Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center

More than 10 million people in the United States have peripheral artery disease, but many haven’t been properly diagnosed. At Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center, with offices in Port Jefferson Station, Riverhead, and Hauppauge, New York, the experienced vascular specialists offer on-site diagnosis and treatment to improve your vascular health and prevent serious health complications, like a heart attack or stroke. If you suffer from chronic leg pain or cramping, schedule a consultation without delay by calling the office nearest you or by requesting an appointment online now. Peripheral Arterial Disease Q & A What is peripheral artery disease? Peripheral artery disease is a chronic condition that develops when your peripheral arteries become narrow and block the efficient flow of blood. This narrowing is due to atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque inside your artery walls. Plague contains fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances that harden and limit the space in your artery where blood flows. Your peripheral arteries carry blood away from the heart and into your head, abdomen, arms, and legs. In many cases, peripheral artery disease affects the arteries carrying blood to the legs. What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease? Peripheral artery disease can cause a variety of symptoms in your legs, which typically worsen when you walk and resolve when you rest. Common symptoms of peripheral artery disease include pain, cramping, or fatigue in your legs, hips, or buttocks when you exercise or walk. The discomfort may or may not go away when you stop the activity. If left untreated, peripheral artery disease can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. You may also be at increased risk for the death of tissue in your legs that ultimately requires amputation of your toes, foot, or leg. Because the symptoms of peripheral artery disease are similar to many other conditions, it’s important you receive an accurate diagnosis at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center as soon as possible. What are the risk factors for peripheral artery disease? As you get older, your risk for developing peripheral artery disease increases. You may also be at a higher risk for peripheral artery disease due to: Smoking Diabetes High cholesterol High blood pressure If your risk for peripheral artery disease is high due to smoking or underlying health conditions, your Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center physician may recommend diagnostic ultrasound testing to monitor blood flow through your arteries. What treatments are available for peripheral artery disease? Initially, your physician may recommend lifestyle changes to reduce your risk factors for a worsening of the condition. These changes may include: Losing weight Quitting smoking Controlling diabetes Taking blood pressure medications When symptoms of peripheral artery disease begin to interfere with your quality of life, you may be a candidate for surgical treatment. The surgeons at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center perform procedures to increase blood flow into your legs. Balloon angioplasty involves the placement of a small balloon that your surgeon inserts and inflates in the affected vein. This widens the vein to increase blood circulation. A stent placement, which involves the insertion of a small tubular device to keep the vein open, may also be an option. Find out more about your options for treating peripheral artery disease by scheduling a consultation today, online or by phone.

Undiagnosed blood clots are a serious condition that requires the expertise of the medical team at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center. The skilled vascular specialists offer on-site diagnostics, treatment, and prevention services for blood clots at their locations in Hauppauge, Port Jefferson Station, and Riverhead, New York. The Port Jefferson Station office also offers surgical suites for minimally invasive blood clot removal surgery. If you have symptoms of a blood clot, don’t delay an evaluation. You can book an appointment online or by calling the office nearest you today. Blood Clots Q & A What are blood clots? Blood clots are clumps of blood that form inside a blood vessel. While clotting is necessary to prevent blood loss when you have an open wound, some blood clots can obstruct healthy blood flow throughout your body. There are two types of blood clots. A thrombosis is a clot that stays where it forms without traveling to other areas of your body. You can also develop an embolism, a type of clot that moves through the bloodstream to another part of your body, such as the lungs. An embolism can lead to life-threatening health complications and even death if not properly treated. What causes blood clots? Blood clots can form if you sit for long periods of time, or if you’re on bedrest due to illness or surgery. You may also be at increased risk for blood clots due to: Age Obesity Smoking Family history Autoimmune disorders Chronic inflammatory disease If you take hormone replacement therapy or use hormonal birth control, you may also have a higher-than-normal risk for developing blood clots. What are the symptoms of a blood clot? Your symptoms depend on where you develop a blood clot. Clots can form in any area of your body but are most common in your: Arms Legs Lungs Brain Heart Kidneys Stomach Clots that form in the arms or legs can cause swelling and painful cramps. Clots in the stomach can lead to severe stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. If an embolism travels to your heart or lungs, you may experience chest tightness and pain, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. With a lung clot, also known as a pulmonary embolism, you may also cough up blood. Blood clots in your brain can result in weakness in your face and limbs, disturb your vision, and cause headaches and dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to call Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center right away. How are blood clots treated? Treatment for blood clots depends on where the clot is located. In many cases, you can expect to take blood thinners or clot-busting drugs. In some cases, your Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center doctor may deliver medications directly to a clot through a long, thin tube. If a blood clot has the potential to become life-threatening, your vascular surgeon may recommend surgery to remove the clot. Don’t delay evaluation of blood clot symptoms. You can book an appointment at the office nearest you online or by phone today.

