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Physicians

Our vascular specialists are not your average doctors.  They train and teach other doctors, medical students, physician assistants, and empower and educate patients everyday with knowledge and choices.  They lead clinical research studies and contribute to scientific journal and textbook publications.  Our own research made the cover of the “Journal for Vascular Ultrasound” in March, 2018 and we are currently working on a 3rd edition of the Vein Book, published by the Oxford University Press.

Nisha Bunke M.D.

FAVLS, RPhS, Vein Specialist
Medical Director, Vein Clinic

Dr. Nisha Bunke was the first physician in the United States to complete specialized fellowship training in venous and lymphatic medicine in 2008, supported by the American Vein and Lymphatic Society (AVLS). She was also named a diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in 2009. Dr. Bunke is the Medical Director and Founder of La Jolla Vein & Vascular. La Jolla Vein & Vascular (LJVV) has been dedicated to bringing the leading vascular experts together to provide unparalleled vein and vascular care to the community since 2010. Under Dr. Bunke’s leadership, the clinic earned accreditation in vein center and vascular testing by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).  LJVV was the first to earn this distinction in the San Diego region. For her accomplishments, Dr. Bunke was named as one of the top 25  Women of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal in 2018.

Dr. Bunke is a physician and scientist, actively leading clinical research studies to advance the field of vein care for the past 15 years. She is the co-editor of The Vein Book, published by the Oxford University Press in 2014, which is the authoritative medical textbook for physicians and medical professionals.
Dr. Bunke has held appointments as a Volunteer Clinical Instructor of Surgery at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine, and Veteran’s (VA) Medical Center.  In addition to these duties, for five years, Dr. Bunke managed the vein clinics at the VA Medical Center La Jolla, providing vein care for our veterans.  She also worked at UCSD Healthcare System’s Department of Vascular Surgery, were she evaluated and treated patients with venous disease.
Dr. Bunke has numerous publications in vascular surgery journals, including a research study that made the cover of the Journal of Vascular Ultrasound in 2018.  In 2009, Dr. Bunke was awarded the Internationale Union of Phlebologie Research Fellowship and the Best Young Presenter Award in Monaco.  Collectively, Dr. Bunke and Dr. Bergan were awarded the 2008 JOBST Research Award for the Advancement of Phlebology for their research on Inflammatory Bio-Markers of Venous Insufficiency. Dr. Bunke also developed Recova, a post-surgery recovery cream.
Dr. Bunke is co-editor of the most widely used textbook for vascular physicians, “The Vein Book”
Moreover, Dr. Bunke is a member of the Scripps Ximed Medical Group, The Clinical and Translational Research Institute (CTRI) of the University of California San Diego (UCSD), the American Medical Association (AMA), San Diego County Medical Society, Society for Vascular Medicine, American Vein and Lymphatic Society, American Venous Forum (AVF) and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU). Dr. Bunke has numerous publications in both scientific journals and medical textbooks.
Books/ Book Chapters: Dr. Nisha Bunke
  • Bergan, JJ, Bunke, N. “Outcome Measures in Venous Disease.” In: Fast Facts- Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Highlights 2008-09. Davies, A., Mitchell, A. M. Health Press UK
  • Bergan, JJ. Bunke, N. “Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency.” In: Total Endovascular Series Venous Diseases Contemporary Management.’ Lumsden, A, Davies, M.
  • Bergan, JJ, Bunke, N. “Venous Disorders.” In: Educational Review Manual in General Surgery. 8th Edition. Castle Connolly Graduate Medical Publishing.
  • Bergan, JJ, Bunke, N. “Pathophysiology of Chronic Venous Disease.” In: The European Venous Course Book.
  • Bergan JJ, Bunke, N. “Endovenous Procedures in Venous Disease.” In: Peripheral Endovascular Interventions. White, R, Fogarty, T. 3rd Ed.
