Tag: female vascular surgeon

Skin Discoloration or Texture Changes on Your Lower Legs? It Might Be a Warning Sign of Serious Vein Disease

Posted on by Michael Kokinos

Changes in the color or texture of the skin on your lower legs are not just signs of aging. They’re often early indicators of vein disease — a condition that progresses quietly but can have serious consequences if ignored.

At South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute, Dr. Polly Kokinos has earned her reputation as the Bay Area’s foremost vascular surgeon by identifying what others overlook. Her commitment to early detection and precision care has helped thousands of patients avoid ulcers, blood clots, and even limb loss. If you notice brown, red, or shiny patches on your lower legs, this post is your sign to take it seriously.

What Skin Discoloration Says About Your Vein Health

The skin is often your body’s first warning sign that something deeper is wrong. In patients with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), blood pools in the lower legs, leaking into surrounding tissue. Over time, this causes visible changes that include:

– Brown, purple, or red patches near the ankle or calf
– Thin, shiny, or tight skin
– Itchy, irritated areas that don’t go away
– Flaky or leathery texture
– Hardening of the skin (lipodermatosclerosis)

These signs aren’t just cosmetic. They’re signals that your veins are struggling to return blood to your heart.

Why This Happens – and Why It Gets Worse Without Help

When vein valves weaken, gravity pulls blood downward. This causes vein pressure to rise and forces red blood cells into surrounding tissues. The iron in those cells (hemosiderin) stains the skin, while inflammation from stagnant fluid damages the surrounding tissue.

Left untreated, this can lead to:
– Venous leg ulcers
– Painful skin infections (cellulitis)
– Severe leg swelling (edema)
– Long-term mobility issues

What Sets Dr. Polly Kokinos Apart in Diagnosing and Treating Vein-Related Skin Changes

While many doctors misdiagnose these symptoms as eczema or aging, Dr. Polly Kokinos uses advanced diagnostic imaging to uncover the vascular root causes. Her experience – and success – treating vein disease in its early stages is unmatched.

– Vascular ultrasound performed on-site during your first visit
– Personalized treatment plans (no cosmetic band-aids)
– Minimally invasive procedures with fast recovery
– Four South Bay locations for convenient care
– Trusted by referring physicians, wound care centers, and hospitals

What Our Patients Say

“I thought it was just age spots. Dr. Kokinos showed me it was a circulation issue and treated it before it became an ulcer.”
— Brenda L., Los Gatos

“I was using creams for months, but my skin kept getting worse. She knew exactly what was wrong. She’s the best.”
— Kevin J., Santa Clara

Don’t Let a Skin Change Become a Health Crisis

If you notice color changes or rough, tight skin on your lower legs, don’t wait. The earlier vein disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat – and the better your outcome.

Call South Bay Vascular at (408) 376-3626 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Polly Kokinos, the most trusted name in vein care across Santa Clara County.

Confident Legs, Confident Life. Trust your legs to the surgeon other doctors trust most.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): The Silent Circulatory Disorder Affecting Professionals in Santa Clara County

Posted on by Michael Kokinos

If you’re a busy professional dealing with leg fatigue, swelling, or heaviness after a long day at work, you might be experiencing more than simple exhaustion. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a progressive vein disorder that often goes undiagnosed — until serious symptoms begin to impact your daily life.

At South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute, Dr. Polly Kokinos has become the most trusted name in diagnosing and treating CVI across Santa Clara County. Her unparalleled experience in vascular surgery, minimally invasive treatment options, and her deep understanding of circulatory health sets her apart as the physician of choice for discerning professionals who demand excellence in care.

What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?

CVI occurs when the veins in your legs cannot efficiently return blood back to your heart. This is typically due to valve failure within the veins, causing blood to pool in the lower extremities. Over time, this can result in pain, swelling, skin changes, and venous ulcers.

CVI is often progressive and linked to varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and venous reflux. It affects up to 40% of adults and is more common in individuals who sit or stand for long periods — such as teachers, tech workers, healthcare professionals, and those in retail or service roles.

