Diagnostic Ultrasound for Vein Health | Varicose Vein Center Varicose Vein Center

Visible veins on your legs only tell part of the story of your vascular health. What you can see on the surface often points to deeper problems that have been developing for years. Without ultrasound, it would be harder to determine what’s causing your symptoms and which veins need treatment.

At the Varicose Vein Center in Port Jefferson Village, Dr. Jerry G. Ninia uses advanced duplex ultrasound technology to map your venous system in detail. This painless, safe exam helps Dr. Ninia determine the root cause of your issues and personalize your treatment plan.

What Is Diagnostic Ultrasound?

Diagnostic ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time pictures of your veins.

Duplex ultrasound is a specialized form of ultrasound that captures both the anatomy of your blood vessels and how blood is moving through them.

What makes this technology so valuable in vein care is that it reveals problems that aren’t visible to the eye. We can see which valves in your veins have stopped working properly, measure the exact diameter of problem veins, and watch blood flow in real time to understand where circulation has broken down.

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The Benefits of Diagnostic Ultrasound

No needles, injections, or incisions
No radiation exposure
Painless procedure
Safe for patients of all ages
Aids in the early detection of venous conditions
Improves treatment personalization
Enables ongoing monitoring of vein health

What Is Diagnostic Ultrasound Used For?

Diagnostic ultrasound is our primary tool for evaluating a wide range of venous conditions, including:

Varicose veins
Spider veins
Reticular veins
Chronic venous insufficiency
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Superficial thrombophlebitis
Venous reflux
Leg swelling and edema
Venous ulcers

Testimonials

A compassionate, supportive, professional staff from the time I set up my initial appointment to my consult, diagnostic scan, my three procedures, and post-procedure follow up. Dr. Ninia ensures his patients are made to feel comfortable, all options and procedure details fully explained, and he and his competent support staff help allay any anxiety attached to the procedures from start to finish. Thank you for helping me gain more ‘pep in my step.’

Paul H.

Super amazing staff. Dr. Ninia is very kind. Totally would recommend this place for getting your troublesome veins fixed.

Teagan L.

This office is the best! Dr. Ninia and his staff are so wonderful..they made me feel like a part of their family! Without question, I would recommend this office to anyone who is looking for top-notch service with amazing results!

Maureen

I had such a great experience at this Vein Center. The entire staff and Dr. Ninia were extremely helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this office!

Lorraine P.

So happy I finally had the veins in my legs taken care of. It was easy and painless. Can’t say enough about the results.

Deb K.

I wouldn’t and couldn’t trust any other doctor to take care of my veins. He is the best! I always feel comfortable, highly recommend.

Wanda C.

I needed to take care of my varicose veins for so many years but I put it off out of fear. I finally got into the office and got both legs done a week apart. I wish I went years ago. The staff made me feel so comfortable!!!! I would give them 10 stars if I could!!!

Kristi W.

I highly recommend the Varicose Vein Center in Pt Jeff. Dr Jerry Ninia and his staff run a professional yet friendly office. The results were excellent, and the procedures didn’t take long at all. I returned home and resumed normal activities.

Janet B.

Dr. Ninia is a true expert in his practice and will give you all the information you need to know. I was nervous for the lasers, but I always knew what to expect and it made the experience much easier. Give them a call, you won’t regret it!

Brittany M.

I had an excellent experience and am so grateful that I decided to take care of my veins! One of the best decisions I’ve made. Give them a call, you won’t regret it!

Brittany M.

Amazing, life changing, I’m going to be able to wear shorts for the first time and not be embarrassed! Dr Ninia and the staff are AMAZING.

Lisa N.

I’ve been going to Dr. Ninia for treatment of my spider veins for a few years now. Dr Ninia and his staff are caring, attentive and very efficient. The results were excellent. You are sure to leave there very happy!!

Jennifer C.

From appointment scheduling to treatment, 5 stars all around … this is the place to go!

Margaret D.

Dr. Ninia is phenomenal! His knowledge paired with experience and extensive expertise makes him one of the most incredible doctors I’ve ever had the privilege to be cared for by.

Carrie K.

Very kind and informative from the get-go! They answered all questions I had and explained exactly how my procedures would go. I’m seriously looking forward to wearing shorts again and getting rid of the leg fatigue!! Highly recommend Dr Ninia & Staff!!

Shannon U.

I think this has been the best experience with a medical provider in my life, and I’ve had many. Dr. Ninia and his staff were extremely knowledgeable, patient, kind and accommodating. Their work is impeccable. I have a complicated vascular situation and thanks to Dr. Ninia and his staff, I have improved in ways I didn’t even expect to when I first came to the office. I can’t say enough good things for this wonderful doctor and his practice.

Christina S.

Dr. Ninia and his staff are wonderful. I am so happy with the results of my procedures and I’m post-op 2 months. I can feel a difference already. I would highly recommend this office to anyone.

Christa P.

I’ve been here for my veins a few times, and decided to return this past year. I’m so glad I did, and wish I had sooner. The results were excellent. Each patient has his/her own time with the doctor, no waiting and plenty of time for instructions. Dr. Ninia is soft-spoken and gentle, always having the patient’s comfort in mind.

Janet B.

I wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else!

