Tag: Campbell Vein Specialist

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.

THE “RIGHT” EXPERIENCE COUNTS WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH

Posted on by Michael Kokinos

The “RIGHT” Experience Counts When It Comes to Your Health! South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute is the Bay Area’s Most Trusted Varicose Vein Clinic and Treatment Center.

Having performed over 20,000 vein procedures in the past 24 years, more independent doctors refer their vein patients to Dr. Polyxene (Polly) Kokinos than to any other vascular surgeon in the greater Silicon Valley region. Recognized as San Jose’s most experienced Vascular Surgeon and Varicose Vein Expert, Dr Kokinos offers cutting edge care to patients suffering from all forms of both arterial and venous disease.

Here’s why more local doctors refer to South Bay Vascular than to any other Vascular Surgery Center in the Valley:

  • The “RIGHT” Experience Counts When it Comes to your Health: South Bay Vascular center has been treating vein patients in a private practice setting for over 24 years.
  • Cutting edge vascular care in a fully accredited, state of the art, and private out-patient surgery center dedicated entirely to the practice of vascular surgery.
  • Access to the most Advanced Imaging and Device technologies found anywhere in the world.
  • On-site fully staffed IAC accredited Vascular Ultrasound Clinic that is operated full time by Registered Vascular Technologists (RVT).
  • Vascular Studies ready by RPVI certified Vascular Surgeons.
  • Same day availability for Hemodialysis Access de-clots.
  • “One-Doctor, One Patient, One Nurse” practice philosophy means we put the patients first.
  • Full time access to practice physicians
  • Easy access to care: No admissions departments.
  • RESULTS:   We are MORE than just a colorful website and a Google Adwords campaign. Remember, all that glitters is NOT Gold!  https://www.southbayvascular.com/blog/varicose-vein-doctors/

 Trust the doctor your physician does.

 Remember, Its Not Just Experience That Counts.

When It Comes to Your Health, It’s The “RIGHT” Experience that Matters!

Dr Polyxene Kokinos, Silicon Valley’s Vascular Surgeon.

Call us today at 408-376-3626 to schedule your vein consultation.

Click here to learn more about Dr Kokinos  NOT JUST VASCULAR CARE, EXCEPTIONAL VASCULAR CARE

VARICOSE VEIN DOCTORS

Posted on by Michael Kokinos

Type “Varicose Vein Doctor” into your Google search and in seconds, you’re overwhelmed by results.

Each link points to a different website.  Each site claims their “Vein Doctor” is the “best” and every practitioner claims to have the “bona-fides” to back-up these claims. Credentials span the continuum from Academic Institution Affiliations, (claiming to be X, Y or Z University Affiliated); to Chair-Personships (they “chaired’ this or that medical departments in the “Big Box” health care systems they came from (i.e. Kaiser, PAMF, or Sutter) to Medical Journal Publications…all this in an apparent attempt to equate administrative responsibilities with clinical excellence. Some of the bolder in the group even claim they trained at the best medical schools hoping to convince potential patients that by attending a great medical school they are the best physician for the procedure.

 

AN ESPECIALLY CONCERNING TREND IS A PHYSICIAN’S USE OF GOOGLE ADWORDS TO ADVANCE THEIR MESSAGE

 

If a vein doctor’s website shows up in your Google Search and you see that the listing starts with the word “AD” …be careful. It means that the owner of this practice is paying Google a special Advertising fee to get their name to the top of the search results. This is an attempt by this physician to “BUY LEGITIMACY”.  Businesses PAYING google to display their ads above the practitioners who have EARNED this privilege is a great way for Google to make money. Unfortunately, it can be deceiving to people who think that because a doctor’s website pops up at the top of the search results that they must be the best. (On a separate note…If a physician’s website DOES show up at the top of the search results and DOES NOT have the word “AD” in front of it, IT IS a sign that this physician has many website visitors and that they have been around for a long time…Especially if this listing is followed by a large number of Google Reviews.)  It also means that this physician has EARNED their reputation, and NOT purchased their website ranking. A word of warning to patients searching for an experienced vein care professionals. Anyone can pay to elevate their search rankings on Google; regardless of their experience.

 

IGNORE websites with paid “AD’s”, especially if they don’t have any verified Google reviews. 

 

To make things even more difficult, it can be very confusing just trying to figure out what kind of doctor actually does varicose vein procedures. Some doctors call themselves “Vein Specialists”. Others call themselves “Vein Experts”. You’ll also see the labels “Phlebologist” and “Vascular Expert”. Finally, there is the “Vascular Surgeon”. You ask yourself, do all of these physicians fix varicose veins? If so, what’s the difference? (Learn more by clicking on the following link). https://www.southbayvascular.com/blog/vascular-surgeon-vs-phlebologist-vs-vein-specialist/ Every one of these “Vein Doctors” promises to rid you of your ugly, painful veins, leg swelling and non-healing ulcers. Every one of them posts photos showing off their work to prove their point.

Let’s face it, it’s confusing. All you really want is to get your veins “fixed” so that next time you get invited to a pool party you can wear shorts or a skirt again without being “mortified” by how bad your legs look. So, what’s next?

