Norman Chideckel MD Vein Center
212-993-6133

Welcome to the Vascular Surgery and Vein Center

Welcome to the Vascular Surgery and Vein Center, a comprehensive vascular practice providing state-of-the-art care to patients throughout the tri-state area. Under the direction of board-certified surgeon Dr. Norman Chideckel, we utilize our advanced skills and many years of experience to help patients achieve clear, beautiful and healthy legs.

With our convenient Manhattan location, Dr. Chideckel offers patients a wide range of services to treat varicose and spider veins, deep vein thrombosis, and other vascular conditions, including:

Dedicated to helping patients achieve their desired results through the most effective and minimally invasive treatments available, Dr. Chideckel and his staff take the time to talk with each individual patient and address any concerns or questions they may have before undergoing treatment. Your comfort and satisfaction are among our top priorities.

To learn more about the services provided by Dr. Chideckel, please contact us to schedule an appointment. We always welcome new patients and look forward to meeting you.

Vascular Surgery & Vein Center
108 East 96th Street
Front 1
New York, NY 10128
Call us today at 212-993-6133 to schedule an appointment.

We now offer Telemedicine sessions.  Please call us for more information or to schedule a Telemedicine appointment.

See Our Main Website At www.VeinsDoc.com
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Category Archives: top vein doctor nyc

Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?

If the tissues within the skin are swollen or inflamed for a long period of time, it may cause Lipodermatosclerosis, which is an inflammation of the subcutaneous fat. This usually occurs due to venous insufficiency, which is what varicose veins cause due to insufficient blood flow through the veins. The legs may feel sore and swollen and the tissue will feel hard around the leg. This can cause many other conditions such as edema.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

This is the most severe condition caused by varicose veins, hence why they should be treated. Many patients complaining of a “pulling sensation” in their leg and this is caused by a blood clot due to the build-up of blood in the vein. If this blood clot travels up further in the body, especially to the heart, lungs or brain, it can cause life-threatening injuries, as insufficient oxygen is delivered.

Hyperpigmentation

When varicose veins are left untreated for a long period of time, it can cause excess blood to leak into the tissues of the affected area. This will cause painful inflammation and swelling of the tissue and the skin can become discolored and dark. Once hyperpigmentation occurs on the skin, it can be hard to get rid of. Although usually medically harmless to the body, it can cause body confidence issues for many people.

Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Superficial Thrombophlebitis is another inflammatory condition caused by a blood clot in the veins beneath the skin. This affects the vein more than the surface of the skin, although the skin may become red around the affected area. The vein may feel very sensitive to touch, which can cause ongoing discomfort. Left untreated, this can cause other complications such as cellulitis, which is a skin infection caused by bacteria.

Leaving varicose veins untreated can cause many other problems within the veins and surrounding tissues. Many problems that occur are very similar and it can be hard to know which one you are suffering from.

Call us today at 212-993-6133 to schedule an appointment with the best Varicose vein treatment doctor in New York City.

What Are the Main Causes of Varicose Veins?

Professionals are unsure why veins become weak and valves allow blood to flow back the way it came, but there are things that increase your chance of having varicose veins. These include being female, being overweight, and being pregnant.

Being Overweight

As varicose veins are caused by the veins weakening whilst fighting against gravity to push the blood back to the heart, having excess fat will mean the veins have an even tougher fight to get that blood back to the heart. Being overweight causes extra pressure to the veins and therefore the valves, meaning over time that these valves may become weaker and allow blood flow to leak back through. Unfortunately, women are more likely to be affected, as overweight women seem to suffer from varicose veins more than men.

Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, not only does your body needs to supply blood to its own cells but it also has to supply the baby’s cells for the fetus to thrive and grow. This extra blood flow through the body can cause extra pressure on the veins. Pregnancy also causes hormone levels to increase, causing the blood vessels muscular walls to relax, which is another risk factor for varicose veins. Varicose veins can occur in the pelvic region as the womb begins to grow and the surrounding skin stretches, causing extra pressure on the veins. Most women find once the baby has been born that these varicose veins significantly improve.

Age

As you become older, so does the rest of your body, including your veins. These veins have been working since the moment they were developed in the womb and they never rest. Over time, the valves may become weaker and the veins become less elastic, causing varicose veins to form, especially in the legs.

