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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)

Both Alana and Dr. Ringfeil listened to all of my concerns. Excellent doctor and office, will highly recommend.

#12011-05-25 10:21:24

THE DOCTOR WAS GREAT. REALLY EXPLAINED THINGS WELL AND LISTENED TO MY CONCERNS.

#22025-12-12

Mainly speaking with the Dr and being explained everything.

#32026-01-18

Yes, the doctor listened attentively to my description of symptoms and was authentically interested in helping me to resolve a skin issue that numerous specialist have not been able to identify.

#42025-08-19

Dr. Ringpfeil listened patiently and explained treatment and diagnosis thoroughly

#52025-11-15

Staff was very friendly. The office is beautiful, organized, and very clean. I am very happy with my choice to see Dr. Ringpfeil!

#62025-08-11

Everyone staff, doctor and assistant, were very nice and helpful.

#72026-02-24

Both Alana and Dr. Ringfeil listened to all of my concerns. Excellent doctor and office, will highly recommend.

#82011-05-25 10:21:24

The entire staff was extremely pleasant and I appreciate being able to see the doctor on such short notice. Everything was top notch!

#92026-04-10

Ease of getting an appointment. Other places called I needed to wait more than 4 months for an appointment.

#102026-03-16

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What can we do better?

(answers:373)

I have nothing to add, everyone was superb, made you feel right at home and insanely knowledgable. I am beyond happy.

#12010-09-28 11:03:56

wouldnt change nothing

#22025-12-29

this is my first time so will let you know as time progresses

#32010-11-02 11:02:24

The only (minor) thing that I was disappointed in was that when I booked the appt. via phone, I was told that in addition to my cosmetic questions and consult, the Dr. would also be able to do my full body check. It turned out that there was not enough time to do both.

#42011-07-27 15:04:39

I really am not sure how you could improve. The visit was actually relaxing.

#52025-07-21

Service was extremely good.

#62011-01-27 16:47:12

I've never been in a medical office that was so warm and inviting. The decor and overall appearance has the feel of your living room but also reminds you that you are in a clinical environment as well. This practice surpasses my expectations in every way, from the staff, dress code, advances in technology and overall care of the patient. I was made to feel that my care is your number one priority.

#72011-04-29 11:02:03

more sample products

#82011-06-02 14:59:00

frankly, everything was excellent

#92011-08-01 16:26:25

Have some toys or children books in the waiting room

#102025-12-24

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