose, known as glabellar lines, are typically the first signs of aging to appear on the face. They are also referred to as frown lines. You may have tried to reduce the look of these lines through creams, serums, and ointments flooding the market only to be minimally successful or not at all.. Orlando Botox® or treatment with Xeomin® might just be the remedy you seek, providing you with better and longer lasting results. Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center offers several treatment options for helping your skin appear more youthful and radiant.

A consultation with Dr. Bragg and his amazing staff at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center is the first step to take in deciding whether or not Xeomin or Botox is the right treatment option for you. It’s important for you to know the difference between each treatment option.

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) was approved by the FDA in 2002 for aesthetic use and has since been providing excellent results for patients worldwide. Botox has an additional protein attached to its molecular structure which protects the stability of the toxin. Side effects are minimal for most patients. Botox requires refrigeration and should only be administered by a medical professional who has been trained in its administration.
Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) was approved in 2010 by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe glabellar lines (frown lines) as mentioned above. Xeomin is produced from the same bacterium that causes botulism. Xeomin does not require refrigeration and does not have an attached protein to its molecular structure. The current school of thought is that with the injection of Xeomin the risk of bad reactions is reduced because of the missing protein.

Xeomin and Botox are frequently used interchangeably as both are made from the botulinum toxin A, which produces the temporary paralysis of the facial nerves causing those nasty little wrinkles.

Dr. Bragg and his skilled staff at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center will help you determine if you’ll be a successful candidate for either Xeomin or Botox treatments. We will help you explore the pros and discuss your expectations and goals. You’ll learn about possible side effects which are typically minimal. We invite you to complete our online contact form, or call us at 407-805-8989, to take the first step to discovering what Orlando Botox or Xeomin can do for you!

5 Reasons to Consider Juvederm®

Posted on July 27, 2016July 19, 2016 by floridav

The body is an amazing machine. As we age, it begins to give us little warning signs that things are changing. For some women (men as well), one of the first visible signs of aging is apparent in the skin. Somewhere in the mid-30’s, under-eye circles become more evident and cheeks don’t seem to be as full as they used to be. Fine lines may begin to appear around the lips; this is due to the loss of elasticity in the skin. Orlando Juvederm®, a dermal filler, is one of the treatments offered at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center, and it’s one of the best options available to help keep your skin maintain that youthful appearance.

Why Juvederm?

It’s a one-time treatment. You won’t have to schedule multiple appointments to complete the procedure.

Treatment with Juvederm diminishes the appearance of scars. Depressed scars are scars where the skin has suffered volume loss. Juvederm can improve the appearance of these scars by filling in the area underneath the scar making the scar itself look smoother.

Juvederm restores fullness to your face by adding volume to both fine and deep lines. There are several forms of Juvederm, each specifically developed for designated areas of the face.

The results are immediately visible! Administration of a Juvederm procedure produces minimal pain or discomfort. You will be delighted with the look and feel of your skin before you leave the office.

Your results will last for months. Most patients continue to enjoy the results of their Juvederm procedure for nine to 12 months.

One of the most frequently asked questions by patients is “What is Juvederm?” The good news is that Juvederm is made from hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance already produced in the skin. Juvederm Voluma is the only gel filler to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

If the signs of aging are starting to appear and have you concerned about maintaining your youthful appearance, now is the time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bragg at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center. It’s the premier facility to experience the Orlando Juvederm difference. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Bragg is the first step towards deciding if a dermal filler treatment is best for you. Contact us now to learn more or call us at 407-805-8989. Keep that youthful look – you deserve it!

5 Reasons Why You Should Get Botox®

Posted on July 20, 2016June 28, 2016 by floridav

People in all walks and all stages of life are turning to Orlando Botox® to maintain their youthful looks or to reverse the effects of aging on their face and neck. Botox was originally used to treat muscle spasms of the eyelids. Patients and doctors began noticing that the side effect of treatment was a reduction in the wrinkles around the eyes that had received injections. It was approved for aesthetic use in 2002, and, since then, has seen a dramatic increase in use by those wishing to eliminate wrinkles and frown lines. Here are five top reasons that Botox may be a good choice for you.