Occupation

If you have a job where you are constantly on your feet and standing up, your veins are working against gravity more than someone who has a desk job. This means your veins may be working harder as blood doesn’t flow as easily whilst we are standing.

Many of the causes of varicose veins cannot be helped and cannot be avoided. Unfortunately, women have the biggest risk for varicose veins due to their hormones and bearing a child. If you believe you have varicose veins, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best varicose vein doctor in New York.

Call us today at 212-993-6133 to schedule an appointment with the best Varicose vein treatment doctor in New York City.

What Are Varicose Veins?

With one in four Americans having varicose veins, it is always useful to know what they are. Whether you have varicose veins, are worried you have them, or just want to learn more about them, read on for information about what they are, what they look like and why they occur.

What Is the Difference Between Normal Veins and Varicose Veins?

Veins travel all around the body and carry de-oxygenated blood back to the heart from the body. You may be able to see some of your veins, especially in your hands, and they usually are a blue color. Varicose veins are an enlarged or swollen vein and are most likely to occur in the legs or feet. Varicose veins cannot send blood back to the heart in the same way that a normal working vein can, as blood gets trapped in varicose veins, meaning not as much blood will be returned to the heart.

What Do Varicose Veins Look Like?

Varicose veins can appear blue, but also may be dark purple. If they are blue, you will still be able to tell the difference from a normal vein by their shape. They are often bulging out of the skin and may look twisted and lumpy in appearance, where the blood is trapped in the vein and pushed out into the skin. If you are unsure if you have a varicose vein, check online for what they look like.

Why Do Varicose Veins Occur?

Veins have a one-way valve, to ensure that the blood they are pumping travels back towards the heart to become oxygenated once again. If the vein becomes weaker or stretched for any reason, this valve may stop working and allow blood flow to leak back in the wrong direction. This leads to the blood accumulating in this vein, which can then become swollen or enlarged, becoming a varicose vein. These occur mostly in the legs because they are the furthest from the heart, meaning gravity is working against the veins to get the blood back to the heart, although they can be found anywhere on the body. Professionals have yet to discover why veins become weak and valves stop working, but there are some factors that may increase your chance of developing varicose veins.

This should give you an overview, but if you are concerned about varicose veins, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best varicose vein doctor in NYC.

Call us today at 212-993-6133 to schedule an appointment with the best Varicose vein treatment doctor in New York City.

Can Stress Cause Varicose Veins?

We are living in a world that is getting more stressful with the passage of time. Although technology has made life easier in numerous ways, it has increased our stress levels due to various reasons. For example, having a smartphone makes you available 24/7. In case you are needed, you will be called at any hour of the night, no matter how inconvenient, and sometimes even on your vacation. It is hard to ignore that flashing light indicating new work emails when you get up. Moreover, people usually have the tendency of being very impatient and expect prompt responses to text messages.

This need to stay available all the time creates stress, which in the long run can be detrimental to your health. High stress levels can significantly impact your vascular system, causing a spike in blood pressure, heart diseases and sometimes varicose veins. A surge in blood pressure can impair vein walls causing varicose veins to appear.

Stress places a huge burden on your cardiovascular health. Therefore, it is vital for patients running a risk of venous diseases, to keep their stress levels in control. A stressful lifestyle often leads to lack of exercise, poor diet and alcohol or drug abuse, all of these undesirable habits can trigger or exacerbate vein diseases such as varicose veins, spider veins and deep vein thrombosis.

Long-term or chronic stress places excessive pressure on your veins, which may make it hard for the veins to pump blood back up to the heart, this blood will pool and cause the weak veins to swell.

People experiencing stress tend to care less for their bodies; this often leads to stress eating or too much pressure leaves little or no time for exercise. Any or both of these situations can cause people to put on weight, which adds extra pressure on their veins and weakens the venous walls. Stress-eating usually involves high intake of salty foods which can lead to high blood pressure. For people who are already vulnerable to varicose veins, this can have an adverse affect on vein health.

A majority of people resort to smoking as a coping mechanism to deal with stress. While it may offer a quick fix to stress relief, in the long run smoking greatly raises the chances of contracting a vein disease, not to mention the slew of other health problems that can ensue.