  • Bergan, JJ, Pascarella, L, Bunke, N. “Venous Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology.” In: Treatment of Leg Veins, 2nd ed. Alam, M., Silapunt, S. Martin Mellor Publishing Ltd. UK
  • Bergan, J. Lee, BB, Bunke N. “Lymphatic Disease.” In: Clinical Review of Vascular Surgery. Edited by Sapan Desai, MD, PhD and Cynthia Shortell, MD.
  • Bergan, J. and Bunke, N. General Considerations. In: Lymphedema: A Concise Compendium of Theory and Practice. Edited by Byung-Boong Lee, John Bergan, Stanley G. Rockson 2011.
  • Bergan, JJ, Bunke-Paquette, N, editors. The Vein Book, 2nd edition. Oxford University Press, New York, NY USA. 2014
  • Bergan, JJ, Bunke-Paquette, N, editors. The Vein Book, 2nd edition. Oxford University Press, New York, NY USA. 2014
  • Bunke-Paquette, N. “Complications of Liquid Sclerotherapy.” In: The Vein Book, 2nd ed. Bergan, JJ, Bunke-Paquette, N. Oxford University Press, New York, NY USA. 2014
  • Loerzel, N, Ratcliff V, Bunke-Paquette, N, et al. “Ultrasound Examination of the Patient with Primary Venous Insufficiency.” In: The Vein Book, 2nd ed. Bergan, JJ, Bunke-Paquette, N. Oxford University Press, New York, NY USA. 2014
  • Bunke-Paquette, N, Loerzel, N, Bergan, JJ. “Ultrasound-Guided Catheter and Foam Therapy for Venous Insufficiency.’ In: The Vein Book, 2nd ed. Bergan, JJ, Bunke- Paquette, N. Oxford University Press, New York, NY USA. 2014
  • Bergan, JJ, Pascarella, L, Bunke-Paquette, N. “Perforating Veins.” In: The Vein Book, 2nd ed. Bergan, JJ, Bunke-Paquette, N. Oxford University Press, New York, NY USA. 2014
  • Bunke-Paquette, N. Russell, T, Broder, K, Li, A. “Medical Management of the Venous Leg Ulcer.” In: The Vein Book, 2nd ed. Bergan, JJ, Bunke-Paquette, N. Oxford University Press, New York, NY USA. 2014
Peer-Reviewed Journals
  • Bunke N, Brown K, Bergan J. Foam sclerotherapy: techniques and uses. Perspect Vasc Surg Endovasc Ther. 2009 Jun;21(2):91-3
  • Bunke N, Brown K, Bergan J. Phlebolymphemeda: usually unrecognized, often poorly treated. Perspect Vasc Surg Endovasc Ther. 2009 Jun;21(2):65
  • B.B. Lee, M. Andrade, P.L. Antignani,F. Boccardo, N. Bunke, et. al. Guidelines: Diagnosis and treatment of primary lymphedema consensus document of the international union of phlebology (IUP)-2013. International Angiology. 2013 Dec: (32): 541-574

Amanda Steinberger D.O.

Vein Specialist, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist

Dr. Amanda Steinberger is a board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist, who has subspecialized her practice to focus on superficial vein disease. In addition to her board certification in Interventional Radiology / Diagnostic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology, she has achieved certification by the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine. Dr. Steinberger joined LJVV in August 2023 and performs thousands of superficial vein procedures each year in our clinic. Widely recognized by her peers for excellence, Dr. Steinberger was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for the fourth consecutive year in January 2026. Dr. Steinberger’s interests include clinical informatics, practice innovation, and refinement of modern procedural techniques to ensure exceptional patient outcomes. Dr. Steinberger has served crucial roles in new service line development at the clinic, including the introduction of cosmetic laser, CLaCS (Cryo-Laser and Cryo-Sclerotherapy), and microneedling.
Dr. Steinberger completed her fellowship training in Vascular & Interventional Imaging at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, in 2018. Prior to her fellowship at BIDMC, she completed her residency training in diagnostic radiology at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Philadelphia, having served as chief resident for her program 2016-2017. Dr. Steinberger is a 2012 graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. In recognition of her academic excellence and commitment to service as a medical student, she was inducted into the Zeta Chapter of Sigma Sigma Phi, the prestigious National Osteopathic Honors and Service Fraternity, in 2010. She completed her undergraduate studies at Washington & Jefferson College in 2008, having graduated Summa Cum Laude, and having been elected to Phi Beta Kappa Society.