Common Symptoms Professionals Often Overlook

– Aching or tired legs, especially after work
– Swelling in the ankles or calves by the evening
– Cramping or restlessness at night
– Skin discoloration or thickening near the ankles
– Visible varicose veins or bulging veins
– Open wounds or sores that are slow to heal

These symptoms are often mistaken for aging or stress-related fatigue — when in reality, they are early signs of a potentially serious vascular condition.

Why Dr. Polly Kokinos Is the Physician of Choice for CVI

Dr. Kokinos is a board-certified vascular surgeon with over 20 years of experience treating CVI and complex vein conditions. Her approach is methodical and precise, backed by cutting-edge diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments that allow patients to return to work and life quickly.

✔️ Same-day ultrasound diagnostics onsite
✔️ Advanced vein mapping and treatment planning
✔️ In-office procedures with minimal downtime
✔️ Two convenient South Bay locations

What Professionals Say About Their Treatment Experience

“I had no idea my leg swelling and fatigue was a vein issue. Dr. Kokinos immediately identified the problem and fixed it. She’s the real deal.”
— Martin P., San Jose

“Dr. Kokinos is in a league of her own. I felt seen, heard, and cared for. Her precision and compassion were exactly what I needed.”
— Serena W., Sunnyvale

Don’t Wait to Get the Answers You Deserve

CVI doesn’t resolve on its own — but the good news is that with early intervention, it can be managed and even reversed. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t wait.

📞 Call South Bay Vascular Center at (408) 376-3626 today to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Polly Kokinos — the trusted vascular expert for professionals in Santa Clara County.

Confident Legs, Confident Life. Rediscover comfort, mobility, and energy with the care of a true specialist.

Varicose Veins: They’re More Than Just Cosmetic — Here’s What You Need to Know

Posted on by Michael Kokinos

Why Ignoring Your Leg Veins Could Cost You More Than Confidence

If you’ve noticed twisted, bulging veins on your legs — especially if they throb, ache, or worsen at the end of the day — it’s time to stop thinking of them as “just cosmetic.” Varicose veins are often the visible warning signs of deeper venous disease, and for thousands of people in Santa Clara County, they’re a call to action that should not be ignored.

At South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute, Dr. Polly Kokinos has built her reputation over two decades as the most trusted, experienced, and highly skilled vascular surgeon treating varicose veins in Santa Clara County. This blog breaks down why her expertise matters — and what your legs might be trying to tell you before things get worse.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that typically appear in the legs due to weakened or damaged valves. These faulty valves allow blood to pool, leading to the swelling and bulging veins we commonly associate with the condition.

But that’s just the surface.

What many people don’t realize is that varicose veins often signal chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a progressive condition that, if untreated, can lead to serious complications like leg ulcers, skin changes, blood clots, and even deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

5 Signs Your Varicose Veins May Be a Warning Sign

  1. Pain or heaviness in the legs that worsens after standing or sitting.
  2. Swelling around the ankles — especially in the evening.
  3. Itching, burning, or throbbing sensations near the vein.
  4. Skin discoloration or thickening around the ankle or lower calf.
  5. Open sores or wounds near the ankle that don’t heal (venous ulcers).

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to irreversible damage to your veins, skin, and overall vascular health.

Why Varicose Veins Are Not Just Cosmetic

While spider veins and small varicosities may be harmless, larger varicose veins are frequently part of a larger circulatory issue. Left untreated, they can escalate into:

  • Stasis dermatitis
  • Leg ulcers
  • Lipodermatosclerosis
  • Superficial thrombophlebitis
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

If you’ve ever been told to “just wear compression stockings” or “wait until they get worse,” you’re not alone. Unfortunately, too many physicians without vascular training miss the systemic implications of varicose veins.

That’s where Dr. Polly Kokinos stands apart.