For people who have a family history of varicose veins, not a lot can be done to avoid this medical condition and varicose veins will usually appear irrespective of stress levels. That being said, there are several means of minimizing the chances of the appearance and severity of varicose veins.

The effective management of vein health in stressful circumstances usually entails treating your inner self. Begin by setting aside a few minutes every day for meditation or take frequent small walking breaks to raise the flow of blood and cognitive function. The next thing you can do is incorporate a relaxation activity like yoga, painting or reading in your daily activities.

You may find it extremely helpful to include an exercise program in your schedule; this will not only cut down stress but also boost your cardiovascular health and mitigate or prevent the development of varicose veins.

Call us today at 212-993-6133 to schedule an appointment with the best Varicose vein treatment doctor in New York City.

The Most Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Definition and Overview

You may not have heard this term before, but this condition is quite common. The term varicose veins, is used to refer to a medical condition where your veins become dilated, enlarged or overfilled with blood. Although any vein in your body can become varicose, the veins in your feet and legs are most prone to this condition. That is due to walking and standing upright, which increases the amount of pressure in the veins that are located in the lower parts of the body.

Varicose veins are a quite common condition that affects women more than men. About a quarter of all adults suffer from this condition.

For a lot of individuals, varicose veins are only a cosmetic concern. However, others are not so lucky and for them this condition can lead to severe discomfort and pain. In some situations varicose veins can have more grave implications. They are also indicative of a greater risk of circulatory issues. Treating varicose veins may entail self-care measures or specific procedures that your physician can use to remove or close the veins.

Most Common Symptoms

There are a significant number of people who exhibit no symptoms due to their varicose veins, other than the noticeable appearance, which could be embarrassing. Apart from cosmetic embarrassment, the most common and frequent symptoms of this condition are aching legs, heaviness and discomfort in legs, which worsen as the day progresses. At times your ankles may swell as well. These symptoms don’t tend to be medically serious; in case they become substantially problematic treatment options are available.

Although varicose veins have the tendency of getting worse as the years progress, this is a very slow and gradual process. If you are one of those unfortunate people who have high pressure in their veins, it may end up damaging the skin located near the ankle; the skin in the area will turn brown in color, and in some situations will get scarred with white areas. At times a red rash can appear which is called Eczema.

If for some reason you allow these skin changes to progress, or your skin gets injured, there is a likelihood that an ulcer may build up. Changes to your skin condition are a good reason for you to see a doctor so that he may refer you to a skin specialist.

Below is a list of symptoms for easy reference.

    • Veins that have a blue or dark purple color
    • Veins that seem bulging or twisted; giving the impression that a cord is sticking to your leg
    • Painful varicose veins have the following symptoms:
    • A feeling of aching or heaviness in your legs
    • Swelling, burning sensation, muscle cramping and throbbing in your legs
    • Worsening of pain following standing or sitting for long periods
    • Itching in your veins
    • Bleeding varicose veins
    • Hardening of your veins, color changes, skin inflammation or ulcers near the ankles

In case you or your loved ones are suffering from varicose veins, don’t worry as we have got you covered. Just call us right away to schedule an appointment with our team of experienced and qualified physicians in New York City and get instant relief.

Call us today at 212-993-6133 to schedule an appointment with the best Varicose vein treatment doctor in New York City.

What is Catheter Ablation for Varicose Veins?

There are several ways for varicose veins to be treated. If you have varicose veins, your first step is to visit a specialist. Your varicose vein doctor will discuss with you the best treatment options for your condition based on the location and severity of your varicose veins. For some people, non-invasive treatments are very effective. However, for larger or difficult to treat varicose veins, your doctor may recommend a different type of procedure called catheter ablation. What is it? What can you expect if you have catheter ablation for varicose veins?

What Is Catheter Ablation?

Catheter-assisted procedures are available for varicose vein treatment by many doctors. This treatment is often considered the first line of defense for situations where the veins are very large, twisted, or there is a high risk of bleeding due to the location. There are several forms of ablation available. The most common options use either radiofrequency or laser energy to treat the veins. The procedures are more invasive than other types of treatments, but still remain safe and low risk for most people.

