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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)

I was made to feel comfortable and was happy that I felt listened to and as though my needs were addressed. I feel confident that the doctor is determined to assist me with my multiple issues. The medical assistant and receptionist were also very helpful and welcoming. Thank you.

#12025-11-20

The med assistant and the doctor were very pleasant and I feel like I can leave knowing that I am ok and had an excellent exam

#22026-03-19

The prfessionalism of the staff and the attentiveness of the physician. Also the timliness of the staff.

#32011-01-26 08:55:26

I really appreciated how knowledgeable the doctor was about my condition. I also felt that she listened well and considered my opinion. Great job! Cant wait to come back.

#42012-06-14 15:35:48

I appreciated having a conversation with the Physician, as well as developing a plan together. Accentuating the positive when there is so much negative really helps in enthusiastically executing the plan.

#52025-07-15

I liked how the doctor gave me the prices of procedures that we discussed. Every doctor should do that!!

#62026-01-07

Everything was great and the people were very friendly.

#72026-04-03

Liked the all the friendliness of the doctor's assistants and the doctor as well. also loved the brightness and colors of the waiting room.

#82026-01-14

The cleanliness of the office, friendliness of the staff...I am very satisfied with my visit!

#92011-10-28 10:22:57

I have been to a number of derm docs....often it seems as though they have you try this or that but never seem to have a clear plan as to how they will treat ALL of the issues at hand. Thank you for taking the time to address each one of my concerns.

#102025-12-01

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What can we do better?

(answers:373)

There was some wait between my initial interview with the medical assistantand my meeting the physician. This wait could have been shorter.

#12026-01-26

sometimes I feel the phone staff is not as helpful as it could be, but that is not reflected in the quality of services. Front office is very professional overall.

#22010-11-04 13:29:14

couldnt be any better

#32025-05-15

More convenient office hours for those who work during the day. Perhaps one evening?

#42011-03-16 11:16:24

It's a little warm in the office.

#52025-05-23

keep up the good work. you have an excellent service and your office is great

#62025-07-11

you are the best!

#72011-08-10 10:32:44

Everything was wonderful