Why Dr. Kokinos Is the Authority on Vein Care in Santa Clara County

Unlike many doctors offering vein procedures as a cosmetic sideline, Dr. Polly Kokinos is a board-certified vascular surgeon who has dedicated her life to treating venous and arterial disease. Her expertise blends clinical mastery with aesthetic grace, ensuring not only that patients get relief from symptoms — but that their legs look and feel better than they have in years.

She has performed thousands of successful vein procedures, from radiofrequency and laser ablation to phlebectomy with outcomes that speak for themselves.

📍 Two convenient South Bay locations
🔬 On-site diagnostic ultrasound lab staffed by full time Registered Vascular Technologists
💡 Advanced minimally invasive treatments
🩺 Full-spectrum vascular care from diagnosis to follow-up

In a field flooded with non-specialists, Dr. Kokinos’s depth of experience and vascular insight make her the clear choice for anyone suffering from varicose veins.

What Patients Are Saying

“After years of hiding my legs and dealing with pain, Dr. Kokinos changed my life. The procedure was quick, and my legs look amazing. I can finally wear shorts again!”
— Jennifer M., Los Gatos

“I saw a few other doctors before landing at South Bay Vascular. Nobody took my symptoms seriously until I met Dr. Kokinos. She’s the real deal.”
— Elaine D., San Jose

“She didn’t just treat the veins — she found the underlying issue. That’s the difference when you see a real vascular surgeon.”
— Lisa T., Morgan Hill

When to Seek Help — and Why You Shouldn’t Wait

If you’ve been brushing off your symptoms as “just cosmetic” or “a normal part of aging,” it’s time to think again. The longer venous disease progresses, the harder it is to treat — and the more your quality of life suffers.

Early intervention means better outcomes, fewer complications, and in many cases, a dramatic improvement in leg appearance and comfort.

📞 Don’t Wait — Get the Answers Your Legs Deserve

At South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute, Dr. Polly Kokinos and her team offer personalized evaluations, non-invasive testing, and same-week treatment plans designed to help you walk confidently again.

Call us today at (408) 376-3626 to schedule a consultation at one of our four South Bay locations.

Confident Legs, Confident Life.
Trust the name Santa Clara County turns to when vein health is on the line: Dr. Polly Kokinos.

CONFIDENT LEGS, CONFIDENT LIFE (SM): THE PROFESSIONAL WOMANS GUIDE TO VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT

Posted on by Michael Kokinos

Why Varicose Veins Are More Than Just Cosmetic

As a successful, driven woman, you invest in your appearance, your wellness, and your future. You maintain your professional polish and personal health—but varicose veins can undermine both. If you’re a woman between 30 and 55 living in Morgan Hill, CA, dealing with bulging, twisted veins in your legs, you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not without options.

Varicose veins aren’t just unsightly. They can signal deeper circulatory problems, cause physical discomfort, and limit your ability to wear what you want, move how you want, and live the energetic lifestyle you’ve built. Whether you’re standing in heels all day, chasing deadlines, or balancing your professional career with family life, your legs carry you—literally and figuratively. They deserve the best.

Meet the Vascular Surgeon Women Trust: Dr. Polly Kokinos

In a world of impersonal clinics and system-based referrals, Dr. Polly Kokinos stands apart—as an independent, board-certified vascular surgeon with over 30 years of experience and a reputation for unmatched results in the treatment of varicose veins and advanced vascular care.

Unlike large healthcare systems where referrals often land you with the on-call provider of the day, Dr. Kokinos personally evaluates and treats every patient. Her combination of clinical precision, artistic eye, and the empathetic touch of a woman makes her the go-to expert for professional women who want the best—and expect the best.

Varicose Veins: Causes, Concerns, and Consequences

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins typically found in the legs. They occur when faulty vein valves allow blood to pool instead of flowing efficiently back to the heart. Over time, this leads to visible bulging veins, pain, and swelling.

