The Vein Specialist

I am frequently asked by patients "what is a vein specialist?" In brief, a vein specialist is a doctor, physician's assistant, and nurse or medical assistant whose work is primarily the vein circulation. Our "Vein Center" is unique in that all of our doctors are Board Certified phlebologists (vein specialists), and we take care of vein patients and their problems full time. Most doctors do part time vein work. Our doctors have a lot of experience with other operations, but now focus entirely on the vein circulation.

compression stockings

I had several calls today - I give to patients my cell phone number - regarding the compression stockings. For your info and interest, we offer the very best medical grade compression stockings in the world, at wholesale prices. Questions were about when to wear the hose after surgery, easily answered for we advise only two weeks after the procedure.
Compression stockings are difficult to "don", put on and take off. Patients hated the hose. Therefore I obtained samples from every company in the world, and I wore them for three months - unknown to my staff. I changed company hose each day. The very best were Bauerfeind, not well known in the U.S. I flew to the manufacturing plant in the old Eastern Germany. Such a surprise. Terrific plant, very nice German people, and the most strict standards of quality I have witnessed in a long time.
Wear them frequently as I and my staff do daily. We sell them from the office - cheap for the quality. Wear them when traveling, for there is a 4% risk for leg blood clots while traveling, far too high. 4 of 100 travelers, scares me, I wish to make an announcement on the plane each time I fly.
Message for you: Be a good patient, wear the stockings, you will be so pleased.

Atlanta Vein Clinic

We performed 11 operations in our Atlanta Vein Clinic the past two days. Our Atlanta patients are really enjoying nice results, and are sending more and more patients to us for evaluation and treatment. Doctors in Atlanta are beginning to recognize our presence there. Emory University doctors whom we trained are referring patients each week. I really enjoy Atlanta and the vibrancy of the city, so much to see and do. Looking forward to more time there as we see more and more patients.

Vein Ulcers, Wound Care

I just operated on a sweet lady from Montgomery. She suffered a vein stasis ulcer on her ankle for 22 years, so very sad. She has been treated in a wound center for the past one and one-half years, skin grafts have been placed, she has much scar tissue from her treatments. ALL SHE NEEDS IS PROPER VEIN TREATMENT, AND THE WOUND AND ULCER WILL HEAL WITHIN 2 TO 4 MONTHS! After her surgery this morning, she was taken home by her family. I will chronicle how fast the ulcer heals. 93% of these vein ulcers never re-occur. Such a shame these patients are not referred for proper vein treatment. Soon I will post her photos on the web site.

Third Thursday at Tivoli Spa a Popular Success!

Really appreciate all those who attended the THIRD THURSDAY event this past week at the Tivoli Med Spa. "The Truth About Lasers" was the theme, well received and educational as reported by attendees. Terrific food, low calorie, by Kay Reed of Cafe Iz. Great lady clothes by Lucca of Orange Beach. Lots of door prizes and special deals won and presented. Our vascular and vein staff participated in the event as well, for many of our patients use the cosmetic opportunities in the Spa.
Come join us each month.

Events and Clinics

Don't forget the popular "Third Thursday" events in the Tivoli Med Spa across from our office. This month, in two days, the topic is "The Truth About Lasers", a timely topic and one our patients should learn. Dr. Petro will present information, and many door prizes and reduced rate specials will be available. This weeks vein clinics are Thursday afternoon in Oxford, AL, and Friday afternoon in Tuscaloosa, AL. These are popular clinics, come visit with us.

Living longer, no need to show it!

See our new brief video, boxing to stay fit. Mostly applies to me, but applies to anyone wishing to assure a good quality of life for many years. John Dye is a boxing coach and fitness instructor who works with us regularly, not easy but is fun and really works. Dr. Petro, also in the video, performs excellent cosmetic procedures to help sustain youth. Correcting unsightly vein problems in my business assures painless and good looking legs for many years. Nike has the right approach, "Just Do It"!

Exercise and Vein Treatments?

Following major vein treatments, most of our patients may exercise within one week - with the compression stockings in place. If only spider vein treatments, there is no downtime, and exercise with stockings may resume the following day. Stockings should be worn at least two weeks in the daytime after major vein treatments, and at least one week after spider vein treatments.

What is the cost to treat spider veins?

Interesting, the cost depends upon the provider since spider veins are not insurance covered. Currently, our cost is only $300 to treat both legs, front and back including ankles and feet. This is very inexpensive, for treating these small veins is difficult and requires very good hand-eye skills. In June, the cost will increase to $400 for the same treatment, still very inexpensive when compared to almost anyone in the U.S. Plus our staff is experienced and very skilled.