A Pittsburgh native and lifelong Steelers fan, Dr. Steinberger now calls San Diego home. When she’s not caring for patients, she enjoys soaking up the Southern California lifestyle whether it be paddleboarding with her dog, going for a run, lifting weights, practicing yoga, or tackling a climbing wall.
dr. Amanda Steinberger & Gia in Sedona, AZ
dr. AmandaSteinberger with her beloved dog Gia on stand up paddle board (sup) SUP Fun!
dr. Amanda Steinberger climbing on gym wall
Dr. Amanda Steinberger competing in marathon with ocean in background
Dr. Amanda Steinberger working out with very large barbell
dr. Amanda Steinberger, practicing yoga
Dr. Amanda Steinberger climbing wall at climbing gym
dr. Amanda Steinberger, holding medal for San Diego Bay Bridge run/walk
Dr. Amanda at wheel of sailboat, sailing in San Diego Bay
Dr. Amanda Steinberger, La Jolla Vein & Vascular, on FOX5 San Diego, The Localist, featuring our new Vista Location
Widely recognized by her peers for clinical. excellence. Dr. Steinberger was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for the fourth consecutive year in 2026. Dr.Steinberger is passionate about helping patients understand their vein disease and providing thoughtful, evidence-based treatment pplans tailored to each patient's symptoms, anatomy, and goals.
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Vista Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 – 2024
Dr Christine Chen,MD

Christine Chen M.D.

Vein Specialist, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist

Dr. Christine Chen is dual board-certified in vascular interventional radiology as well as diagnostic radiology. Prior to returning home to Southern California, she was an Assistant Professor of Radiology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where she also served as the program director of the Interventional Radiology training programs. She graduated from Brown University with honors and earned her medical degree at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, with induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed residency training in diagnostic radiology and served as chief resident at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, where her commitment to compassionate patient care was recognized with induction into the Gold Humanism Honor Society.
She then completed advanced fellowship training in Vascular and Interventional Radiology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Her clinical interests include women’s health and vascular disease. She is especially passionate about patient education, strong doctor-patient connection and communication, and creating the most comfortable peri-procedural experience possible.
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Amanda Dao. D.O.

Amanda Dao D.O.

Board-certified General Surgeon & Vein Specialist

Dr. Amanda Dao is a board-certified general surgeon and vein specialist with advanced fellowship training in cosmetic surgery. Born and raised in Southern California, she completed her undergraduate education at UCLA and earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. She then completed her General Surgery Residency at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, New York.
Following residency, Dr. Dao returned to San Diego to pursue fellowship training in cosmetic surgery, further developing her expertise in aesthetic procedures and minimally invasive treatments.
Dr. Dao currently sees patients in our Cosmetic Vein Clinic in La Jolla, where she specializes in the evaluation and treatment of spider veins and other cosmetic vein concerns. Her combination of surgical training and aesthetic expertise allows her to approach treatment with an understanding of both anatomy and cosmetic outcomes.
In addition to cosmetic vein treatments, Dr. Dao offers a range of minor surgical and aesthetic procedures, including lipoma removal, benign mole and skin lesion removal, and evaluation and treatment of other common cosmetic concerns.
Dr. Dao believes that aesthetic care should be highly individualized. She takes the time to understand each patient's concerns and goals and develops a treatment approach designed to help them feel comfortable and confident in their appearance. Her philosophy is simple: every patient deserves to look and feel their best.
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Advanced Practice Providers

Vein Care and Vascular Health

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Maya Saulino, PA-C

Physician Assistant
Vein Care and Vascular Health

Maya Saulino is a board-certified Physician Assistant born and raised in San Diego, CA. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from California State University San Marcos and went on to complete her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Marshall B. Ketchum University.

