Can Your Varicose Veins be Treated Without Heat?

Posted on July 6, 2016June 28, 2016 by floridav

For many patients who have been diagnosed with varicose veins, the consideration of treatment options can be an overwhelming process. Dr. Richard Bragg of Orlando vein center, Florida Vein Center, will personally consult with you to verify your diagnosis and walk you through the available treatment options that will suit your specific needs. You may be pleasantly surprised to know that not all varicose vein treatments require the use of heat.

One of the biggest concerns that patients seem to have is the use of lasers and other heat-related therapies. This concern stems from the use of general or local anesthesia with even more apprehension being expressed about heat disrupting the tissues around the varicosities. Anxiety about either of these may deter the patient from seeking treatments that are necessary to restoring vein health.

Heat-related therapies include a minimally-invasive treatment option where radio waves or radio frequencies are introduced to the diseased vein, and an ablation of the superficial vein is performed. Guided through a small catheter, the radio-wave energy is introduced through a small incision in the affected vein, resulting in the vein being sealed off through the heat generated. Endovenous laser therapy is also a form of ablation. However, as its name suggests, a laser pulse is used to generate the heat required to seal off the damaged vein. In both cases, the diseased veins are eventually reabsorbed into the body.

There is no general anesthesia required for these procedures other than a minor injection of a numbing agent, usually lidocaine, at the procedure site or sites. Depending on the severity, a mild sedative might be prescribed. Patients can usually return to normal activity immediately after any of the above minimally-invasive procedures. Some patients, though rare, have reported experiencing minimal bruising, swelling, or scarring.

A non-heat related therapy, sclerotherapy is a treatment that doesn’t use any laser or energy sourced heat. It combines ultrasound guidance to the superficial diseased veins that are then typically injected with a liquid or foam that promotes the collapse of the veins, which are ultimately reabsorbed by the body. Local anesthesia is typically all that is required for sclerotherapy.

Another non-heat sourced treatment for some patients is wearing physician-prescribed compression hosiery. These stockings are available in a range of compression strengths based on the severity of the varicosities and size of the patients. Compression hose often alleviate the symptoms attributed to varicose veins, and, for some patients, no other treatment is necessary unless the condition worsens.

If you’ve been diagnosed with varicose veins, or suspect that you have them, contact Dr. Bragg and the outstanding Orlando vein center staff at Florida Vein Care. We are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins, and you deserve to know the details of all of the available treatment options. Contact us at (407) 805-8989 today for an appointment. Don’t put it off any longer. Your vein health is too important.

What You Need to Know About Standing Desks & Varicose Veins

Posted on June 28, 2016 by floridav

Do you remember your mom saying “If your friends all jumped off a bridge, would you follow them?” It was her gentle way of pointing out that you shouldn’t consider caving into the pressure of your peers. Similarly, the staff at our varicose vein center in Orlando suggests you give ample thought to deciding if you will join the ranks of the trending office culture that suggests the use of standing desks is healthier for you than sitting at a traditional desk with an office chair.

In an effort to help employees stay fit and healthy, many employers are providing their workforce the option of working at a standing desk. The prevailing school of thought is that sitting for long periods of time directly correlates to an increase in obesity, increased blood pressure, excess body fat around the waist, and other complications that arise from a sedentary lifestyle. How this translates into vein disease and the development of varicose veins has been well documented:

Injury – Sustaining an injury that causes deep bruising will no doubt result in injury to your veins. Valves inside the vein walls control blood flow and stops blood from leaking backward when they function properly. An injury can upset the delicate balance of blood flow regulation.

Lifestyle – This includes not only your occupation but how much and what kind of exercise you get. There is a delicate balance to be struck in not spending too much time on your feet or exercising to the extreme. Sedentary individuals tend to have more problems with varicose veins. However, people who exercise too hard or those who stand on their feet for long periods of time also run the risk of developing them.