Lost in this hype, finding the right doctor to treat your varicose veins might seem impossible. Choosing the best doctor for your specific vein condition is a difficult decision and not one that you should take lightly.  Only after serious consideration of the available options should this decision be made and in the best of all worlds, it should be made in consultation with your primary care physician…and this is the probably the most important message in this post.

LISTEN TO YOUR PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR

They’ve been in this community a long time and they know who is good and who is not. Their referral should be your number one reason to make an appointment with a Varicose Vein Doctor.

In the best of scenarios, patients should visit as many doctors as they can; interview them and question them about everything relating to their condition and their ability to help you…but remember, your primary care doctor has been doing this for a long time. They’ve got the benefit of having seen the results from different doctors and on the strength of their recommendation, you should have the confidence to know that you are making the right choice.

Here are a few things varicose vein patients should keep in mind:

  1. Remember, these are your legs. You deserve the best and you deserve to “Love Your Legs Again”.
  2. Don’t be frightened to ask your doctor tough questions.
    • Don’t just ask your vein doctor how long they have been in practice, ask them how long they have been doing these specific kinds of vein procedures. Ask them how many of these procedures they’ve done.
    • If your doctor is in private practice, ask them how long they have owned their own practice. This is important because getting things done right in a private practice is significantly more difficult than getting work done in a University Hospital or Big Box Medical System.
    • How many of these procedures have you done RECENTLY….if they do less than 25-30/ month, you might want to seriously consider finding another option
    • What kind of complications might you expect…every person is different and if your doctor says your legs will look as good as they did when you were 20, you might want to consider seeing someone else.
    • Who does your ultrasounds…are your ultrasound techs RVT’s (Registered Vascular Technologists?) Are they done “in-house” by full time Vascular ultrasonographers or are they done by “travelling” ultrasonographers who just work in their office a few times a week and who are not full time employees of the medical office.
    • Most importantly, is your Vascular lab IAC Accredited? This is especially important as your doctor will make their diagnosis on the basis of your ultrasound report and an IAC accreditation guarantees the best of the best studies are being done at that particular lab.
    • Who reads the ultrasounds….is it an RPVI registered physician, not simply a radiologist… as the two physicians will look for vastly different signs relating to vascular disease and health. Keep in mind if the study isn’t read correctly, the procedure can go poorly.
  3. Finally, ask your “Vein Specialist” about what happens if you have a complication Ask your provider if they have “Admitting privileges” at the local hospital in the event something goes wrong during the procedure and what their plan is if their procedure fails.

 

EXPERIENCE COUNTS WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH!

 

South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute brings 24 years and 20,000 vein procedures to you as our patients. As the leading independent Vascular Surgery practice in the San Francisco Bay Area, more local independent physicians refer their vein patients to Dr Kokinos than to any other vascular surgeon in the greater Silicon Valley Region.

WE OFFER HOPE WHEN OTHER SAYS THERE IS NONE!

Call us today at 408-376-3626 to schedule your vein consultation

NOT JUST VASCULAR CARE, EXCEPTIONAL VASCULAR CARE

Posted on by Angelica Rodezno

Your health care is complicated enough… finding the right Vascular Surgeon shouldn’t be!

Experience counts when it comes to your health

Polyxene (Polly) Kokinos MD. RPVI. Board Certified in Vascular and General Surgery

Silicon Valley’s Most Trusted Vascular Surgeon.

Dr Kokinos…The Confidence of knowing you made the Right choice for your Vascular care.

  • The confidence of knowing that your vascular surgeon has been taking care of South Bay patients with vascular disease for almost 30 years.
  • The confidence of knowing that your surgeon built her private practice one patient at a time for almost a quarter of a century…BECAUSE referring PHYSICIANS TRUST Dr Kokinos to deliver the best possible outcomes for their patients: even in the most difficult of circumstances.
  • The confidence of knowing that your surgeon delivers both world class and compassionate care. That Dr Kokinos is the only Vascular surgeon in the South Bay who has built an independent, nationally accredited, state of the art Vascular Surgery Center of Excellence where SHE takes care of her patients…where cutting edge care is at the heart of everything that she does.
  • The confidence of knowing that your surgeon has earned the trust of local physicians. More independent local physicians refer their vascular patients to Dr Kokinos than to any other vascular surgeon in Silicon Valley.
  • The confidence of knowing you will receive the most Advanced and Innovative Care found anywhere in the world…No other vascular surgery practice in Silicon Valley offers a combination of the imaging, device and care options that South Bay Vascular Center can offer to their patients in their private, AAAASF nationally accredited ambulatory surgery center dedicated entirely to the treatment of complex vascular disease. “We offer hope when others say there is none”
  • The confidence of knowing you will receive Personalized Care…” One Doctor, One Patient, One Nurse” …We’re NOT a hospital; we are more. That’s why we provide individualized care. At South Bay Vascular Center, we care for you as a person, not just as another patient. Our job is to understand the “why” so that you have real solutions to living a healthy life.
  • The confidence of knowing you will receive Simplified Care: ALL your vascular care under one roof. Clinical care, Vascular Ultrasound care, and Surgical care. All your care in a single facility.

South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute. Silicon Valley’s Vascular Surgeon.