Treatment with Botox is not considered an invasive procedure as only very small, fine needles are used to inject the liquid into facial muscles. While it is still a medical procedure, there is no need for any form of anesthesia and the procedure typically takes only 15 to 20 minutes. The results from a single treatment will last approximately three to four months. The depth of your wrinkles will determine how much Botox will be needed to relax the muscles that have constricted causing those annoying lines.
When used in combination with dermal fillers, Botox has been shown to improve the volume of the cheeks, lips, and other areas of the face. Many doctors use Botox and dermal fillers side by side to remove wrinkles and restore your youthful looks.
If you suffer from migraines, Botox has been proven to successfully reduce the frequency and severity of these often debilitating headaches.
Should you find that you’ve been diagnosed with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and clinical strength deodorants are not working to resolve the problem, Botox treatments might be the answer. Hyperhidrosis must be diagnosed by a physician and treatments must be performed by a doctor skilled in the procedure.
Botox can be used to help patients who desire to have their square jaw transformed into one with a rounder shape. As a side note, dentists who are experienced with Botox are using the injections to help alleviate TMJ pain and grinding of teeth (bruxism.)

Dr. Bragg and the expert staff at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center will help you determine if you’ll be a successful candidate for treatments. We will help you explore the pros and discuss your expectations and goals. You’ll learn about possible side effects which are typically minimal. We invite you to complete our online contact form, or call us at 407-805-8989, to take the first step to discovering what Orlando Botox can do for you!

Varicose Veins & Summer Travel

Posted on July 13, 2016June 28, 2016 by floridav

It’s that fabulous time of the year again when most folks make their vacation dreams a reality and set off to travel and explore. Regardless of your preferred mode of transportation, preventing varicose veins in Orlando should be given consideration, especially during long and potentially limited-space travels. If you’ve already been diagnosed with varicose veins or if you’re trying to prevent them from developing, extended periods of time spent sitting or standing can result in symptoms either appearing or worsening. Dr. Bragg of Florida Vein Care suggests the following ways to help alleviate the stressors on your veins during extended or confined travel:

Stay hydrated. We all like to have a good time while on vacation, and we tend to give up our good eating habits and indulge a bit. Remember that alcoholic beverages, sweet drinks, and salty foods can cause dehydration just as severely as the heat and sun. Plane cabins can cause dehydration as well as lengthy periods spent in a vehicle. Drink plenty of water daily to keep your vein walls from constricting which narrows blood flow and can increase the risk of varicose veins or worsen symptoms.

Take a dip in cool, refreshing water. While hot tubs and saunas are enjoyable ways to relax, they are not good for your vein health. If you absolutely have to get into the hot tub, do so with moderation. High temperatures result in your veins dilating which can also result in weakening of the veins. If you have varicosities, the hot water will increase your discomfort. Be sure to elevate your legs after a visit to the sauna or hot tub.

Think comfy clothes. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing whether traveling or headed out for a night on the town. Clothes that are too tight at the waist or around the legs can increase pressure on the veins and have a negative impact on circulation; add a confined space, and you are seriously risking venous issues. Fitted compression hosiery should be worn as prescribed to help maintain appropriate blood flow.

Don’t keep still. Whether in a car or on a plane, keep your legs moving by flexing your heel up and down at regular integrals. This causes your calf muscles to contract, which, in turn, applies normal pressure to the circulatory system which keeps it working as intended. If you can get up and stretch or even walk for a few minutes, do so.

Elevate, elevate, and elevate. Vacations are a great time for sight-seeing and being active, but take advantage of the down times in your itinerary and elevate your feet so they are raised slightly above your heart. Your veins won’t have to work as hard to fight gravity; it’s like a mini-vacation for your circulatory system. Whether diagnosed with varicose veins or trying to avoid developing them, elevation of the legs should be a part of your daily routine.

Are you looking for an experienced doctor to treat your varicose veins in Orlando? Then contact Dr. Bragg and the staff at Florida Vein Care. With three convenient locations serving Lake Mary, Dr. Phillips, and East Orlando, you can schedule a convenient, personal consultation to discuss your vein health. Contact us today, or call us at 407-805-8989.

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