Striking the perfect balance between times spent standing or sitting is extremely important in reducing the controllable risks of developing varicose veins. If you decide to opt into the standing desk scenario, be sure to take regular breaks and make certain that your workstation is ergonomically designed to avoid damage to your spine, hips, and knees. Florida Vein Care, a varicose vein center in Orlando, suggests that if you begin to notice any of the symptoms associated with varicose veins, such as swelling, discoloration, itching, aching, or a tired feeling in the legs, don’t delay in contacting Dr. Bragg and his staff for your consultation at 407-805-8989, or contact us online.

7 Myths About Venous Disease You May Not Know

Posted on June 7, 2016July 24, 2018 by floridav

7 Myths about Venous Disease

It seems that with every new medical study released these days, there are conflicting reports about what’s good for us and what isn’t, what treatments work or don’t work. It’s difficult to know what choices to make when making decisions about your general health. The same challenges apply when seeking advice about your vascular health. Our vein clinic in Orlando is here to help you unravel the myths about venous disease. Here are the most common myths about venous disease that you may not know:

You can always see varicose veins. While varicose veins in the legs and arms can appear to be very obvious because they seem to bulge from the surface of the skin, they can occur deeper within the body and in places that you don’t often see.

Varicose veins are strictly a cosmetic problem. Without sounding like the harbinger of doom, it is important to remember that your veins shouldn’t bulge, appear bluish, or cause pain. If this is occurring, it is much more than just unsightly. Varicose veins result from the malfunction of valves in your veins. This malfunction can cause more serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

Spending all day on your feet may cause varicose veins. While individuals who have careers that require them to spend copious amounts of time on their feet have been known to experience more severe symptoms of varicose veins, no one can state for certain that standing for extended periods of time actually causes them. The same holds true for people who spend the majority of their day sitting.

The only way to treat varicose veins is by having surgery. Once upon a time, vein stripping was indeed the only option for patients suffering from varicose veins. The surgery consisted of having the vein removed from the affected area. Advancements in technology have expanded the options available for the treatment of varicose veins. Click here to learn more about today’s options.

Only women get varicose veins. Varicose veins may occur more frequently in women, but men get them, too. Family history, obesity, and other contributing factors result in 25% of the male population being diagnosed with varicose veins.

Aging is responsible for the appearance of varicose veins. While varicosities certainly seem to become more problematic with age, the truth is that young people can be diagnosed with varicose veins as well. Family history is a large component in the development of varicose veins as are hormone levels. As a result, young people, young women, and pregnant women can be bothered by varicose veins.

There is nothing I can do to prevent me from getting varicose veins. Genetics can take the rap for a portion of the development of varicose veins, but your own lifestyle can be a contributing factor. Maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and not smoking are just a few ways that can help to prevent developing varicose veins.

Our vein clinic in Orlando, Florida Vein Care, is here to help you learn everything you need to know about varicose veins. Dr. Bragg and his staff are here to accurately assess and diagnose the status of your vein health. They offer a variety of treatment options and they will help you find the one that is right for you. Get on the path to a healthy vascular system. Call 407-805-8989 to schedule your consultation.

Let’s Bust Some Myths About Botox®

Posted on May 24, 2016June 7, 2016 by floridav

Are you concerned that those little wrinkles on your face are getting more pronounced? You’ve heard that Botox® can help reduce wrinkles and help restore your youthful appearance, but you have also heard some things that are keeping you from taking that first step. Dr. Bragg and the medical team at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center want to bust some of the myths you may have heard about Botox® in Orlando.

