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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 liked how they wanted to know about past experiences and history and seemed to take that into account and also thought outside the box. Very personable, friendly, yet right to the point.

#12026-03-31

Everyone was knowledgeable and comfortable... clean, efficient, great!

#22011-04-18 09:46:06

I was very impressed by the patience and information the staff provided--I did not feel rushed at all and was able to ask many questions.

#32025-09-03

Ability to use computer to fill in info

#42025-10-17

medical assistant

#52011-11-30 15:41:16

The doctor was very clear and extremely thorough along with being pleasant. She makes her patients comfortable.

#62025-11-10

Friendliness of everyone.

#72026-04-21

Bright cheerful offices.

#82011-03-28 15:28:21

The medical assistant was very helpful.

#92025-12-20

Very relaxed and comforting environment. This was my first visit with a dermatologist and am quite happy with the experience.

#102026-02-14

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What can we do better?

(answers:373)

Foodcoffe

#12026-03-09

DO NOT CHANGE A THING- YOU FOLKS ARE WONDERFUL!!!!!

#22026-05-21

?water cooler in the waiting room?

#32025-07-17

this computer system doesnt show the full anser in some cases. and some required tabs shouldnt be required, like cell phone and work phone.

#42026-02-19

Complain to the insurance industry that they cove too little, complain to the product manufactures that they truely charge too much for the products. I feel that the industry in general is very slow to treat because of insurance allowances. Patients have busy work schedules and pay for monthly coverage that covers too little. In one hour or less could do what multiple appointments do to remove or treat small skin defects require many visits. Should provide payment better incentives.

#52010-11-10 12:28:11

Everything was great

#62026-06-07

Have the patient internet working

#72011-09-08 11:08:45

I thought everyone was fantastic and very helpful-no suggestions had a great experience

#82025-11-11

I have an unusual challenge getting to and from the office. Your practice is doing a great job; I will deal with the transportation issues.

#92011-03-21 10:03:43

It was a very good visit! Thank You!

#102026-03-31

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