The Difference Between Varicose & Spider Veins

The formation of varicose and spider veins are unfortunately something that many people will have to come to terms with as their bodies age. Though they are similar and their terms are generally used interchangeably, varicose veins and spider veins are actually two distinctly different conditions. To help you better distinguish between the two, here’s a quick overview of the differences in appearance, origin and treatment for each vascular disorder.

Difference in Appearance: Though both vein irregularities are typically found on the legs, there are significant differences when it comes to visible symptoms.

• Varicose veins are the larger of the two and are often bulky and protruding from underneath the skin in a ropelike formation.
• Spider veins on the other hand are smaller, flatter and are typically visible just below the skin. They are linear like a spiderweb and blue or purple in color.

Difference in Cause: It’s true that each vein condition is caused by similar circumstances, but generally speaking their specific origins vary.

• Varicose veins generally develop as a result of inactive or improperly functioning valves within the circulatory system. Their thick, stretched out appearance is due to pooled blood within the vein that causes it to expand.
• Spider veins can form as a direct result of varicose vein formation. They can also indicate poor circulation within the legs.

Difference in Treatment: Though there are multiple vascular procedures available, both open and minimally invasive, some work better for one condition over the other.

• Varicose veins can be treated multiple different ways, depending on their severity. Though they can sometimes be treated with sclerotherapy, more aggressive open surgical procedures are sometimes necessary.
• Spider veins are easier to treat and can usually be eliminated with laser or sclerotherapy treatments programs.

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we understand our patients’ needs for varicose vein removal, which is why we offer three types of treatments: Laser, sclerotherapy injections and inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement.

To learn more about our vascular surgery options, click here to view our past blog post, or call 631-321-6801 to schedule a consultation today.

How to Prevent Hemorrhoid Complications

Did you know that every single person has hemorrhoids? It’s true, we all have them as a natural part of our anatomy. However, some people’s hemorrhoids become inflamed, causing itching, bleeding and an overall painful experience. Though inflamed hemorrhoids are one of the more prevalent gastrointestinal conditions, no one wants to deal with the discomfort of suffering from them. Luckily there are a few easy ways to help prevent hemorrhoids from becoming a problem in your everyday life.

1. Eat a ton of fiber. Adding an ample amount of fiber -- 25-30 grams a day -- to your diet will help make your bowel movements more frequent and regulated, which reduces your chance of getting hemorrhoids. Legumes, whole grains, artichokes, peas, raspberries, apples and bananas are all great sources of fiber.

2. Drink water regularly. Drinking six-to-eight glasses of water a day helps prevent constipation by promoting healthy bowel movements. But that’s not all! Besides preventing hemorrhoids, drinking water regularly is beneficial for your entire body, so drink up!

3. Keep your body active. Exercise is the key that opens up many healthy lifestyle doors. Keeping active promotes a healthy colon by reducing the amount of time sitting and putting pressure on the veins in your lower rectum. However, certain exercises like lifting weights can actually do the opposite, so exercise wisely!

4. Don’t put up a fight. When you feel the urge to use the restroom, go! Don’t wait for a more convenient time, as waiting can cause for straining later on. Straining or pushing too hard when trying to have a bowel movement is one of the leading causes of inflamed and bleeding hemorrhoids, so avoid it at all costs.

If you or someone that you know is dealing with the uncomfortable effects of hemorrhoids, give Great South Bay Surgical Associates a call at 631-321-6801 and learn how our surgeons can help. Our doctors are trained and skillful in all aspects of open and minimally invasive hemorrhoid removal procedures, and are guaranteed to handle your surgery with precision and care.

Sclerotherapy vs. Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins

It’s no surprise that many people are eager to get rid of their unsightly varicose veins. The good news is, there are a few different ways to do so! In honor of National Beautician’s Day tomorrow, we’d like to dedicate this blog post to helping you choose the best treatment possible to beautify your body and get your legs vein-free for the beach this summer.

First, we’ll review the two most common types of varicose vein treatments: Sclerotherapy and Laser Therapy.

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure performed by injecting a chemical solution of sclerosant into your unwanted spider or varicose vein. The solution works to irritate, inflame and dry out the vein, causing it to collapse and be reabsorbed into the body. The body will compensate for the vein loss by redirecting blood to flow through alternative, deeper veins, significantly reducing the appearance and pain associated with varicose veins.

Laser Therapy is non-invasive, and require no chemical process. Instead, a laser is shot directly onto the vein through the skin, which heats up causing the blood to coagulate and collapse the vessel. The procedure itself usually takes between 15-20 minutes, and within four to six weeks the vein will be reabsorbed into the body, leaving virtually no trace of its existence.

Now, take a look at the comparative overview below, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment, and when they are typically recommended.

Sclerotherapy -- vs -- Laser Therapy
Advantages: Less expensive option  Faster and more effective Disadvantages: Not the best choice for all vascular medical and cosmetic needs  Recommended for: Reducing smaller, superficial spider veins on the hands and legs  Those with low pain thresholds  Patients with darker skin	Advantages: More effective than sclerotherapy when treating specific vascular issues Disadvantages: More expensive and less effective  Potentially more painful Recommended for: Veins in sensitive areas, like the face  Patients with a fear of needles or an allergy to sclerosant chemicals  Treatment of veins too small for injection

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we strive to provide surgical solutions for all of your cosmetic and medical vascular needs. Serving patients in Nassau, Suffolk and the surrounding areas, our team of leading surgeons is committed to providing exceptional services with state of the art technologies. For more information or to schedule a consultation, click here to view our website or call 631-321-6801 today.