MYTH 1: Botox is something only women get. This might have been true when Botox was first introduced in 2002 as a cosmetic procedure. While women have historically been more in tune to the importance of looking youthful and attractive, but times have changed. Nowadays, more men believe that looking young and attractive is critical to being successful in a very competitive job market. As a result, there has been a marked increase in the number of men scheduling Botox treatments. In fact, it is sometimes referred to as “Brotox.” It is important to note that the effect of Botox in men versus women is different. Be sure to find a physician, like Dr. Bragg, who is well versed in treating male patients.
MYTH 2: The best time for Botox is when the lines appear. Let’s bust this myth wide open. It’s important to know that repetitive muscle movements can be responsible for the development of wrinkles. Squinting, frowning, raising your eyebrows, and laughing can cause the appearance of those annoying lines in your face. Taking a proactive approach to stave off the appearance of wrinkles can be in your best interest. If your wrinkles are very deep, they’re more difficult to relax. Early treatment can help your muscle memory relax, and, combined with your conscious efforts, may reduce your body’s tendencies to make these facial movements which may result in longer time spans between treatments.
MYTH 3: If you stop getting Botox, it will make your wrinkles worse. Botox works by relaxing the frequently used muscles that cause wrinkles. It provides a temporary fix, with varying longevity, based on the frequency of treatments. Usually, when patients stop treatments, the muscles will eventually begin to constrict which returns the appearance of the wrinkles to the same status prior to treatments. As you continue to age, the wrinkles will not be any worse than they were prior to treatments.
MYTH 4: You are never too young for Botox. While the preemptive strike against aging has proven to be significant with regular Botox treatments, teenagers and those in their 20’s have not typically acquired enough muscle memory to consider treatment at such an early age. The injection of Botox is a medical procedure, and, as such, should be considered for appropriateness on a patient by patient basis by an experienced physician.
MYTH 5: Botox is just for wrinkles. Botox was first used as a muscle relaxant for spasms of the eyelid, and, since being approved for aesthetic use, it has also been found to considerably reduce the pain of migraines, facial spasms, vocal cord spasms, and excessive sweating.

Dr. Bragg and the staff at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center will help you determine if you’ll be a successful candidate for treatments with Botox in Orlando. We’re here to help you explore the pros and cons of having the treatment and discuss your 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 a younger looking you.

Can The Florida Heat Cause Varicose Veins?

Posted on May 12, 2016June 7, 2016 by floridav

To understand whether or not the Florida heat can cause varicose veins, Dr. Bragg and the staff at Orlando vein center, Florida Vein Care, want you to know a bit about what varicose veins are. Arteries pump oxygenated blood from the heart and distribute it throughout the body. The veins are responsible for returning the blood back to the heart to be re-oxygenated. This intricate system comprised of the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins is called the circulatory system.

There is a network of superficial veins that lay just underneath the surface of the skin. There is also a grid of deep veins, which are the heavy lifters, carrying the majority of the returning blood flow. All veins contain one-way valves which regulate the return of blood to the heart. The valves work as a stop-gap to keep gravity from pulling the blood flow backwards, and, as a result, our blood supply is regulated to ensure proper functioning of the circulatory system.

When the valve(s) in one or more of the superficial veins fail to work incorrectly, the blood flow returning to the heart is disturbed, and blood begins to pool within the vein. This is sometimes called a leaky valve. This pooling results in enlargement and distortion of the vein leading to swelling in the legs or arms, achiness, and discoloration of the skin. Left untreated, the vein can become extremely distended, thick, and almost knotty-like in appearance. This is a varicose vein.

There are many reasons that people develop varicose veins, (click here to read about the top four causes), and they do occur more frequently in women than in men. They may appear not only on the legs and ankles, but on the arms, on the face, etc. Those who enjoy active lifestyles and eat a well-balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight can still develop varicose veins. But does the Florida heat cause varicose veins? There is no direct correlation between heat and the development of varicose veins.

That being said, there is a direct correlation between the effects of heat on veins that are already damaged. Higher temperatures cause the veins to dilate and enlarge, which results in a larger volume of blood within their walls. While your body tries to get the blood flow closer to the skin’s surface to help cool you down, these varicose veins will appear larger and become more symptomatic. That’s why many people believe that the Florida heat “causes” varicose veins and seek treatment during the hot summer months.

