As the seasons change, so do our lifestyles and habits. Surprisingly, these shifts can have a notable impact on vein health. Understanding the seasonal nuances and adjusting your routine accordingly can make a significant difference in maintaining optimal vein function throughout the year. Winter: Combatting Circulation Challenges In colder months, veins may constrict, potentially leading to decreased blood flow. Combat this by staying active indoors, ensuring regular movement to stimulate circulation. Hydration is key, as the dry winter air can contribute to dehydration, affecting vein health ..read more

Vein health is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of our overall well-being. Unfortunately, several myths and misconceptions surround the topic, leading to confusion and sometimes neglect of proper care. As a vein doctor, I frequently encounter these misconceptions and feel compelled to debunk some of the most common myths about vein health. Myth 1: Varicose veins only affect the elderly. Reality: Varicose veins can occur at any age. While they’re more prevalent in older adults, factors like genetics, pregnancy, and prolonged standing can trigger their appearance in younger individuals. My ..read more

Varicose veins, those visible, swollen, and often twisted veins that commonly appear on the legs and feet, can be attributed to various factors. Understanding the root causes behind their development can help individuals take proactive steps to prevent or manage them effectively. Primarily, weakened or damaged vein valves play a pivotal role in the formation of varicose veins. Veins have one-way valves that facilitate blood flow toward the heart. When these valves weaken or malfunction, blood may flow backward and accumulate, leading to increased pressure in the veins. Over time, this heighten ..read more

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that often goes unnoticed until it becomes a serious problem. Characterized by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in tissues, it can lead to swelling, discomfort, and a decreased quality of life. While lymphedema may be a lifelong challenge, it’s crucial to understand just how important it is to seek treatment as soon as possible. Firstly, early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening. Lymphedema typically occurs when the lymphatic system is compromised, often due to surgery, radiation therapy, or infection. By addressing lymphedema in its early ..read more

Are you tired of dealing with hair loss, thinning hair, or a receding hairline? If so, you’re not alone. Many individuals face these challenges, which can take a toll on self-esteem and overall well-being. Thankfully, modern medicine offers a solution: hair transplants. Let’s delve into this transformative procedure and discover how it can help you regain your confidence. Hair transplants, a cosmetic surgery technique, have come a long way in recent years. They involve transferring hair follicles from one part of your body (usually the back or sides of the head, where hair is more resistant to ..read more

The internet is full of information and is the number one place many of us to go find information about our health. But so much of what can be found is not medically sound. We want to be an educational resource for you, to empower you to get the professional medical attention you need to be at your best health. That is why we have prepared this Q & A series with your vein specialist, Dr. Vincent Gardner. This time we will explore the question: What causes color (or pigment) skin changes in the lower legs and ankles? How does vein disease cause pigment changes in the skin? Q: Is pigment the ..read more

Thrombosis is simply the formation of a blood clot. A blood clot, medically known as a thrombus, prohibits blood from circulating properly because it partially or completely blocks the flow of venous blood back to the heart.  The ability for blood to clot in a healthy person is a very good thing, even a life-saving thing. Fibrin molecules form blood clots to hold red blood cells and platelets together to stop bleeding at the site of an injury or cut. But when blood clots occur in other instances, it harms the normal and needed flow of blood and can cause significant medical issu ..read more

One in three Americans over the age of 45 are affected by vein disease. Because veins have thinner walls than arteries, they are prone to damage. Those damaged vein walls impede circulation and cause blood to pool and flow retrograde (or backward) when muscles relax, which creates pressure in the lower legs which then causes more damage to the veins. This further damage can include twisting, swelling, blood clots, improperly functioning valves, and poor circulation overall. How vein disease can impact your life Initially, vein disease may not be noticeable without a professiona ..read more

A lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty lump that’s most often found between your skin and the underlying muscle layer. They usually feel doughy and aren’t often tender.  They move easily with mild pressure. Lipomas are usually detected in middle age. Some people have more than one lipoma. Though it is a type of cyst, a lipoma isn’t cancerous. They are typically harmless. Though treatment isn’t generally necessary, you may want to have it removed if the lipoma bothers you.   In the video below, Dr. Vincent Gardner performs a lipoma removal from a patient’s leg. Be sure to turn on the volu ..read more

Endovenous Ablation of varicose veins simply involves using a small laser-guided by ultrasound imaging through a tiny needle stick to cause heat energy to collapse diseased veins. Once the problematic veins are cauterized from the heat, they don’t allow blood to flow or pool within them anymore. Before too long the closed veins are broken down and reabsorbed by the body. Benefit #1: Endovenous Ablation Laser Treatment Is Fast Typically, Endovenous Ablation Laser Treatment only takes about 30 minutes to an hour to perform. Benefit #2: It Only Require ..read more