If twisted, painful varicose veins are affecting the health and appearance of your legs, it may be time to consider sclerotherapy. At Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center, with offices in Hauppauge, Riverhead, and Port Jefferson Station, New York, you can receive in-office sclerotherapy to permanently eliminate damaged veins. The vascular specialists also offer guidance to reduce your risk for new varicose and spider veins down the road. Find out if you’re a candidate for sclerotherapy by calling the office nearest you, or request an appointment online today. Sclerotherapy Q & A What is sclerotherapy? Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for spider veins and varicose veins. Your Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center specialist uses a small needle to inject a solution into the affected veins, which causes them to close off. The special solution causes irritation in the lining of your vein, causing it to swell. The sides of the vein become stuck together, no longer allowing blood to flow through the treated vein. Over time, your blood will re-route to nearby, healthy veins while your spider and varicose vein tissues will shrink and be absorbed by your body. Why might I need sclerotherapy? For some people, sclerotherapy is useful for eliminating noticeable varicose veins and spider veins to enhance the appearance of their legs. You may also require sclerotherapy if you have pain, aching, burning, or swelling in your legs due to varicose veins. Your doctor at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center determines if sclerotherapy is right for you after examining your legs and reviewing your medical history. What can I expect during my sclerotherapy procedure? Your doctor performs sclerotherapy on an outpatient procedure, making sure you’re comfortable during the injection. You may feel some mild burning as the solution is injected into the damaged veins using a fine needle. Depending on how many veins you’re treating, the procedure typically takes less than an hour. How long does it take for varicose veins and spider veins to disappear? Following your sclerotherapy procedure, you may have soreness, bruising, and redness at the injection sites, which typically resolves within a few days. It takes time for the treated veins to disappear and larger veins may become hard and bumpy before they begin to shrink. Spider veins generally take a month to go away, while larger varicose veins need four months or longer to disappear. Once treated, the damaged veins can’t grow back. To prevent spider and varicose veins from appearing later, your Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center specialist can discuss lifestyle changes, such as getting more physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight. If you’d like to improve the look and health of your legs by eliminating varicose and spider veins, schedule a consultation at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center. You can book an appointment online or call the office nearest you.

While spider veins aren’t generally a cause for worry, the skilled surgeons at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center offer solutions to address the unsightly, weblike veins. At their offices in Riverhead, Port Jefferson Station, and Hauppauge, New York, you can receive customized, minimally invasive treatments to reduce the appearance of spider veins and keep blood flowing efficiently. Find out more about options for erasing noticeable spider veins by calling the office nearest you or by booking an appointment online today. Spider Veins Q & A What are spider veins? Spider veins are thin red, bluish, or purple veins that form under the surface of your skin and resemble spider webs. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they don’t protrude beneath the skin like the larger, bulging varicose versions do. You develop spider veins when the blood flow in your legs isn’t circulating properly. For example, weak valves in the veins can allow blood to flow back into the vein, where it pools. The smaller spider veins do not always become varicose veins. Spider veins can affect the face but are most commonly found in the legs. That’s because blood flow in the legs must fight gravity and travel a greater distance to get back to the heart than in any other area of the body. How are spider veins diagnosed? Your Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center physician can diagnose spider veins during a physical exam. To determine the severity of poor blood circulation in your legs, your doctor may request an ultrasound to evaluate how blood flows through your legs. What treatments are available for spider veins? Generally, spider veins that aren’t causing symptoms or pain may be simply observed, or compression stockings may be used to improve blood flow in your legs. Compression wear can also reduce your risk for new spider veins or the development of varicose veins. If your spider veins are painful or interfere with your usual activities, your Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center physician may recommend sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive procedure that involves the injection of a solution to close the veins. Your blood then flows through nearby healthy veins, while your body absorbs the damaged veins. How can I prevent spider veins? Not all occurrences of spider veins are preventable, especially when they develop due to your age or during pregnancy. However, the staff at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center can provide recommendations for reducing your risk through lifestyle modifications. These modifications may include: Losing weight Getting regular exercise Wearing compression stockings You should also try to avoid sitting and standing for long periods of time, taking small breaks or walks on the job to maintain healthy circulation in your legs. If you need solutions for painful spider veins, schedule a consultation with the team at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center online or by calling the office nearest you.

