Tag: Santa Cruz vein specialist

When One Leg Swells: Why Dr. Polly Kokinos is Santa Clara County’s Go-To Expert for May-Thurner Syndrome

Posted on by Michael Kokinos

Swelling in one leg should never be ignored. It’s not normal — and it’s not something a pair of compression socks can fix. More often than not, it’s a red flag. One of the most underdiagnosed causes? A condition called May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS), also known as iliac vein compression.

Dr. Polly Kokinos, a board-certified vascular surgeon with elite training from Columbia, UCSF, and Washington University, is the physician that primary care doctors, cardiologists, and even other vascular specialists turn to when they suspect something more serious is at play. She’s not just a vein doctor. She’s where the buck stops.

What Is May-Thurner Syndrome?

May-Thurner Syndrome occurs when the right iliac artery compresses the left iliac vein against the spine, restricting blood flow out of the left leg. This leads to swelling, pain, heaviness, and in some cases, deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

It often goes undiagnosed because surface ultrasounds can’t see into the pelvis — which is where the problem lies. Only a vascular surgeon with advanced imaging capability and specialized training can make this diagnosis accurately.

Symptoms That Mean It’s Time to Call Dr. Kokinos

– Swelling in one leg (usually the left)
– Aching or heaviness after walking or standing
– Skin discoloration or visible pelvic veins
– Previous DVT or unexplained leg pain
– History of misdiagnosed or recurring leg swelling

Why Experience — and Board Certification — Matter

Many providers advertising vein care are not board-certified vascular surgeons. Some have no hospital privileges and refer out complex cases they’re not equipped to treat.

Dr. Kokinos is different:
– She has performed thousands of advanced venous interventions.
– She does not refer out — she diagnoses and treats MTS herself.
– She holds active hospital privileges across Santa Clara County.
– Her training gives her the ability to recognize what most miss.

What patients are saying about Dr Kokinos

🗣️ Patient Testimonial 1:

“My experience with South Bay Vascular, and Dr. Kokinos, was outstanding. Since my procedure, I have had ZERO of any of the symptoms I had been experiencing: no swelling, no ankle pain, no varicose vein, and no clots. Could not be happier!”
— SBVC Patient ​southbayvascular.com

🗣️ Patient Testimonial 2:

“Highly recommend this place for vascular surgery. Dr. Kokinos knows her stuff, spends extra time before and after the surgery, double checks everything with…”
— Yelp Reviewer ​Yelp+1MapQuest+1

Dr. Polly Kokinos: The Physician Other Physicians Trust

Whether you’re a busy professional, a mom, or a retiree, you deserve answers. If your leg swelling has been dismissed or misdiagnosed, now is the time to get the clarity you deserve — from the physician who sees what others don’t.

Call (408) 376-3626 today to schedule your advanced vascular consultation.

Confident Legs. Confident Life. Trust your legs to Dr. Polly Kokinos — the valley’s most trusted name in vascular care.

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.