Credentials, Care, and Confidence—Why Your Vein Doctor’s Background Matters More Than You Think

Confident Legs. Confident Life.

As a professional woman juggling a demanding career and family obligations, the last thing you want is to feel uncomfortable in your own skin—especially when that discomfort stems from something treatable like varicose veins. For women in the South Bay, choosing the right doctor to treat vein disease isn’t just about beauty—it’s about trust, integrity, and results.

And here’s the truth that too many patients learn too late:

Not all vein doctors are created equal.

In fact, many vein centers are staffed by providers who are not board-certified vascular surgeons. These may be internal medicine doctors, anesthesiologists, Cardiac and or Thoracic Surgeons; Inventional Radiologists, Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons or even cosmetic physicians who’ve taken a course or two in vein procedures.

When it comes to the legs you walk on every day, you need more than surface-level knowledge.

Dr. Polly Kokinos—A full ARDMS Board Certified Vascular surgeon who blends clinical mastery with aesthetic grace, and who has more than 30 years of dedicated, board-certified vascular experience.


Why Full Board Certification in Vascular Surgery Matters

A board-certified vascular surgeon has undergone:

  • 7+ years of specialized surgical training in General Surgery followed by another two years of specialized Vascular Surgery. 
  • Rigorous board exams in both general and vascular surgery
  • Hands-on experience in thousands of procedures involving both arterial and venous systems

Compare that to a physician board-certified in pain medicine or anesthesiology, who may simply add vein treatments to their practice as an additional income stream. It’s not the same—and the outcomes speak for themselves.


Real Reviews, Real Women, Real Results

“I interviewed three different doctors. Only Dr. Kokinos was actually a vascular surgeon. She explained everything in detail and didn’t pressure me. The results are beyond what I hoped for.”
Carmen V., Morgan Hill

“No comparison. Other clinics talked about technology—Dr. Kokinos talked about anatomy, circulation, and outcomes. Her results were clearly better.”
Angela H., Hollister

“Elegant, caring, and brilliant. She did in one visit what another office told me would take four appointments.”
Brittany S., San Jose


A Word About Billing: What You Need to Know

Some physicians extend vein treatment across multiple appointments not because it’s necessary, but because it allows them to bill more per patient.

At South Bay Vascular, Dr. Kokinos:

  • Performs procedures in one complete session when appropriate
  • Uses evidence-based protocols to determine need
  • Provides clear explanations of insurance coverage and billing—before you commit

Understanding the Procedure: How It’s Done

Modern varicose vein treatment is minimally invasive, virtually painless, and completed in-office:

  • Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) closes the faulty vein
  • Ultrasound mapping guides precise placement
  • You walk out the same day, with little to no downtime

The difference? Technique and experience. And no one in the South Bay has more of both than Dr. Kokinos.


Questions Every Woman Considering Vein Work Should Ask

Your legs carry your strength, your style, and your stride. Choosing who treats them isn’t just a medical decision—it’s a personal one. These thoughtful, empowering questions will help you understand if your doctor truly has the training and experience you deserve.

Questions include:

  • How long have you been performing vein procedures, and how many have you completed?
  • Are you board-certified specifically in vascular surgery? Don’t be deceived. Only the Best Vascular Surgeons are board certified…and Board Eligible is NOT Board Certified. 
  • What advanced training did you complete in arterial and venous systems?
  • Will you personally evaluate, diagnose, and perform my treatment?
  • Do you use ultrasound vein mapping before every treatment? If so, who does these scans? Are your vascular ultrasonographers RVT certified? 
  • How do you ensure your results are both functionally effective and aesthetically beautiful?
  • What’s your approach to minimizing the need for multiple sessions?
  • How will you determine whether my symptoms are cosmetic or signs of a deeper vascular issue?
  • What happens if I need follow-up or experience complications?
  • Do you treat both arterial and venous disease, or just veins?
  • Can I see before-and-after photos and patient reviews?
  • What are your protocols for billing, and do you explain all coverage up front?
  • What sets your practice apart from larger group vein clinics or cosmetic centers?
  • What do your patients say about their experiences under your care?
  • What is your board certification?
  • Are you a vascular surgeon or a Vein Specialist? Ask them to explain the difference!
  • Will you perform the procedure yourself?
  • How many cases like mine have you completed?
  • Do you split procedures over multiple appointments?

Why Women in San Jose, Morgan Hill and Gilroy Choose Dr. Kokinos

  • Independent practice = no quotas, no corporate incentives
  • Woman-to-woman understanding of beauty, confidence, and comfort
  • 30 years of unmatched outcomes: No other vascular surgeon or vein specialist even comes close to having that kind of experience. 
  • Real patient advocacy, not system-driven care
  • Fluent in Spanish, Greek & French. In fact, Dr Kokinos’s staff is fluent in 14 different languages. 

Call today to schedule your Vein Consulation. 408-376-3626

“We Offer Hope When Others Say There Is None”