Living with kidney failure requires the comprehensive care provided by the medical staff at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center. At their offices in Riverhead, Hauppauge, and Port Jefferson Station, New York, the board-certified physicians offer on-site dialysis services and oversee your treatment from start to finish. If you need dialysis care to treat kidney failure, call to schedule a consultation at the nearest office, or you can use the online booking feature. Dialysis Q & A What is dialysis? Dialysis is a treatment that helps your kidneys remove waste and keep your blood clean. It’s often necessary when you’re in end-stage kidney failure, which means your kidneys aren’t functioning properly. Dialysis is also important for controlling your blood pressure and keeping certain substances in your blood, such as potassium and sodium, at safe levels. How does dialysis work? In hemodialysis, a machine works as an artificial kidney to remove waste. Your blood travels outside of your body and through the machine, which filters out waste, and then the blood returns to your body. In order to move your blood more efficiently through the dialysis machine, your Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center surgeon performs a minor surgical procedure to enlarge the blood vessel. In many cases, they create a dialysis fistula, which is an access portal under your skin that joins an artery and vein. If a fistula isn’t possible, your doctor may perform a graft procedure, which involves the insertion of a plastic tube to make the connection between an artery and vein to increase blood circulation through the kidneys. If your doctor recommends peritoneal dialysis, the lining of your abdomen is used to filter your blood. What can I expect during dialysis? If you’re undergoing hemodialysis, you can expect to visit the Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center several times a week for treatment, depending on the severity of your kidney failure. If you need peritoneal dialysis, your doctor runs a sterile solution through your abdominal cavity, which drains out through a tube. Your doctor repeats this process several times to properly filter your blood. In addition to dialysis, the medical team offers comprehensive counseling and guidance to help you make appropriate lifestyle changes to manage your kidney condition. You can expect recommendations about: Scheduling regular exercise Watching fluid, salt, and protein intake Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs Your Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center doctors also monitor your use of over-the-counter and prescription medications to ensure they don’t interfere with your kidney treatments. Learn more about the comprehensive dialysis services available by calling the office nearest you or by booking an appointment online today.

Noticeable varicose veins can not only affect your self-confidence, but they can also interfere with the health of your legs. At Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center, the board-certified team of vascular specialists offers on-site diagnostics to evaluate your vein health. At their offices in Hauppauge, Port Jefferson Station, and Riverhead, New York, you receive comprehensive treatments customized to meet your needs and address painful varicose veins. Learn more about in-office treatments for varicose veins by calling the center nearest you or by requesting a consultation online today. Varicose Veins Q & A What are varicose veins? Varicose veins are enlarged veins that appear as twisty, ropy bulges just underneath the surface of your skin. This condition results when the valves that control the blood flow in your vessels become weak or damaged and allow blood to flow backward through the vein. The backflow of blood can pool in your veins and cause them to become enlarged and deformed. In addition to affecting the appearance of your legs, varicose veins can also become painful and cause serious health complications, including blood clots, if they’re left untreated. What are the risk factors for varicose veins? Your risk for developing varicose veins increases as you get older. Over time, the valves in your veins can weaken due to normal wear and tear. You may also be at increased risk for developing varicose veins due to other factors, such as having a family history, being obese, or having a sedentary lifestyle. Hormonal changes in women due to pregnancy, menopause, and birth control pills can also affect the health of the veins. Hormone fluctuations can cause the walls of your veins to relax and allow blood to flow backward. How are varicose veins diagnosed? Identifying varicose veins during a physical exam is usually enough to confirm the condition. Your Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center physician may also perform circulatory testing to determine if the valves in your veins are damaged or if you have a blood clot. What treatments are available for varicose veins? Treating varicose veins often involves the use of compression stockings to increase blood flow through the legs. You may also need a minimally invasive treatment, such as sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, or radiofrequency ablation to close the vein and allow blood to flow through nearby healthy veins. Following a vein treatment, you can expect the noticeable, twisted veins begin to fade as the weeks go by. Your Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center physician can also recommend lifestyle changes to prevent new varicose veins from forming. In addition to wearing compression stockings, you should also avoid prolonged periods of sitting and standing, maintain a healthy weight, and eat a healthy diet. You can also keep healthy circulation in your legs by elevating your legs above your heart when possible. If you’re bothered by the appearance or pain of varicose veins, schedule an evaluation today by calling the office nearest you or by requesting an appointment online now.

Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center offers fully equipped, on-site surgical suites at their office in Port Jefferson Station, New York. The experienced surgeons specialize in minimally invasive surgical techniques for vascular diseases and also provide comprehensive diagnostics and long-term vascular disease management services to keep you healthy and functioning optimally. Find out if you’re a candidate for vascular surgery by scheduling a consultation online or by calling one of the offices in Hauppauge, Riverhead, or Port Jefferson Station, New York. Vascular Surgery Q & A Why would I need vascular surgery? Vascular disease affects your arteries and veins, the pathways that carry blood to and from your heart. Even if you don’t need vascular surgery initially, it’s important to seek a consultation with the experienced surgeons at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center. The surgical team specializes in diagnosing and treating the conditions that affect your vascular health, including: Stroke Lymphedema Atherosclerosis Venous insufficiency Abdominal aortic aneurysm Carotid artery disease Deep vein thrombosis Peripheral vascular disease Varicose and spider veins Surgery is usually the right option for vascular conditions that can’t be treated with medications or other conservative treatments. Your Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center surgeon can determine if minimally invasive surgery is the next step based on your overall health and the severity of your condition. What are the signs of vascular disease? The medical team at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center recommends early screenings for vascular disease to ensure treatment will be more effective. If you have risk factors for vascular disease, such as a family history, being a smoker, or having diabetes, your specialist may recommend routine vascular screenings as part of your preventive health care plan. You should also schedule a consultation at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center if you experience symptoms that may indicate vascular problems, such as: Leg cramps Swollen legs Varicose or spider veins Cold hands and feet Some types of serious vascular disease, such as carotid artery disease or an abdominal aortic aneurysm, may not have any symptoms. The vascular surgeons offer the latest on-site diagnostic testing technology to identify the cause of your symptoms and to determine if you’re a good candidate for vascular surgery. What are the benefits of minimally invasive vascular surgery? Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center offers on-site surgical suites for your convenience and comfort. The surgical team can perform many surgeries on an outpatient basis using minimally invasive techniques, which require only small incisions to repair damage in your vascular system. Because your surgeon only makes tiny incisions and uses specialized surgical tools, you can expect to recover faster than with open surgery. Other benefits of minimally invasive surgery include: Less pain Less bleeding Smaller risk for infection Reduced risk for scarring In many cases, you also get the benefit of recovering from your procedure at home rather than in a hospital. To schedule a consultation with the vascular surgeons at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center, call the nearest office or book your visit online.

If you’re noticing changes in the color of your skin, including areas of hyperpigmentation, in your lower extremities, this could be a sign of vascular disease. At Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center, the team of board-certified vascular specialists understands the many red flags of vascular disease and can help you treat hyperpigmentation in your legs. To learn more, call one of the three offices in Hauppauge, Port Jefferson Station, and Riverhead, New York. Or you can use the online scheduling tool to set up an appointment. Hyperpigmentation Q & A What is hyperpigmentation? Hyperpigmentation is a condition that creates darker patches on your skin because of excess melanin. Hyperpigmentation is very common and is the driver behind age spots on your skin, which tend to increase after years of exposure to the sun. Skin discolorations can also signal a problem with your peripheral vascular system or nervous system. How is hyperpigmentation related to vascular disease? One of the signs of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a change in the color of your skin in your lower extremities, usually around your calves, ankles, and feet. These dermatological manifestations of PVD tend to occur in your lower extremities because these areas are more vulnerable to vascular problems. Your circulatory system needs to fight both distance and gravity to function well. There are several vascular issues that can produce changes in your skin that include hyperpigmentation, such as: Peripheral artery disease Critical limb ischemia Deep venous disease Chronic venous insufficiency These serious conditions are caused by compromised circulation in your legs. If they’re not addressed early on, they can lead to skin problems such as: Scaly, itchy, hyperpigmented skin Wounds that won't heal Ulcerations around your ankles as your skin breaks down Ulcers in your feet and toes that can lead to gangrene Ultimately, any abnormal hyperpigmentation in your lower extremities should be checked out by one of the specialists at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center as soon as possible. How is hyperpigmentation diagnosed and treated? When you see your doctor at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center, they first review your medical history and check your areas of hyperpigmentation. They also spend some time assessing other symptoms, as hyperpigmentation and discoloration rarely crop up on their own and are usually accompanied by: Numbness, and even pain, in your legs A feeling of heaviness in your legs Swelling in the area Temperature changes in your legs and feet After thoroughly evaluating your symptoms, they perform further testing to rule out or confirm whether PVD is responsible for your hyperpigmentation. With a diagnosis in hand, they design the best treatment plan for your unique situation. It’s hard to say what that plan may be as it depends upon the underlying problem and your lifestyle, among other considerations. If you notice areas of hyperpigmentation in your legs and feet, don’t wait to call Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center. Or you can use the online scheduler to set up an appointment.