Dr. Bragg and the medical team at Orlando vein care clinic, Florida Vein Care, are Central Florida’s leading specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. Don’t wait until your symptoms get worse or for summer to kick into full force. Call us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards better vein health at 407-805-8989.

Dr. Bragg Discusses Removal of Veins & the Effect on Your Circulation

Posted on May 1, 2016June 7, 2016 by floridav

Before treatment for varicose veins in Orlando can be addressed, Dr. Bragg wants you to know the reason behind requiring treatment. If you remember back to your elementary school science class, our circulatory system is a complicated network comprised of the heart, veins, and arteries carrying blood to and from the heart. Arteries pump oxygenated blood throughout the body, and veins return blood back to the heart. Valves work within the vessels to control blood flow and, in essence, help to maintain steady pressure.

When the valves stop working properly, whether as a result of genetics, age, pregnancy, immobility, or obesity, etc., the blood begins to pool behind the valve. The pooling causes the veins to swell, and, eventually, bulge towards the skin’s surface. Appropriate circulation is diminished and the symptoms of varicose veins become apparent. In addition to swelling, patients complain of achiness and fatigue in the affected limb, itchiness, cramping, and discoloration of the skin.

Surgical removal of the vein, also called vein stripping, is when the diseased vein is tied off and removed from the leg either through an incision in the groin or behind the knee, or both. This treatment requires general anesthesia and is now only performed in certain cases.

Sclerotherapy combines ultrasound guidance with injections of liquid or foam into the diseased vein. The injections promote the collapse of the veins, which are ultimately reabsorbed by the body. In essence, they are removed.

Another minimally-invasive treatment includes radio-wave or radio-frequency ablation of the superficial vein. Guided through a small catheter, the radio-wave energy is introduced through a small incision in the affected vein, resulting in the vein being sealed off through the heat generated. Endovenous laser therapy is also a form of ablation. However, as its name suggests, a laser pulse is used to generate the heat required to seal off the damaged vein. In all cases, when the vein is closed off, the body adjusts and reroutes the blood supply to nearby vessels.

Dr. Bragg states “The most frequently asked question by patients is ‘If you take out the veins, or shut them down to be reabsorbed into my body, will my circulation get worse?’” He explains that “Circulation will actually improve because only the damaged veins with the leaky valves are removed. Compare it to having a leaky pipe in your home that just can’t be repaired. When you turn off the water to that area, the water pressure throughout the house improves.”

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of varicose veins please, don’t wait to seek medical advice. There are several treatment options for varicose veins in Orlando. Call us at 407-805-8989 schedule an appointment to come in for a consultation. Dr. Bragg and his staff want to help restore your vein health to function at its best. Live the life you want to live!

NEOVA at Florida Vein Care

Posted on April 22, 2016June 7, 2016 by floridav

Statistics show that 98% of women over 40 are concerned about the signs of sun damage and changes to their skin. If you fall into this category and find yourself spending countless hours researching the best skin care products on the market but can’t tell the truth from the not-so-true, please read on.

You don’t need to risk a visit to an expensive cosmetic boutique or take a chance by ordering expensive skin care products online only to find that they don’t provide the results you are seeking. You now have direct access to the newest and best defender in the arsenal against aging skin in Orlando. Simply put: NEOVA®. Dr. Richard Bragg is the foremost medical cosmetic professional in the Orlando area, providing a variety of targeted skincare treatments to fight aging skin, including Orlando Botox®. And now NEOVA is available in our office.

NEOVA was recently featured on New York Live on WNBC-TV, New York during a beauty segment. NEOVA is one of the top affordable selections made by Andrea Pomerantz Lustig, Lifestyle and Beauty Expert for Prevention magazine. In this informative piece, Pomerantz Lustig cited that sunscreen should be the first step taken in preventative aging for women over 40. NEOVA Day Therapy (Broad Spectrum SPF 30) employs DNA repair enzymes which repair sun damage and prevents further damage from occurring. It can be used successfully as a stand-alone product, yet it is light enough to be combined with other sunscreen protection.

