Category: Varicose Veins

Remember the old adage “Buyer Beware?” There is a great deal of truth hidden in that phrase for many reasons. Nowadays, it is still an important warning to heed if you are trying to find a good doctor. If you are searching for care by an Orlando vein center, Dr. Richard Bragg of Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center suggests that you exercise caution when seeking diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. “Today’s patients and physicians must be willing to participate together in the diagnosis and development of their customized treatment plan to help ensure that they are being well cared for by an authority in the field.”

It is very important to work with a physician who upholds the established guidelines when diagnosing and treating venous conditions such as spider or varicose veins. Unfortunately, not all doctors work ethically and are more concerned about the numbers of patients treated, which ultimately enhances their bottom line. These physicians hastily make generic diagnoses and follow up with procedures that may not resolve the issue in one treatment. The following suggestions pertain to surface spider and varicose veins. Patients who suffer from deep venous issues may require other forms of treatment.

What you should consider when choosing an Orlando vein specialist:

• The doctor you select should be using ultrasound imaging to confirm reflux in the vein. This is the only way to guarantee that your treatment is actually warranted.
• Procedures should only be performed on veins that show actual signs and symptoms of varicosity.
• A vein specialist will typically only have to perform a single ablation on any named vein. (Some physicians will perform ablations over several treatments of the same sight at different strengths. This is not an ethical way to proceed.)
• If sclerotherapy is warranted, there should be a predetermined understanding between doctor and patient as to whether or not it will be performed at the same time as an ablation or it will be scheduled for a future visit.

At Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center, it is the goal of Dr. Bragg and his staff to always perform a thorough diagnosis utilizing ultrasound imaging and comprehensive physical examination. As the premier vein specialist in Orlando, Dr. Bragg will personally meet with you to discuss your diagnosis and your treatment options. Call us at 407-805-8989 to schedule your consultation today. Choosing your Orlando vein center is serious business. Make sure you choose wisely.

The decision to look for a vein treatment center in Orlando is one of the best decisions you will ever make to improve your vascular health. Spider and varicose veins are not just unsightly; they are indicators of venous disease that can continue to escalate if left untreated. Dr. Bragg and the experts at Florida Vein Care & Cosmetic Center are recognized leaders with more than 10 years of experience in caring for patients with varicose veins.

There are several procedures, surgical and non-surgical, that can be utilized to eliminate varicose veins. Dr. Bragg and his team will explain the risks and benefits of each procedure and determine which treatment option is best for you. He will also explore the risk if you choose not to seek treatment. Keep in mind that venous disease does not typically go away on its own, and chronic venous insufficiency will only get worse as time goes on. It can progress to deep vein thrombosis and other very serious conditions.

Why should you seek varicose vein treatment?

1. Well Established – Many varicose vein treatments have been performed for more than 70 years with documented success rates.
2. Highly Effective – Most treatments are highly effective. When sclerotherapy is deemed an appropriate treatment, the Mayo Clinic finds that, “studies of sclerotherapy as a treatment for varicose and spider veins indicate that it has an overall success rate of about 60 to 80 percent in eliminating treated veins.”
3. Non-Surgical – While most varicose veins require minor surgery, some patients will respond well to Sclerotherapy, a non-surgical treatment option.
4. No Downtime – Unlike procedures of the past, most varicose vein treatments performed today allow for patients to return to their daily routine immediately.
5. Few Side Effects – While there may be a little tenderness at the injection site, there are few to no side effects reported from most of today’s treatment options.
6. You will look and, more importantly, feel better – Enjoy wearing shorts, skirts, or dresses once again. Your legs will look years younger, and your vascular health will be greatly improved.

Restoring your vascular health through a varicose vein treatment is the number one priority for Dr. Bragg and the medical team at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center. Call now and schedule your consultation with one of the best vein treatment centers in Orlando at 407-805-8989. Kick the pain and unsightliness of varicose veins today!

The first appearance of spider veins or the observation of bluish, gnarled, thick veins beneath the surface of the skin is a major source of embarrassment for many people. The opportunity to wear short, skirts, dresses, or bathing suits is no longer an option for them. In a climate where these garments are a big part of every wardrobe, there is no place for varicose veins! Dr. Richard Bragg of Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center, a leading Orlando vein center, wants you to know that there are more reasons to seek vein care than the way spider and varicose veins look.

Aside from discoloration, bulging and swelling that are noticeable when varicose veins appear are the less noticeable, but often more distressing, symptoms. They can include the following:

• A feeling of heaviness or achiness
• Jumpiness or a restless feeling that they can’t keep their legs still
• A throbbing sensation
• A dull ache
• A sharp pain

Symptoms are a warning sign.

The human body is an amazing machine. Each and every part is meant to work in harmony with all the other components. When one part fails, the rest of the body responds. When varicose veins occur, the vascular system is sending a warning that something is wrong. The warning should not be ignored.

Pain is a symptom.

Many people try to push through pain. Others believe, “No pain, no gain.” When it comes to your vein health, pain in your legs or arms that is accompanied by swelling and/or discoloration should warrant an immediate appointment to your doctor.

Varicose veins are the result of the malfunction of the valves which regulate blood flow. When the valves begin to leak, the blood begins to pool behind the valve, eventually causing the vein to appear discolored and swell. The aches and pains are soon to follow. Don’t suffer needlessly.

We take vein care very seriously. At Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center, 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. Our team at our Orlando vein center will determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual situation. Call us at 407-805-8989 to schedule an appointment today.

To determine whether or not your job is a contributing factor to developing varicose veins, you actually need to consider more than just your job. There are those who absolutely believe that spending all day on your feet causes varicose veins. And then there are those who claim that people who work sedentary jobs are more prone to developing varicose veins. At Florida Vein Care, you will find the best vein treatment in Orlando, regardless of what caused your varicosities.

It is true that individuals who have careers that require them to spend copious amounts of time on their feet have been known to experience more varicose veins. Teachers, servers, hairstylists, nurses, cashiers – you get the idea – are more likely to develop diseased veins. However, the larger predisposition occurs in women who hold these types of jobs. No one can state for certain that standing for extended periods of time actually causes varicose veins, but genetics certainly play an important role.

The same holds true for people who spend the majority of their time sitting. Those who are chained to a desk share the same risk as those who stand all day and, once again, women bear the greater risk of developing varicosities.

Regardless of your job, the key to keeping your veins healthy requires striking a balance of activities and diet that will work to improve your circulation. You don’t have to join a gym to find exercises that will help to strengthen your legs; you can simply begin walking or swimming. Always check with your physician before beginning any new exercise regime or diet, but get out and move!

Standing or sitting, the use of compression hosiery can help keep your circulation flowing properly. The delicate pressure put on your leg muscles helps to dilate the veins which improves blood flow. If you are at a sedentary job, force yourself to get up and move around every thirty minutes or so. If you are on your feet, shift your weight from leg to leg periodically. It’s also important to elevate your legs when you are resting. Avoid wearing tight fitting clothes as they can compress veins, impeding blood flow.

If you are concerned that you are developing spider or varicose veins, don’t delay seeking a medical opinion. Dr. Richard Bragg of Florida Vein Care is here to answer all of your questions and discuss treatment options if you are diagnosed with varicose veins. Vein treatment in Orlando has changed over the years, and your vein health is too important to overlook. You need to be seen by the most trusted vein specialist in Central Florida. Call us at 407-805-8989 to schedule your consultation.

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!

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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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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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.