Medically reviewed by Zoe Deol, MD, FACS, DABVLM, on September 21, 2025
When Tammy lost a significant amount of weight after gastric bypass surgery, she expected to feel stronger, healthier, and ready for her next chapter. Instead, she found herself facing a new challenge—bulging, painful varicose veins that became more visible as her skin changed. Her dream of having a thigh lift to remove excess skin was put on hold until those veins could be safely treated.
For this article, we spoke to Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) patient Tammy H., as well as her CVR vein physician, Dr. Zoe Deol, about the careful, strategic treatment plan that restored Tammy’s confidence and put her back on track toward her health goals. Dr. Deol is the lead vein physician at two CVR vein clinic locations in Michigan.
✅ To schedule a consultation with Dr. Zoe Deol at CVR in Southgate (Detroit), Michigan, 👉CLICK HERE
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After having vein treatment years earlier at a large health system, Tammy returned for a second round when her significant weight loss revealed new, prominent veins on her legs.
“I had lost a bunch of weight, and a lot of the veins popped out on my thighs and my lower legs that we didn’t see before,” Tammy said. “I went to a plastic surgeon for a thigh lift consultation, but he told me he couldn’t do the surgery until the veins were treated. That was my biggest reason for seeking care at this time.”
She initially consulted a vascular specialist at the hospital, but was told they could not safely treat her due to scarring from her previous procedures. Instead, the hospital physician referred her to Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), where Dr. Deol had the technology and expertise needed to handle complex cases like Tammy’s.
Dr. Deol recalls that Tammy’s case required extra planning:
“When you see pictures of her legs, the varicose veins were massive. When patients lose significant weight, the veins not only become more visible but also more symptomatic. The skin folds can pinch the veins, making them ache or clot. I had to create a very strategic plan—almost like mapping a route through a construction zone—because what you see on the scan isn’t always what you encounter in the procedure room.” – Dr. Zoe Deol
Tammy’s customized plan included a combination of:
Dr. Deol and her vascular technologist worked together as a team to ensure Tammy had a safe and effective outcome. Tammy remembers the team’s warm, compassionate approach:
“They explained everything, made me feel so comfortable, and even gave me Harold the giraffe to hold during procedures,” Tammy said with a laugh. “Every visit was just amazing. They are so kind, like visiting friends.”
After completing her treatments, Tammy noticed a dramatic difference immediately:
“My legs are great and no longer bumpy. Even my 10-year-old great-niece, who once asked why all those things were popping out of my legs, saw the difference. Now they’re smooth, and I love it.”
Beyond appearance, Tammy feels better physically:
“I don’t have as much pain or fatigue in my legs as I did before. I used to get superficial blood clots, and I’d have to pound on my leg to get the blood to move. I don’t have that anymore. It’s just amazing.”
Dr. Deol was also thrilled with the outcome, saying,
“Honestly, given the complexity of her disease and history of treatments in the remote past, I was hoping for 20 percent of the result we achieved. Tammy was incredibly compliant with wearing her compression stockings and following instructions, which made a huge difference. This was truly a team effort.” – Dr. Zoe Deol
Whether you’re dealing with everyday spider veins or a more complex situation like Tammy’s, you deserve a team with the skill, technology, and compassion to handle it all. Center for Vein Restoration is the nation’s largest physician-led vein center, offering advanced, outpatient minimally invasive treatments with exceptional outcomes.
With healthy, pain-free legs, Tammy is back to her active lifestyle. She enjoys walking, hiking, exploring new destinations like Tahquamenon Falls, and spending time with her dogs and her niece.
“I think vein treatment made it easier to do the things I love,” Tammy said. “I can be active without that constant pain holding me back.”
Tammy encourages others not to put off vein treatment:
“It’s not scary. Yes, there’s a little pain involved, but it’s nothing compared to the pain I had before treatment. The relief afterwards — there are no words to express it. I don’t massage my thighs anymore trying to get the blood to move. I just feel so much better. I can’t recommend it enough.”
Tammy’s story is proof that treatment can change not only how your legs look but also how you feel. If you’ve recently lost weight, are considering plastic surgery, or want relief from pain and swelling, CVR can help.
📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915
📅Or book your consultation online at one of our 120+ clinics nationwide
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