Living in Florida wreaks daily havoc on our skin, and protection against UVA/UVB light is crucial to preventing against the development of wrinkles and even changes in skin texture. Sunlight, specifically UV rays, can cause changes to the skin with even minimal exposure. NEOVA has been proven to block 97% of UVB light and contains antioxidants and emollients to help skin stay healthy and moisturized. Customers have also noticed a healthy looking glow after use.

Your skin health and protection against the sun’s damaging rays is of paramount concern to Dr. Bragg and the staff at Florida Vein Care Center. Contact us to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Bragg or to receive additional information about skin care, such as Orlando Botox and NEOVA. Begin repairing your skin from previous sun damage and protect your skin from further harm. Call us at 407-805-8989 if you are ready to make your appointment today.

Why Athletes Can Have Varicose Veins

Posted on April 10, 2016June 7, 2016 by floridav

It may seem implausible that an athlete, someone who eats properly, maintains a healthy weight, doesn’t smoke, and exercises regularly, could actually develop varicose veins. Unfortunately, they can and do. At our Orlando vein center, we know that living a healthy lifestyle and being an athlete, regrettably, will have no impact on a person’s genetic makeup, or, for that matter, against gravity. Life in Florida naturally lends itself to an active lifestyle, and for athletes, it’s a great place to train.

Athletes are just as vulnerable to their genetic composition as non-athletes. It is estimated that if one parent is diagnosed with vein disease, a person will have approximately a 30% chance of developing varicose veins and a 90% risk if both parents have been diagnosed. Sorry ladies, but female athletes will have an even greater chance of becoming symptomatic if they become pregnant or begin hormone replacement therapy.

The reality is, based on the above factors, that exercise neither causes nor prevents varicose veins from developing. One of the questions asked most frequently at Florida Vein Care is “Will my veins get worse because I exercise?” The answer might surprise you. Exercise doesn’t significantly increase, nor does it decrease, your vulnerability in forming varicose veins. Unfortunately, the aging process is the more definitive contributor, and there’s no getting away from it.

Poor blood flow in the veins result when the valves within the vein walls that are supposed to regulate circulation are no longer working properly. When we walk or run, our calf muscles tighten, which helps the circulatory process work efficiently. When the valves are not functioning correctly, blood begins to pool because there is not enough pressure to fight gravity. This causes the veins to swell and varicosities become apparent.

Athletes often comment that they feel great when they are training, but then notice, after exercising, their legs feel heavy, achy, and sometimes painful. Elevating the legs seems to help. The calf muscles are not supporting appropriate blood flow back to the heart, which is an indication that the veins are in some form of distress. When working out, the muscles demand an increase in oxygen supply and, therefore, an increased volume of blood must be rushed to the muscles. Return of this blood flow is hindered by gravity and veins that are not functioning properly. Typically, varicose veins will not impact athletic performance. However, they are not to be taken lightly.

Dr. Richard Bragg is the premier vein care specialist in Central Florida and will provide a thorough examination and discuss treatment options that are right for you. The staff at our top Orlando vein center is here to help diagnose and explain the options for treatment of varicose veins. Call for a consult today and keep maintaining your athletic lifestyle at 407-805-8989.

Why I Started Botox® Sooner Than Later

Posted on April 5, 2016March 29, 2016 by floridav

In 1998, the first time I tried Botox®, I remember my older sister giving me a hard time about it. “I’m just gonna grow old naturally and I’ll never resort to injecting needles in my face!” I’ve always been more vain than she so I didn’t expect her to agree with my decision to have Botox®, but I never predicted what she would say about 12 years later! In 2010, our family had a reunion, and I’m chatting with my big sister about everything under the sun when she stops me and says “I’m 11 months older than you, but I look at least 10 years older.” She is studying my face searching for the creases she sees on her own face wondering where mine are. “Botox!” I proudly blurt out with a laugh!