I live in Wantagh and make the hour ride because I wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else! Dr. Ninia and his staff are amazing. So kind and easy to talk to.

Mary

How Does Ultrasound Work?

Diagnostic ultrasound works on the same principle as the sonar technology used to map the ocean floor.

High-frequency sound waves, far beyond what human ears can detect, travel through your body and bounce back when they hit different structures. A computer “listens” to these returning echoes and converts them into images you can see on a screen.

Different tissues in your body reflect sound waves differently, which is how an ultrasound system distinguishes between muscle, fat, blood, and vein walls. Dense tissues like bone reflect more sound, while fluids let sound waves pass through more easily.

To examine veins, we use a technique called duplex ultrasound. “Duplex” means we’re using two types of ultrasound at once. B-mode ultrasound creates structural images that show the size and shape of your veins. Doppler ultrasound shows blood movement, measuring both the speed and direction of flow.

What Happens During a Diagnostic Ultrasound Procedure?

Before the Procedure

There’s almost no preparation required for a venous ultrasound. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment, and you don’t need to stop taking any medications. We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your legs.

If you use lotions or oils on your legs, skip them on the day of your ultrasound. These products can interfere with the contact between the handpiece (transducer) and your skin, making it harder to get clear images.

During the Procedure

You’ll lie comfortably on an exam table. Dr. Ninia or our certified ultrasonographer will apply a clear, water-based gel to your skin. The gel might feel cool at first, but it warms quickly. Its job is to eliminate any air pockets between the transducer and your skin that could block the sound waves.

Your provider will place the transducer against your skin and move it along your leg. During the exam, you may be asked to change positions, flex your feet, take deep breaths, or bear down slightly. These maneuvers help us see how your veins respond to different pressures.

You might also be asked to stand for part of the examination. Gravity affects venous blood flow, and some problems only show up when you’re upright.

After the Procedure

Once the imaging is complete, we’ll wipe away the ultrasound gel with a towel. Any small amounts that remain will dry quickly and won’t stain your clothing.

Dr. Ninia reviews the ultrasound images and discusses the findings with you during the same visit. He’ll explain what we found, show you the problem areas on the images, and walk you through your treatment options.

Before & After

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After

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After

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After

What Should I Expect After the Diagnostic Ultrasound Procedure?

There are no restrictions after an ultrasound exam. You can drive yourself home and resume any normal activities immediately.

How Accurate Is Diagnostic Ultrasound?

Diagnostic ultrasound is highly accurate for detecting the conditions we treat most often at the Varicose Vein Center.

The accuracy of any ultrasound exam depends heavily on two factors: the quality of the equipment and the skill of the person performing the test.

Both Dr. Ninia and our ultrasonographer hold specialty certification in diagnostic ultrasound, meaning they’ve completed rigorous training beyond standard ultrasound education and passed specialty exams to demonstrate their expertise.

When Is Diagnostic Ultrasound Recommended?

Dr. Ninia recommends diagnostic ultrasound for any patient whose symptoms or visible vein changes suggest an underlying circulation problem. It is the best way to understand what’s happening beneath the skin surface.

Early and accurate detection of venous problems allows for earlier intervention. This, in turn, often means simpler treatments and better outcomes.

Get to Know Dr. Ninia

Dr. Jerry Ninia brings over 30 years of hands-on experience to every treatment. He combines world-class expertise with the personal attention and honest, down-to-earth care you’d expect from a trusted neighborhood doctor.

Dual Board-Certified in Phlebology and OB/GYN
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) Certified
100+ lectures, articles and textbook chapters published
International educator and speaker on vascular medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

Asked By You, Answered By Dr. Ninia

Is diagnostic ultrasound covered by insurance?

When there’s a medical reason for the ultrasound, insurance typically covers it. If you’re coming in purely for cosmetic concerns with spider veins and no symptoms, insurance usually won’t pay for an ultrasound. My team will verify your coverage before your appointment so there are no surprises.

Is a diagnostic ultrasound procedure painful?

The process is usually painless. You’ll feel the transducer moving across your skin and some mild pressure. If I am examining an area where you have a tender varicose vein, you might feel some discomfort from the pressure, but you can speak up at any time if something bothers you.

What are the side effects of diagnostic ultrasound?

There are no known side effects. Ultrasound is one of the safest medical tests we have. It doesn’t use radiation, there are no injections, and nothing enters your body except harmless sound waves. I’ve never had a patient experience any complications or side effects from a venous ultrasound exam.

How long does a venous ultrasound take?

Most venous ultrasound exams take 30 to 45 minutes. If we’re evaluating both legs or looking at more complex vein patterns, it might run a bit longer. I don’t rush these exams — getting accurate images means taking the time to look at your veins from multiple angles and in different positions.

How soon will I get my ultrasound results?

You’ll get them the same day. I review the ultrasound images personally and discuss the findings with you before you leave. I’ll show you what we found on the screen, explain what it means, and go over your treatment options right then and there. You won’t be waiting days or weeks wondering what’s going on with your veins.

Is ultrasound better than a CT scan for diagnosing vein problems?

For the conditions I treat, ultrasound is almost always the better choice. It gives me excellent detail about valve function and blood flow without radiation exposure. There are rare situations where CT (which involves radiation) might be needed, but for most leg vein issues, ultrasound is the gold standard.