In a perfect world, your arteries carry your blood throughout your body and your veins ferry it back to your heart for recirculation. If your veins aren’t fulfilling their role because of disease, it can have a cascading effect on your circulatory health. At Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center, the board-certified vascular surgeons treat vein diseases of all kinds, helping their patients in Hauppauge, Port Jefferson Station, and Riverhead, New York, maintain great blood vessel health. To learn more, call the practice or use the online scheduler. Vein Disease Q & A How do veins work? When functioning properly, your circulatory system is incredibly fast and efficient. It sends the six quarts of blood in your body round and round, covering a whopping 12,000 miles each day. Your heart is the main driver of this effort, pumping your blood out through the arteries to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Your veins are responsible for your blood’s return trip to your heart for recirculation, and they’re aided by your surrounding muscles as well as tiny, one-way valves that keep your blood from flowing backward. What are the main types of vein disease? Most types of vein disease develop when there’s a problem with your valves, which only shut partway, or not at all, allowing blood to pool backward or flow in both directions. The most common venous diseases include: Blood clots Deep vein thrombosis Venous insufficiency Phlebitis, or superficial venous thrombosis Vein disease can also include varicose and spider veins, as well as leg ulcers. What are the most common signs of vein disease? There are several symptoms that point toward a potential vein disease, including: Leg swelling Pain Leg cramps Discolorations on your skin Cold feet Varicose and spider veins are also clear indicators that your veins are not functioning as they should, and they warrant a closer look. How are vein diseases diagnosed and treated? The team of vascular experts at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center is equipped with the most advanced diagnostic tools, including Doppler ultrasound, to diagnose vein disease. After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor performs the necessary diagnostic tests to get to the bottom of your problem. Should they discover a problem in your veins, they come up with a treatment plan that best fits your diagnosis, your current medical situation, and your goals. From conservative treatments like lifestyle changes and medications to more aggressive options like surgery, the doctors at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center ensure you get the treatment you need. For expert vein disease care, call one of the three Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center locations or use the online scheduling tool to set up an appointment.

When it comes to getting rid of unwanted and potentially problematic veins in your legs, laser vein treatments are the optimal choice. At Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center, the team of board-certified vascular surgeons has equipped themselves with the latest minimally invasive technologies for dealing with conditions like varicose veins. If you’d like to explore your options in laser vein treatments, call one of the three locations in Hauppauge, Port Jefferson Station, or Riverhead, New York, or use the online scheduler to set up an appointment. Laser Vein Treatments Q & A What are the options in laser vein treatments? The team at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center offers the latest, minimally invasive approaches to treating problematic veins, including: Endovenous laser ablation Your doctor uses laser light energy, which travels through your skin and heats up the blood vessel below the surface. The heat closes off the vein by forming scar tissue, and your blood reroutes itself through healthier blood vessels. Radiofrequency ablation During this procedure, your doctor makes a tiny incision through which they thread a radiofrequency fiber. They deliver the radiofrequency energy directly into your blood vessel, which cauterizes and seals it off. Again, your blood then reroutes itself through surrounding vessels. What can laser vein treatments address? The doctors at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center primarily use endovenous laser and radiofrequency ablation to address varicose veins. These bulging veins that appear toward the surface of your skin develop when valves in your veins malfunction, causing blood to pool in your legs, which leads to the ropey, spindly veins that are the hallmark of the condition. While aesthetically displeasing, varicose veins can also be a source of considerable discomfort, sometimes causing pain and ulcers if left untreated. With laser vein treatments, you can rid yourself of these veins before they lead to larger problems. What is the recovery like after a laser vein treatment? The team at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center performs endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation right in their offices. They typically use a local anesthetic for your comfort, but you’re free to return home afterward. You may experience some soreness, minor swelling, or bruising after your procedure, but these side effects typically resolve themselves quickly. You can take over-the-counter medications to offset any discomfort, and your doctor may recommend that you wear compression stockings for a few days to prevent blood clots and swelling. Your doctor gives you full aftercare instructions, but you generally don’t have many limitations. In fact, your doctor recommends that you move freely to encourage blood flow. To learn more about the laser vein treatments at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center, call one of the three locations or request an appointment online.