So, if it’s a three-month long effect, how come it was able to stop aging in its tracks? The answer is simple. If you don’t sit on a sofa for 12 years, it doesn’t get any wear and tear does it? Similar with facial creases…if the muscles beneath the skin are weakened and cannot cause creases, the skin on top is “preserved” in a sense. My face is not as creased because I’ve been using Botox regularly for over 16 years now. FDA-approved neurotoxins like Botox® & European-born Xeomin are both excellent anti-aging treatment options because they pose almost zero health risk combined with very effective crease deterrent (anti-aging) effect at a reasonable cost. Understanding how neurotoxin works may alleviate concerns for many who fear this treatment as extreme or dangerous which it is neither.

The neurotoxin works by inhibiting the re-uptake of neurotransmitter in the muscle junction. When this blocking of acetylcholine occurs in the muscle, the muscle is weakened and unable to contract to it’s fullest strength which protects the skin on the surface from creasing damage. Static creases or lines on the face are ones that can be seen all the time whether you are asleep or awake; static creases are just there! Dynamic creases are lines that are only visible with expression, and these are the creases neurotoxins can stop. In fact, long-term treatment of facial dynamic creases will result in less and less Botox required. It’s sort of like if you don’t go to the gym, your muscles get weaker. If you are not contracting certain muscles often, they will not need as much neurotoxin to overcome their ability to contract.

The face is full of highly sophisticated muscles that allow us to emote endless facial expressions. True facial aesthetic artists like Dr. Bragg and his P.A.-C Madge Geohagen will offer the most natural Orlando Botox or Xeomin look with the best results for your anti-aging regimen. Trust the experts at Florida Vein Care.

FAQ’s About Varicose Veins

Posted on March 22, 2016 by floridav

At Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center, we pride ourselves on providing our patients with the most current information regarding vein health. As the premier vein clinic in Orlando, we are frequently asked all sorts of questions about the cause, symptoms, and the treatment options of varicose veins. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we get:

I think I might have varicose veins. Will it be a painful process to get a diagnosis? Very often, people delay seeking medical attention when they suspect they have developed varicosities because they are afraid of what the examination will entail. Rest assured that your first visit to Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center will be completely non-invasive and pain-free. The recommended diagnostic tool is the use of a Doppler ultrasound. A venous Doppler is a non-invasive screening will allow our staff to have insight into what’s happening within your vein walls and visualize the valves and blood flow.
What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins? Location. Varicose veins appear to bulge from the skins surface. They may be large and thick, appear to be rope-like, and may appear blue or purple in color, but they can also be quite thin. Spider veins may range in size from thin wisps to thicker strands, however, spider veins do not rise above the skin’s surface. Both spider and varicose veins may be indicators of a more serious issue with your total vein health.
Is there anything I can do to keep me from developing varicose veins? There is no sure-fire way to avoid getting varicose veins. However, there are steps you can take to try to prevent, or at least, minimize their appearance. Here are a few suggestions:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Don’t smoke.
- Avoid spending too much time standing or sitting.
- Wear compression hosiery.
- Get regular exercise.
If I seek treatment, will there be a long recovery period? For most patients seeking treatment for varicose veins, the answer to this question is a resounding no! With recent advancements in medical technology, these medical procedures now allow for many patients to resume normal activity immediately following a procedure.
Should I consider treatment for my varicose veins before I have children? Pregnancy is one of the top causes of varicose veins. If you have been diagnosed with varicosities prior to pregnancy, you should be discussing treatment options with your healthcare provider.

The staff at the top vein clinic in Orlando is here to help diagnose and explain the options for the treatment of varicose veins. Dr. Bragg is Central Florida’s leading expert in sclerotherapy, EVLT, vein microsurgery, laser treatments, and ambulatory phlebectomy, and he will help you decide which treatment is best for you. Call for a consult today at 407-805-8989, or contact us online.

7 Myths about Venous Disease

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