How to Treat Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus that can potentially cause extensive pain, bleeding and discomfort. Although many cases of hemorrhoids are treatable with topical medications and a change in diet, it is recommended that large hemorrhoids be treated with surgery. In addition to the traditional methods of surgical hemorrhoidectomy, our surgeons also practice laser, rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy procedures. Here’s what you need to know about each procedure:

A hemorrhoidectomy is the most common procedure for relieving hemorrhoids. This procedure involves several incisions to be made around the anus in order to cut away the hemorrhoids present. Depending on the severity of the surgery, the recommendations of the anesthesiologist and the preference of the patient, this can be done with local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the area, allowing the patient to remain alert, relaxed and pain-free throughout the procedure, while general anesthesia will put the patient to sleep. Although this is an outpatient procedure that is very beneficial in relieving pain, swelling, bleeding and itching associated with hemorrhoids, the incision sites are in a sensitive area which could cause mild pain and discomfort during healing.

The following three treatment options are minimally invasive, and work to remove or reduce the size of hemorrhoids:

Laser Treatment - During this procedure, a special, precise laser beam is used to burn away hemorrhoidal tissues in the anus. Since this is done with a laser, no incisions are necessary.

Rubber Band Ligation - In order to cut off the hemorrhoid’s blood supply and kill the tissue, a rubber band is placed around its base. Rest assured that this will be done as painlessly as possible, attaching the rubber bands to the areas that have the least pain receptors.

Sclerotherapy - This procedure uses a chemical solution that is injected into the blood vessel that fuels each hemorrhoid. The solution will work to shrink and destroy the supplying blood vessel, which will in turn kill the hemorrhoid or hemorrhoids that it perpetuates.

If you or someone that you know is dealing with the uncomfortable effects of hemorrhoids, give Great South Bay Surgical Associates a call at 631-321-6801 and learn how our surgeons can help. Our doctors are trained and skillful in all aspects of open and minimally invasive hemorrhoid removal procedures, and are guaranteed to handle your surgery with precision and care.

Varicose Veins: Causes and Risks

Varicose veins are unfortunately something that many of us face as our bodies age, and can be unsightly if left unmanaged. So what exactly are they? Varicose, or spider veins, form when veins become swollen and twisted, making them visible underneath the skin. Typically these veins form in the legs, but other parts of your body are susceptible as well.

What causes varicose veins to form?
Your veins work to pump blood throughout the body and back to the heart. When blood is pumped from your legs specifically, the veins must work double-time against the force of gravity to send the blood all the way up to your heart. Veins are made up of one-way valves that open to let blood flow through, but if these valves are weak or damaged, blood can pool in the veins causing them to swell and create spider veins. Damaged or deformed valves can cause blood to flow backward as well, which causes the veins to bulge and swell.

Who is at risk for developing varicose veins?
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, “many factors may raise your risk for varicose veins.” Here are some of the things that you should keep in mind and watch out for when it comes to varicose veins:

• Family History: If this condition runs in your family you’re more likely to develop varicose veins.
• Age: Since veins tend to weaken with age, the older you become, the more susceptible you are to having vein complications.
• Gender: Due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, menopause and the like, women are generally more likely to develop spider veins than men.
• Weight: Obesity is a huge factor in vein related conditions because being overweight can cause extra strain on your veins.
• Physical Activity: As for most health conditions, a proven record of physical activity can help prevent this condition. Sitting or standing for a long time, especially with legs crossed or bent, can cause spider veins to form more rapidly.
• Leg Trauma: Blood clots or severe damage to your veins can cause weakening and make you more at risk for blood pooling and vein swelling.

How can Great South Bay Surgical Associates help?
We understand our patients’ needs for varicose vein removal, which is why we offer three types of treatments: Laser, sclerotherapy injections and inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement. To learn more about our vascular surgery options, click here to view our past blog post, or click here to visit us on the web.

About Us!

Established in 1909 by founding partner Dr. Charles Murphy, Great South Bay Surgical Associates and  Vascular Lab has been serving the community with the tradition of caring and quality for over 100 years.  For generations we have provided high quality services using state of the art technologies in general and vascular surgeries, both open and minimally invasive.

Our practice is comprised of eight outstanding doctors that double as directors, department chairs of surgery and chairmen of the Surgical Peer Review Committee at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, presidents and fellows of the American College of Surgeons and other elite medical societies, and hold various additional positions as innovative leaders within their fields.

These surgeons specialize in a variety of general, vascular and colorectal surgical procedures such as:

• Hernia Surgery
• Gallbladder and Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Hemorrhoid Surgery
• Pelvic Floor Procedures
• Laser Varicose Vein Surgery
• Sclerotherapy Injection Treatments
• Carotid Artery Surgery
• And more!

We also specialize in surgical oncology, covering areas including:

• Breast Cancer (Lumpectomy and Breast Reconstruction)
• Gastrointestinal Cancer (Stomach, Small Bowel, Colon and Rectal)
• Melanoma and Skin Cancer
• Sarcomas (Tumors of the Muscle)

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates and Vascular Lab, we understand our patients’ necessity for knowledgeable, friendly doctors that provide convenient procedures with effective results.  Choose us for all of your surgical needs and rest assured that you’ll always be in good hands - the best in the field!

For more information about the services we offer visit us on the web or give us a call directly at 631-321-6801.  Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ to get up to date information and health tips!