General FAQ:
Where are you located?
Chesapeake Vein Center & MedSpa is located at 300 Medical Pkwy #208, Chesapeake, VA 23320. Our medical spa and vein health center is convenient to Norfolk County and the Virginia Beach area.What are your hours of operation?
We are open, Monday through Friday, from 8am to 4pm.What are the general surgery procedures offered by Dr. Challa?
Board-certified surgeon Dr. Surya Challa offers a variety of surgical procedures for the treatment of various health conditions including cancer. Dr. Challa is skilled and experienced in general surgery with special interests in hernia surgery, gallbladder removal surgery, colon surgery, acid reflux surgery, spleen removal surgery, hemorrhoid removal surgery, as well as breast cancer surgeries such as lymph node biopsies, lumpectomy, mastectomy, breast reconstruction utilizing the nipple sparing technique and more. Additionally, Dr. Challa performs other surgeries typically performed by general surgeons such as removing lumps, skin cancers and other abdominal surgeries.What is the difference between traditional “open” surgery and the laparoscopic surgery techniques offered by Dr. Challa?
An “open” (otherwise known as traditional) surgery involves a large incision through which a surgeon operates directly. Laparoscopic surgery, on the other hand, involves a number of much smaller incisions through which a small fiberoptic tube (known as a laparoscope) is inserted. The laparoscope is connected to a video camera – this enhanced visibility allows Dr. Challa to operate with a variety of small instruments inside the body. Carbon dioxide gas is also used to expand the procedure area – typically the abdomen – for increased space to operate.Laparoscopic surgery has a number of advantages over open surgery, such as less post-operative pain, a briefer hospital stay, quicker recovery time and considerably less scarring. For this reason, Dr. Challa utilizes a laparoscopic approach whenever possible. Additionally, Dr. Challa performs robot-assisted surgeries for patients requiring gallbladder surgeries, hernia surgeries and anti-reflux surgeries.
What are the vein health procedures offered by Dr. Challa?
Renowned Virginia Beach vein doctor and vein specialist Dr. Surya Challa is pleased to offer the latest and most advanced techniques for varicose vein removal and treatment, as well as spider vein removal and treatment. From venous duplex ultrasound procedures to radiofrequency ablation, Dr. Challa can help you achieve optimal vein health.What are the Chesapeake medical spa services offered by Dr. Challa?
At our VA beach medical spa we offer Laser Photo Rejuvenation (also known as Photofacials), MicroLaserPeel, Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing, Laser Hair Removal, Chemical Peels, CoolSculpting®, BOTOX® and dermal fillers.What are Dr. Challa’s qualifications?
Dr. Surya Challa has extensive training and experience in the field of surgery and phlebology (the specialty dealing with venous disease). He has conducted more than two thousand venous procedures with excellent results, a superb safety profile and no major complications. Dr. Challa also has more than a decade of experience in general surgery. Dr. Challa is on staff at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center and is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Eastern Virginia Medical School. He is board certified in general surgery and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM). Additionally, Dr. Challa is a Registered Phlebology Specialist and ABVLM certified physician.Dr. Challa also serves as the Chief Medical Informatics Officer at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. This position uniquely positions him to be aware of and incorporate as appropriate, the latest technological advances in the health care industry. Dr. Challa is board certified in the Subspecialty of clinical informatics which deals with the role of technology in medicine. To read his full physician bio, please click here.
What insurances do you accept?
For a full list of the insurance carriers we accept, please click here.How can I log onto the patient portal?
To log onto the patient portal, please click here.How can I download forms to fill out before my appointment?
To access downloadable forms to fill out in advance of your visit, please click here.Vein FAQ:
What are varicose veins?
The term ‘varicose veins‘ is often used to describe everything from smaller, spider veins (red or blue veins on the surface of the skin) up to true varicose veins (swollen, bulging veins with a rope-like appearance). Varicose veins are quite common, with one in three woman and one in five men experiencing them. Varicose vein symptoms can include swelling, heavy legs, leg fatigue, leg pain, as well as burning and itching sensations.What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are almost always associated with venous reflux. This occurs when the valves in the leg veins don’t work well, and backward blood flow causes pooling in the lower leg. Without treatment, the pressure this creates may increase over time and cause additional varicose veins and symptoms. People with a family history and who are older, obese or are pregnant may be at increased risk of developing varicose veins.Can varicose veins be prevented?
It is unclear if varicose veins can be prevented, but certain actions may help limit the disease’s progression and symptoms. Routine exercise, maintaining a normal weight, avoiding excessively long periods of standing or sitting, and the use of compression stockings may all help alleviate symptoms.What happens if I don’t treat the vein?
If you have underlying venous disease (e.g., venous reflux), the pressure created by backflow of blood and pooling in the lower legs may create a progressive condition that only gets worse with time. This may lead to additional spider veins and varicose veins, and in some cases can lead to swelling and venous ulcers at the lower calf and ankle. Only a trained vein specialist can effectively evaluate your spider veins or varicose veins.Will my spider veins or varicose veins reoccur, even with treatment?
Sometimes the same factors that helped to cause your first spider veins or varicose veins (e.g., family history, age, obesity, female hormones, etc.) will make you predisposed to develop additional vein conditions. If a specific vein is properly treated, it usually does not recur, but it is possible that other veins may become diseased. This is why it is important that even if you have what appear to be simple, cosmetic spider veins, that you consult a vein specialist who can determine if you have an underlying condition (venous reflux). If you do, and you don’t treat the cause of the problem, additional spider veins or varicose veins are likely to develop.Won’t I need that vein?
Procedures like sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation and closure act to close down a faulty vein. The vein being closed is dysfunctional and is allowing blood to flow backwards and pool, so leaving it open only makes things worse. The body contains numerous other healthy veins that are still functional and can easily take up the additional flow. Treatment of the faulty veins almost always results in improved blood flow in the overall vein system.What is the cost of vein treatment?
Procedures like VNUS Closure/Venefit radiofrequency ablation and ambulatory phlebotomy, when shown to be medically necessary, are commonly covered by Medicare and insurance providers. Sclerotherapy for spider veins is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and usually not covered. Consult your local insurance provider to determine your exact eligibility and coverage as well as cost.Surgical FAQ:
What surgery procedures are offered at Chesapeake Vein Center & MedSpa?
Board-certified Dr. Surya Challa is skilled and experienced in general surgery, offering comprehensive solutions to a variety of health conditions. He has special interests in acid reflux surgery, gallbladder removal surgery, hernia surgery, colon surgery, hemorrhoid removal surgery, spleen removal surgery, as well as breast cancer surgeries such as lymph node biopsies, mastectomy, lumpectomy, breast reduction utilizing the nipple sparing technique and more. Dr. Challa also performs other procedures typically performed by general surgeons, including the removal of lumps, skin cancers and other abdominal surgeries.What are laparoscopic surgery techniques, and why are they preferred at Chesapeake Vein Center & Medspa?
During laparoscopic surgery, small incisions are made to insert a small fiber optic tube, also known as a laparoscope. This laparoscope is connected to a video camera, enhancing visibility inside the body. Unlike traditional “open” surgery, which requires a large incision to operate, laparoscopic surgery offers less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery time and considerably less scarring.For these reasons, Dr. Challa prefers to avoid traditional surgery techniques whenever a laparoscopic approach is possible. Robot-assisted surgeries are used for patients requiring gallbladder surgeries, hernia surgeries and acid reflux surgeries.