Lawrence Schmetterer MD FACS Thoracic & Vascular Surgery

Lawrence Schmetterer MD FACS Thoracic & Vascular Surgery Surgical Excellence & Trusted Care for patients in the Mahoning Valley since 1992.

Every August 1st, I think about the patients I operated on for lung cancer over the past 34 years, many of whom I still ...
08/01/2026

Every August 1st, I think about the patients I operated on for lung cancer over the past 34 years, many of whom I still follow today.

This World Lung Cancer Day, I wanted to share a few thoughts on why early detection and reducing stigma matter so much. Swipe through, and please share with anyone who could use a reminder to get screened.

07/30/2026

🩺 New conversations in medicine are changing how we think about cholesterol.

Plaque buildup happens over decades, often without symptoms, which is why earlier and more proactive management is becoming so important.

This is about prevention, not just treatment.

📖 Learn more from the latest ACC/AHA guideline update:
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/07/17/acc-aha-issue-updated-guideline-for-managing-lipids-cholesterol

💬 What have you heard about cholesterol or statins? Share below.

📱 Call or text Melyssa at 330-443-0111 to get the answers you have been looking for.

[cholesterol management, lipid guidelines, cardiovascular health, vascular surgeon]

After more than 30 years of treating venous disease, the biggest lesson I've learned is this: most people wait too long....
07/29/2026

After more than 30 years of treating venous disease, the biggest lesson I've learned is this: most people wait too long.

They assume the aching is just from a long day. The swelling is just the heat. The heaviness is just part of getting older.

But your body doesn't send those signals without a reason.
Venous disease is a medical condition, not a cosmetic one, and the good news is that modern treatment has come a long way. Most procedures are done right here in the office, take under an hour, and require little to no downtime.
You don't have to keep pushing through it.

I've shared more of what I've learned over the years, the lessons that have shaped how I care for patients today, in a new blog post on our website. If you've been noticing symptoms in your legs, it's worth a read.

🔗 Link to full blog: https://schmetterermd.com/real-life-lessons-treating-venous-disease-youngstown/

If you have leg pain, swelling, or heaviness and want to talk through what you're experiencing, call or text Melyssa at 330-443-0111 to schedule a consultation.

07/27/2026

Sometimes the hardest part is making the first call.

We understand that vein care can feel intimidating, especially when you’re not sure what to expect. That’s why we keep the process clear, comfortable, and focused on answers.

If your legs have been holding you back, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.

📱 Call or text Melyssa at 330-443-0111 to get started.

[vein care, leg pain, heavy legs, swollen legs, venous insufficiency, vascular surgeon, insurance covered vein treatment, Mahoning Valley]

07/24/2026

If your spider veins keep coming back, the treatment was never the problem. The source was. 🩺

There is a hierarchy to vein disease and when it gets skipped, so do lasting results.

Getting mapped properly changes everything. Call or text Melyssa at 330-443-0111 to schedule.

[venous insufficiency, vein treatment results, spider veins, vascular surgeon]

Your veins are working against gravity every single day. Here's how to give them a little help.These aren't complicated....
07/23/2026

Your veins are working against gravity every single day. Here's how to give them a little help.

These aren't complicated. They're not expensive. But they make a real difference, especially in the summer when heat is already making everything harder on your circulatory system.

Swipe through for five things that actually work.

And if you're already doing all of these and your legs are still giving you trouble, that's worth a conversation. Call or text Melyssa at 330-443-0111.

You've been living with it long enough.The heaviness. The aching. The swelling that starts before your shift is even ove...
07/22/2026

You've been living with it long enough.

The heaviness. The aching. The swelling that starts before your shift is even over. You've probably mentioned it to a doctor at some point and been told it's nothing to worry about.

We hear this constantly from patients who come through our door. And it doesn't make us angry, it makes us more sure of why this work matters.

Your leg pain is real. The fact that you've been dismissed doesn't mean there's nothing wrong. It means no one took the time to look correctly.
Swipe through and when you're ready to get a real answer, we're here.

Call or text Melyssa at 330-443-0111.

07/20/2026

Your symptoms have been trying to tell you something. It may be time to actually listen. 🩺
What looks normal from the outside can tell a very different story under ultrasound.

You are allowed to ask more questions and get more answers.

Call or text Melyssa at 330-443-0111 to schedule.

[venous insufficiency, leg pain relief, second opinion, vascular surgeon]

07/17/2026

Ever wonder why doctors prescribe both Aspirin and Plavix?

These are anti-platelet medications. They focus on the cells that try to clump together inside your arteries, especially near stents or damaged vessel walls.

It’s a specific kind of protection for your arterial system that works differently than standard vein treatments.

📱 Call or text Melyssa at 330-443-0111 to get the answers you’ve been looking for.

[vascular surgeon, vein specialist, sclerotherapy, spider vein treatment, venous insufficiency, Youngstown Ohio]

Perimenopause affects more than your hormones. As estrogen and progesterone decline, vein walls weaken and the valves th...
07/16/2026

Perimenopause affects more than your hormones. As estrogen and progesterone decline, vein walls weaken and the valves that keep blood moving upward start to lose their effectiveness.

That's when the heavy legs, ankle swelling, and restless nights begin.

These symptoms are not just part of getting older. They have a cause, and they're treatable.

Read more in the full blog here:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AgDUyb-SCfkUjLAk2MILm7E8qJR7FnKj_1TyhH6tzDM/edit?tab=t.0

If you have leg swelling, heaviness, or discomfort, call or text Melyssa at 330-443-0111 to schedule a consultation.

Address

5671 Mahoning Avenue
Youngstown, OH
44515

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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