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Sclerotherapy

Overview:

Sclerotherapy is a technique designed to shut down unsightly spider veins on legs, thighs, face or other body areas. Several substances can be injected to cause this effect. While providing identical results and downtime, detergents/foaming agents are generally considered painless while hypertonic saline injections are uncomfortable.

Sclerotherapy is used for the treatment of larger spider veins. It is often followed by several sclerolaser treatments which resolve extremely fine vessels that did not take to sclerotherapy.

Expected results:

Seventy percent reduction of spider veins after a series of treatments.

Preparation:

Avoidance of aspirin and ibuprofen for 10 days. Depending on the examination, ultrasound may be necessary to exclude reflux, which may hamper treatment success. If reflux is detected, a consultation with a vascular surgeon may be necessary to remove underlying varicosities.

Post treatment instructions:

Compression stockings 20-30 mmHg or higher for 6 weeks, sun avoidance for 3 months, avoidance of aspirin and ibuprofen for 3 days.

Time to desired results:

The reduction of spider veins can be seen 6 to 8 weeks after each treatment on the lower extremity; facial veins and those on the trunk usually respond faster.

Duration of desired effects:

5-7 years. After this time, our body will form new vessels, especially in genetically determined spider veins.

Limitations:

We do not perform treatments to veins on hands or on the upper or lower eyelids. Ankle veins are challenging to treat.

Contraindications:

History of bleeding or clotting disorders, diabetes, certain auto-immune disorders, pregnancy/breastfeeding, allergy to Sotrodecol or Polidocanol.

Downtime:

Up to 3 months of bruising or hyperpigmentation.

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Selected Patient Questions and Answers

Sclerotherapy - Patients ask, Dr. Ringpfeil answers

Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about Sclerotherapy or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.

# of surveys: 4187
Last updated: 1/02/2024 11:10 AM

PATIENT RATINGS

Would you recommend us?

definitely: 93.1%
probably: 6.16%
maybe: 0.58%
not likely: 0.08%
no: 0.02%

Compare our service to other similar practices

excellent: 87.9%
very good: 10.1%
good: 1.8%
poor: 0.06%
very poor: 0%

Overall doctor performance

excellent: 94.2%
very good: 4.89%
good: 0.80%
poor: 0.03%
very poor: 0%

The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent: 93.9%
very good: 4.97%
good: 1.05%
poor: 0.05%
very poor: 0%

The doctor took time to answer your questions

excellent: 94.0%
very good: 4.66%
good: 1.27%
poor: 0.02%
very poor: 0%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent: 94.3%
very good: 4.16%
good: 1.25%
poor: 0.14%
very poor: 0.02%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent: 92.0%
very good: 5.69%
good: 2.18%
poor: 0.11%
very poor: 0.0%

Front desk performance

excellent: 85.6%
very good: 10.2%
good: 3.66%
poor: 0.31%
very poor: 0.08%

Aesthetician performance

excellent: 88.6%
very good: 7.61%
good: 3.39%
poor: 0.24%
very poor: 0.08%

Office comfort

excellent: 90.9%
very good: 6.93%
good: 2.08%
poor: 0.05%
very poor: 0.05%

Parking

excellent: 66.4%
very good: 14.4%
good: 15.7%
poor: 2.49%
very poor: 0.9%

Friendliness of the staff during appointment

excellent: 90.9%
very good: 7.23%
good: 1.85%
poor: 0.05%
very poor: 0%

What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

The friendliness of the entire staff

#12025-12-29

I WAS VERY COMFORTABLE WITH THE VISIT

#22026-04-06

ENVIRONMENTALLY CONVENIENT AND EVERYONE WAS EXTREMELY FRIENDLY. ALSO IMPORTANT WAS YOU SERVE YOUR PATIENTS RIGHT ON TIME WITH NO DELAYS WHICH IS ALWAYS A PLUS!

#32012-06-14 10:23:51

Everyone was very attentive and helpful.

#42025-12-15

I didn't feel rushed and felt like I was really listened to and taken seriously. I didn't feel like someone was just throwing ointments at me to get me out the door. I really appreciate the care I received here. Thank you.

#52025-05-20

Professionallism

#62026-02-14

love the new office!!!!

#72025-07-11

cheerfulness of entire staff

#82025-05-28

The doctor's way of explaning everything.

#92026-03-31

Quiet, on time, attentive, professional, organized, convenient, reasonably priced compared with others in the area.

#102011-01-31 10:42:48

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What can we do better?

(answers:373)

I am perfectly happy, which is why i keep returning.

#12011-10-03 12:18:59

It's a little warm in the office.

#22025-11-18

No changes needed.

#32025-05-20

Better parking?

#42026-01-07

A follow up, even if its an email, after the apt. could help!

#52010-08-23 16:38:55

Almost too methodical - thought of one more 15 second type question after Dr. left re one spot not noted - would have waited some time to have her look at it. Told no time until lunch.

#62011-11-03 10:28:10

Can't everything was excellent!!!

#72011-12-06 11:22:30

I would like to get in with the doctor. I also would like more than one option presented to me. Also, it would be nice to be offered more natural alternatives, or integrative treatments.

#82011-08-10 15:47:37

let people know about opportunity for free consultation with Jill(?) when making appointment.

#92010-09-13 11:24:22

nothing

#102010-09-13 14:34:51

see more patient answers >>