MINEOLA, N.Y., Jan. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Prominent vascular surgeon John F. Gallagher MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI of Island Vein Specialists has joined the team at New York- and New Jersey-based Advanced Dermatology, PC. The appointment creates a revolutionary synergy between two practices known for their innovation in treating chronic venous insufficiency and eliminating the unsightly varicose and spider veins that characterize the disorder.
"Integration of these two medical practices ensures patients access to the most effective, pain-free measures for relieving the discomfort of venous insufficiency, while providing them with the best possible cosmetic outcomes," says Joshua Fox MD, founder and director of Advanced Dermatology and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, in welcoming Dr. Gallagher.
Varicose and spider veins are manifestations of disease of the smaller blood vessels in the legs, and patients often contact a dermatologist initially to understand their medical significance and possibly remove them for cosmetic reasons. But, many times, these patients have underlying venous insufficiency of their larger blood vessels, a problem that should be corrected first by a vascular surgeon, says Dr. Gallagher, who has 30-plus years of clinical experience in general and vascular surgery. He is noted for his advanced outpatient procedures to resolve large blood-vessel abnormalities.
In fact, Dr. Gallagher spent time training in France to perfect the ASVAL phlebectomy technique. This is a meticulous, minimally invasive technique which utilizes acupuncture needles to locate and stabilize varicose veins. This enables the veins to be removed thru small needle punctures as opposed to a larger incision which can often lead to permanent scarring. This is a virtually pain free and scar free procedure. Dr. Gallagher was among the first American Phlebologists to adopt the ASVAL technique and to date has performed over 1000 of these procedures.
"As a member of the Advanced Dermatology team, I can readily address issues of blood flow by utilizing minimally invasive techniques to correct the function of larger veins and then refer patients to my Advanced Dermatology colleagues. They are world-class experts in the latest dermatologic practices for eliminating smaller varicose and spider veins. Their advanced methods include sclerotherapy when appropriate, light-based treatments such as laser radio frequency therapy, as well as broad based light and intense pulse light treatments," Dr Gallagher states.
Sclerotherapy involves injecting medication or micro-foam into abnormal vessels to shrink and eliminate them. "The new partnership between Island Vein Specialists and Advanced Dermatology creates an environment in which patients can be treated for all aspects of venous disease efficiently and effectively," Dr. Gallagher adds.
Varicose and spider veins can form when the valves or elasticity of the walls of blood vessels in the legs weaken or become incompetent, preventing return of normal blood flow to the heart and allowing blood to pool in the veins, especially when standing. Development of these abnormal veins is frequently accompanied by other symptoms as well, including leg cramping or pain, feeling of heaviness in the legs, swollen or cracked skin – even skin ulcers. Spider veins can prompt itching and burning sensations.
Experts contend that 40 percent of Americans suffer from chronic venous disease. Risk factors include family history, genetics, advanced age, pregnancy, obesity, or simply being female.
Disorders of the smaller blood vessels are not by themselves life-threatening, but, if underlying venous insufficiency of larger vessels is present or the varicose veins clot and spread to the larger veins, "then a condition exists that poses a significant health problem, namely development of large-vessel blood clots, a disorder called deep vein thrombosis or DVT," Dr. Gallagher says. Some patients with DVT are asymptomatic.
"In many instances, venous insufficiency involves the great or small saphenous veins and their tributaries," Dr. Gallagher explains. The great saphenous vein is the longest vein in the body, extending from the ankle to the upper thigh and groin. Early treatment of varicose veins can help preserve the critical function of the saphenous vein.
Formation of cosmetically ugly varicose and spider veins also is frequently the source of immense personal stress and embarrassment to patients and affects the quality of their lives, says Dr. Fox.
"Dr. Gallagher's decision to join our team gives Advanced Dermatology unprecedented access to the best and most novel surgical approaches to correcting venous insufficiency. Some of Dr. Gallagher's techniques are available only through our medical practice and that of Island Vein Specialists," Dr. Fox says.
A graduate of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Dr. Gallagher completed residency training in general surgery at New York Hospital, Cornell University Medical Center, and a fellowship in vascular surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. For over 15 years, he served as the Director of Surgery at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Surgery, a fellow in the American College of Surgeons and a member of several major professional societies, including the American Vein & Lymphatic Society, American Venous Forum, and the Society of Vascular Surgery.
Advanced Dermatology P.C. and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery (New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) is one of the leading dermatology centers in the nation, offering highly experienced physicians in the fields of cosmetic and laser dermatology as well as plastic surgery and state-of-the-art medical technologies. http://www.advanceddermatologypc.com.
Island Vein Specialists (Long Island, N.Y.) is a premier vein treatment center, well known for innovative methods in resolving venous insufficiency and other vascular-related issues. Its treatment techniques include endovenous laser and radiofrequency ablation, various sclerotherapy techniques as well the ASVAL microphlebectomy technique.
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SOURCE Advanced Dermatology P.C.
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