Common Triggers for Professional Women:

  • Long hours of standing or sitting at work
  • Pregnancy or hormonal fluctuations
  • Genetics
  • High heels or restrictive clothing
  • Stress and lifestyle factors

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore:

  • Visible, bulging blue or purple veins
  • Achy, heavy legs—especially at the end of the day
  • Throbbing, burning, or cramping in the legs
  • Swelling in feet or ankles
  • Skin discoloration or dry, itchy patches around the veins

Varicose veins are not just cosmetic. Left untreated, they can lead to chronic venous insufficiency, skin ulcers, and even blood clots.

You Deserve More Than a Spa or Cosmetic Center

Many women are lured by med-spas or dermatology offices offering quick vein treatments—but here’s the truth: vein disease is a medical condition. If not assessed and treated by a specialist, you risk wasting money on ineffective treatments—or worse, masking a serious vascular issue.

Dr. Kokinos isn’t just certified—she’s a pioneer. As one of the few female board-certified vascular surgeons in Northern California, her surgical precision and medical insight are matched only by her refined, compassionate approach to aesthetic outcomes.

At South Bay Vascular Center, every patient undergoes a full diagnostic vascular ultrasound to determine the true cause of their vein disease. This isn’t guesswork. It’s science. And it’s why her patients consistently experience better long-term results, less recurrence, and restored confidence.

Why Professional Women Choose Dr. Kokinos

  1. Independent Practice = Focused Attention
    • You’ll never be treated by a rotating staff physician or handed off to a technician.
    • Dr. Kokinos will personally plan and execute your treatment—from your first visit to your final follow-up.
  2. Artistry with Medical Precision
    • With a woman’s eye for elegance and detail, Dr. Kokinos balances clinical excellence with aesthetic results—so your legs not only feel better, they look flawless.
  3. Proven Track Record
    • With 30 years of successful outcomes, her patients enjoy exceptional results with minimal downtime and maximal confidence.
  4. Tailored Treatments for Your Lifestyle
    • Whether you’re prepping for a professional conference or a beachside vacation, Dr. Kokinos offers minimally invasive procedures with little to no recovery time.
  5. Privacy and Professionalism
    • South Bay Vascular offers discreet, boutique-style care, respecting your time and your privacy.

Advanced Treatment Options

Minimally Invasive. Maximum Impact.

All procedures are performed in-office at South Bay Vascular Center’s accredited facility, using state-of-the-art equipment for precision and comfort.

  • Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT): Closes the diseased vein using laser energy.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses gentle heat to collapse faulty veins.
  • Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Removes surface veins through micro-incisions.

All treatments require no general anesthesia, involve minimal discomfort, and let you walk out the same day.

Real Results from Real Women

“After years of hiding my legs, I finally feel confident again. Dr. Kokinos truly changed my life.”
— Marisa L., 43, Morgan Hill

“What sets Dr. Kokinos apart is that she listened. She understood exactly what I needed—not just medically, but emotionally.”
— Tasha G., 51, Gilroy

Why Morgan Hill Women Are Flocking to South Bay Vascular

  • Close proximity to Morgan Hill with easy scheduling
  • Personalized consultations with a focus on lifestyle goals
  • Elegant outcomes—legs that look as good as they feel
  • A woman’s touch with the highest level of technical skill

Dr. Kokinos isn’t just treating veins—she’s restoring confidence.

What to Expect: Your First Appointment

  1. One-on-One Consultation 
  2. Detailed Ultrasound Mapping of Your Veins
  3. Custom-Tailored Treatment Plan Based on Your Goals
  4. Transparent Pricing, Insurance Support, and Flexible Scheduling

Your time is valuable. Your results should be too.

Let Your Confidence Flow

If you’re a professional woman in Morgan Hill dealing with varicose veins, don’t settle for generic care or cosmetic gimmicks. Choose the vascular expert who blends clinical mastery with aesthetic grace.

You’ve worked hard to build your life. Now let your legs reflect your power, elegance, and vitality.

Book your consultation with Dr. Polly Kokinos at South Bay Vascular Center today. Call us at 408-376-3626 to schedule your appoinment

Revitalize your legs, Rejuvinate your life

Most Insurances accepted