Maya is passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centered care. She emphasizes individualized treatment plans and enjoys helping patients feel informed and confident in their care.

Outside of work, Maya enjoys surfing, reading, and crafting.

Aesthetic & Laser Division

Brittany Brown, MSN, APRN, FNP-C Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner

Brittany Brown, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner

Brittany has been a registered nurse since 2006 and earned her Master of Science in Nursing in 2012. Her clinical background includes organ transplant, labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care, and adult and pediatric primary care, shaping her thoughtful, safety-focused approach to patient care.
Brittany specializes in advanced skin rejuvenation and laser treatments, including microneedling to improve skin quality, texture, and collagen production, as well as laser hair removal for smooth, long-lasting results. She is passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, radiant skin through personalized treatment plans and patient education.
Originally from Nebraska, Brittany now enjoys the coastal lifestyle of San Diego with her husband and four children

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13TH YEAR AND COUNTING – LA JOLLA VEIN & VASCULAR IN SD MAGAZINE’S TOP DOCS ISSUE

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Read What Our Patients Have to Say

What a wonderful experience, I love the site and the staff are super knowledgeable and helpful. To actually have someone assess and conduct an ultrasound on my legs and veins is an absolute dream come true. Thank you for your help!

Chelsey G.

Wow, where do I begin… how about with 10 stars (5 isn’t enough!). I am very impressed with La Jolla Vein & Vascular. I visited the Vista office and was greeted by the most friendly team ever. Everyone was so nice and welcoming, they really make you feel valued… that’s important especially when you deal with bad anxiety. But they will put you at ease and they know exactly what they are doing. Everything is thoughtfully explained and you feel confident in their diagnosis and treatment plan. The office is so clean and professional. I wish all medical offices, doctors and staff were like this!

Rebeca T.

This practice is exceptional. All staff members are extremely nice and efficient. There is no wait time to be seen by appointment.Dr Steinberger is friendly, engaging, and highly competent.
I am very satisfied with the treatment and the experience in general.

Samantha R.

OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE OUR EXPERTISE AND SPECIALISED TRAINING TO IMPROVE YOUR VASCULAR HEALTH, IN A ONE-STOP CONVENIENT SETTING.  OUR COMPREHENSIVE VEIN CARE AND VASCULAR CLINIC HELPS PATIENTS TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR VASCULAR HEALTH.

San Diego Vein Specialists

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Serving San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, North County and surrounding areas
Information provided on this page is for educational purposes and does not replace an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
© Copyright 2010-2026, La Jolla Vein & Vascular | All Rights Reserved

Laser Vein Treatment

Laser Vein Pre-Treatment Instructions
laser treatment for spider veins
1. Discontinue medications or supplements that may thin your blood one week prior to vein treatments to minimize bruising and improve the success of your treatment. This includes fish oil, flax seed oil, Vitamin E, ginkgo blob, anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve), and red wine. If you are taking aspirin electively and not upon the advice of your physician, then you may stop it for 48 hours prior to your treatment. Do not stop aspirin if prescribed or recommended by your physician.

2. You may wish to bring a pair of shorts to wear during your treatment if you are having your legs treated.

3. If facial veins are being treated, there may be minor bruising and/or swelling following treatment. This can typically be covered using make-up. Plan accordingly since your face may show slight evidence of the laser treatment for a week or more.

4. If leg veins are being treated, there may be minor bruising, discoloration, and welting over treatment sites. Larger leg veins may appear bruised for a period of time after treatment. Full results can take weeks or months to be realized. Plan and schedule treatments accordingly, allowing for healing time and time for your treatment results to evolve to completion. The best time to treat leg veins are in fall, winter and spring when you are less inclined to wear shorts or be exposed to sun.

