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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)

Leah

#12025-09-24

Both the doctor and medical assistant were very knowledgable.

#22010-11-09 10:53:55

I was impressed that the doctor really listened to me and that she thoroughly answered my questions. Instead of telling me not to worry about things, she explained the nature of the condition and why it wasn't a concern. She also thoroughly explained my treatment options so I could make an informed decision.

#32025-08-28

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

#42025-08-21

very professional

#52026-01-01

Doctor's thoroughness and bedside manner (and great blue eyes).

#62025-11-29

Linda was very thorough and took time with me rather than rush me like she couldn't wait to get to the next patient. I've had that experience before so I appreciated that.

#72011-06-02 14:59:00

VERY NICE EXPERIENCE

#82026-05-05

I like the knowledge and confident in Dr Ringpfeil.

#92010-12-16 12:15:00

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

#102026-02-11

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What can we do better?

(answers:373)

Can not be better!

#12011-04-05 09:29:32

Couldn't be better!

#22026-04-14

totally satisfied with everything

#32025-08-23

please change the paintings in the reception area....

#42011-02-02 11:01:42

Shorter wait, but not much else.

#52025-12-07

Can't think of anything staff were very helpful

#62025-09-04

I was more than pleased with my first visit; a very warm and professional office

#72011-03-09 09:12:38

Everything to date that your office has performed has been done professionally and expeditiously. It's a pleasure to deal with all the staff.

#82025-12-13

My only complaint is that I work and live (1 mile from) Center City, PA and I wish the office (Dr. Ringpfield) had weekend or later hours. Dr. Heckman was great but she cannot assist me with my cosmetic issues. Overall - like the office and professionalism.

#92011-08-10 18:44:27

I can't think of anything else that you can do, everything was excellent.

#102025-09-20

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Customer Rating : 4.7

Based on 637 ratings