rad@ringpfeildermatology.com 610.525.5250

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.

<< Back to Vein Treatment

Loading calendar…

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)

It was a very good experience in all - see you next year!

#12026-07-09

Friendly, well educated

#22026-05-09

Everyone was extremely welcoming, pleasant and professional. I felt very secure with the knowledge and professional, caring treatment by both the doctor and her assistant.

#32025-09-02

The doctor was a good listener and gave clear answers

#42026-03-05

Dr. Ringfiel, of course.

#52026-07-15

I was very impressed by everyone I had contact with on the staff - they were so personable as well as professional which goes a very long way with me! The office itself is also beautiful, I love the artwork and the entire atmosphere!

#62011-12-14 13:47:03

ambiance, music and moood of office was upbeat yet happily calm today!

#72025-11-16

Everything was great!

#82025-11-28

Attention by all staff.

#92026-06-29

The doctor didn't rush

#102026-02-19

See more patient answers >>

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

Just continue your good work to keep your credibility in place.

#12010-10-12 10:33:59

Top rate service. A great total experience.

#22025-11-25

Overall excellent service. Friendly front desk staff. A very small suggestion would be to have someone immediately identify themselves as the person to register a new patient and direct where to go when someone enters the waiting room. With a big waiting room and three people at the front desk, it is a lot to take in and not know to whom to speak. Having had negative experiences with doctors' receptionists where all three of the three people at the front desk have ignored me until I called out and forced a response, I am sensitive to the issue and imagine others have had this experience as well.

#32011-01-31 10:42:48

Keep it up!

#42026-06-14

Information for patients to take on latest findings/research in the field

#52025-08-26

You were amazing

#62010-09-28 09:24:38

Try to get enrolled as a provider in Tricare Prime!

#72026-01-28

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.

#82011-04-29 11:02:03

Don't know, you guys did a great job.

#92026-05-23

If you continue the same level of care that I received today, I will be thrilled.

#102026-01-10

see more patient answers >>