5. Plan treatments allowing for a period of no sun exposure, vigorous activity or useof hot tubs, saunas or spas for 48 hours after treatment.
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Congrats Dr. Steinberger

Castle Connolly Top Doctors represent the top 7% of all U.S. practicing physicians.
Dr. Amanda Steinberger, DO
Castle Connolly Top Doctors are peer-nominated, and thoroughly vetted by our physician-led research team. These doctors are best-in-class healthcare providers, embodying excellence in clinical care as well as interpersonal skills.
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For established patients only, new patients call 858-550-0330 for consultation details.
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VARITHENA® CHEMICAL ABLATION

illustration of varithena foam injection
Varithena® may be recommended based on your vein location, size, anatomy and vein tortuosity.
Varithena® is:
• Effective to treat veins of different sizes above and below the knee
• Requires no incisions, sedation or general anesthesia
• Does not require a wire to be inserted along the length of your vein
• Does not use heat, eliminating the risk of thermal injury
WHAT IS VARITHENA®?
Varithena® is a "microfoam" formulation of polidocanol (sclerosing agent) and CO2. The result is a microfoam that has an appearance and consistency similar to white, foamy shave cream.
Ultrasound guidance is used to inject Varithena® microfoam into the vein. The microfoam fills the lumen for circumferential contact where it's designed to displace blood and destroy the endothelial lining efficiently.
cross section of Illustration of a vein with foam sclerotherapy injection
Video below shows the proceedure.
How many treatments will I need?
The number and frequency of treatments depends on a patient's anatomy, how quickly the veins respond, and the patient's treatment goals. There is a limit on the amount of medication we can give you each day to avoid causing side effects. Some larger or resistant veins may require two treatments to respond completely but most veins respond to Varithena® after one treatment.
What should I expect on my treatment days?
You will sign your consent form then change into shorts provided by the office. We will clean your skin with alcohol, then use ultrasound to localize the veins. The foam medication will then be injected into your veins with a fine needle. The foam fills and treats the desired section of the vein. The diseased vein collapses and the foam is deactivated. Your legs will be elevated on a comfortable wedge pillow for approximately 15 minutes. After your treatment, we will help you into your compression stockings, then you will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting in your car.

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Verificación de seguro gratuita. ¡Programe hoy mismo!

¿Puedo obtener cobertura de seguro para mi tratamiento de venas?
Dependiendo de su plan de seguro, es posible que tenga o no gastos de bolsillo. Trabajamos con sus aseguradoras para maximizar su cobertura y brindarle un resumen completo del costo de su tratamiento. Creemos en la transparencia de costos y le proporcionaremos un estimado de cualquier gasto de bolsillo previsto. El costo es importante. ¡Podemos colaborar con su seguro para obtener esta información hoy mismo!
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Dr. Amanda Steinberger is a Harvard-trained, board-certified vascular interventional radiologist. She specializes in a broad range of superficial vein disease including varicose veins, spider veins, venous leg ulcers, lymphedema and cosmetic laser vein treatments. Dr. Steinberger sees patients in our La Jolla Office.

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Can I get insurance coverage for my vein treatment?
Depending on your insurance plan, you may or may not have out of pocket expenses. We work with your insurance providers to maximize your insurance coverage and provide a complete overview of your treatment cost. We believe in cost transparency and will provide a cost estimate of any anticipated out of pocket expenses. Cost is important. We can work with your insurance to find out this information today!
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Can I get insurance coverage for my vein treatment?
With Molina insurance plans, most patients should not have out of pocket expenses. We work with Molina to maximize your insurance coverage and provide a complete overview of your treatment cost. We believe in cost transparency and will provide a cost estimate of any anticipated out of pocket expenses. Cost is important. We can work with your insurance to find out this information today!