During this type of procedure, the doctor will make a small incision on the skin near the vein that will be treated. Then, he or she will insert a small, very thin tube. This is the catheter. It is placed into the enlarged vein. Then, depending on the treatment method, the catheter will heat up at the very tip just slightly. You will not feel this heat. However, the laser energy or radiofrequency energy will create some damage to the interior of the vein.

The heat created destroys the vein itself. The goal is to cause the vein just enough damage that it collapses on itself. This will seal it shut automatically. Blood can no longer pass through this vein. And, over time, the vein will breakdown naturally within the body. Blood flow is naturally directed around the area. As a result, the varicose vein is no longer visible nor a threat to your health.

Is this the right treatment option for your needs? It may be. If you have larger varicose veins, it is important to turn to a specialist who can offer more advanced and specific treatment options designed to meet your unique needs. Call our varicose vein doctor in Manhattan, New York to learn more about this or other procedures that can help you.

Call us today at 212-993-6133 to schedule an appointment with the best Varicose vein treatment doctor in New York City.

When Is Treatment for Varicose Veins Necessary?

You have varicose veins. Perhaps your mother did as well. It is something that began happening after you had your children and now, you don’t think much about them. But, should you? In some situations, varicose veins are nothing to worry about. This is especially true when you only have a few of them and they are smaller. Spider veins, for example, are less worrisome. But, for others, there is a real need to make changes to your skin and to improve your varicose veins.

There is the risk of complications in some situations. Your varicose vein doctor can tell you more about these risks and how they can impact your health.

When Should You See a Varicose Vein Doctor?

If you have varicose veins, seek out help from a skilled and specialized varicose vein doctor. This is especially important in some situations such as:

  • You have pain in your veins or the area surrounding them
  • The veins are growing or changing
  • The veins are larger than ½ an inch
  • You have more than one varicose vein
  • You have any other health risk factor such as high blood pressure, higher risk of a stroke, or heart disease
    In these situations, your risks are higher for developing complications. You should seek out care from a doctor as soon as possible.

What Are the Complications You Face?

Complications from varicose veins are not common, however they can occur. For this reason, you should see a varicose vein doctor if you have them. Some of the complications include:

    • The development of ulcers, which can form near the varicose veins on the skin. These can be painful build-ups of fluid that can lead to infections.
    • Blood clot risks are higher in those who have varicose veins. This can lead to a blood clot into your heart, lung or brain. If you have any sudden swelling or pain in or near the varicose vein, seek immediate medical attention.
    • Bleeding is another risk factor. Because of their location, they can burst and lead to significant amounts of bleeding and an increased infection risk.

Most importantly, you do not have to live with the pain and discomfort that these veins can create. Instead, come in to see the best varicose vein doctor in Manhattan, New York. Learn about what simple options are available to give you the relief you want and need.

Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?

Many people want to treat varicose veins due to cosmetic reasons, but there are many more reasons apart from their unsightly appearance to treat these blemishes on your skin. Varicose veins that are left untreated can cause mild to severe symptoms, depending on the person, and can even become life-threatening.

Lipodermatosclerosis

If the tissues within the skin are swollen or inflamed for a long period of time, it may cause Lipodermatosclerosis, which is an inflammation of the subcutaneous fat. This usually occurs due to venous insufficiency, which is what varicose veins cause due to insufficient blood flow through the veins. The legs may feel sore and swollen and the tissue will feel hard around the leg. This can cause many other conditions such as edema.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

This is the most severe condition caused by varicose veins, hence why they should be treated. Many patients complaining of a “pulling sensation” in their leg and this is caused by a blood clot due to the build-up of blood in the vein. If this blood clot travels up further in the body, especially to the heart, lungs or brain, it can cause life-threatening injuries, as insufficient oxygen is delivered.

Hyperpigmentation

When varicose veins are left untreated for a long period of time, it can cause excess blood to leak into the tissues of the affected area. This will cause painful inflammation and swelling of the tissue and the skin can become discolored and dark. Once hyperpigmentation occurs on the skin, it can be hard to get rid of. Although usually medically harmless to the body, it can cause body confidence issues for many people.

Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Superficial Thrombophlebitis is another inflammatory condition caused by a blood clot in the veins beneath the skin. This affects the vein more than the surface of the skin, although the skin may become red around the affected area. The vein may feel very sensitive to touch, which can cause ongoing discomfort. Left untreated, this can cause other complications such as cellulitis, which is a skin infection caused by bacteria.

Leaving varicose veins untreated can cause many other problems within the veins and surrounding tissues. Many problems that occur are very similar and it can be hard to know which one you are suffering from.

Getting treated for varicose veins is always the safest option, so schedule an appointment with the best varicose vein doctor in NYC today.

Call us today at 212-993-6133 to schedule an appointment with the best Varicose vein treatment doctor in New York City.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

You’ve been told you have varicose veins. You knew the veins in your legs were seeming to stand out more now than they did before, but you didn’t realize that your legs were in this bad of shape. What is happening and why? Varicose veins are somewhat common, especially in older women, though they can occur in many people and at all ages. It’s important to understand why they occur and what causes them so that you can take steps to potentially reduce the risk of developing them or developing the risk factors that they can create.

Why Do Varicose Veins Develop?

Varicose veins occur when there is a weak or damaged valve in your vein. Consider how the process of blood flow works. Once your arteries send blood that’s full of oxygen to your body, it is the vein’s job to send that now depleted blood back to the heart. The job is not an easy one, though. The veins in the legs must work the hardest to push that blood upward, against gravity to get it to your heart. To achieve this, there are one-way valves located within your veins. These open to allow the blood to flow through them in one direction, and shut to keep the blood from going back down.

In some situations, the vein’s walls become weak. The valves that open and close can also become weak. If these become weak, they become loose and stretchy. This allows for them to lose their ability to open and close properly. And, over time, the veins and valves become larger and wider. This creates separation of the valve flaps. As this occurs, the blood that’s supposed to be being pushed upward no longer can do that. The blood backs up and fills in that stretched portion of the vein. This creates bigger and swollen veins. They tend to twist as they continue to try to squeeze blood in the normal way. This is what leads to and what are varicose veins.

If you have varicose veins, it is important to recognize the importance of getting treatment for them. This is especially true when the veins are pronounced and painful. The larger they are the higher the risk is that you’ll develop a life threatening risks such as a stroke. When you come in to see the best varicose vein doctor in Manhattan, NY, we’ll offer treatment options for you.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy: What is It?

For many men and women, suffering from varicose veins can be debilitating. For some people who have smaller varicose veins, sclerotherapy can be an effective treatment option. It can also be used to treat spider veins, which are very small, thin veins that run through and area. If you believe this condition may be the right choice for your needs, our varicose vein doctor can offer the solution and treatment options right for you including sclerotherapy.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a procedure that involves the injection of a solution right into the vein. This solution will cause scarring to occur within the vein. When this happens, blood cannot flow through the area properly and it forces the vein to create an alternative route. This rerouting is safe and allows for the creation of healthier veins. Over some time, the collapsed, ineffective vein will be absorbed into the local tissue and, over time, fades away.

What Is the Outcome of Sclerotherapy?

Most patients find this treatment option is very effective. After the veins are treated, the veins will fade away. This takes several weeks to occur. Full results tend to be present within about a month. For some patients, it will require several treatment sessions to fully remove the damaged vein.

Why Should You Consider Sclerotherapy?sclerotherapy 2

There are various potential benefits to this procedure. The most common reason to have it is for cosmetic benefits. It can help to get rid of spider veins and varicose veins that bother you. In addition, those who have symptoms such as aching in their legs or affected area, swelling, cramping at night or a burning sensation may find this treatment is highly effective at getting rid of those symptoms as well.

Are There Risks to This Procedure?

Most side effects are minimal and temporary. They include bruising and raised red bumps in the area treated. Some people have smaller skin sores or tiny red blood vessels. In some cases, blood clots and inflammation can occur, which may require further treatment. Some people are also at risk for air bubbles and allergic reactions.

Is Sclerotherapy Right for You?

To find out if sclerotherapy is the right option for your needs, call our offices at 212-993-6133 to schedule a consultation with one of the best varicose vein doctors in Manhattan, New York. Find out if this treatment is right for you and get the care you need.