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)

I was very please with the service when setting up my appointment, and when I called back with questions concerning my insurance. Very pleasant and accomodating staff!

#12011-01-04 10:23:13

The Dr. and assistant were both very professional and efficient. Everything was done quickly and smoothly. Also, patient and friendly with my 2 1/2 yr old. Thank you.

#22025-07-18

computerized medical record

#32025-12-17

the stafff and doctor were extremely friendly

#42025-09-02

Everything! I appreciate the fact that Dr. Ringpfeil has a great understanding of my medical condition and how it has affacted my skin. I look forward to seeing her for all my future dermatalogical needs. I really needed a wonderful dermatologist and am grateful to Dr. Sandorfi for referring me to Dr. Ringpfeil.

#52011-01-12 12:15:01

Dr Ringpfiel is clearly extremely knowledgable, and dhe took the time to listen completely to me about my condition. I really appreciated the time she took with me, and I am confident she is on the right path for treatment.

#62025-06-12

everything

#72026-01-11

Personable experience.

#82011-04-26 10:31:17

The Dr. and assistant were both very professional and efficient. Everything was done quickly and smoothly. Also, patient and friendly with my 2 1/2 yr old. Thank you.

#92026-05-12

i was pleased that she knew the italian language,it helped me a lot!!!!

#102025-09-29

See more patient answers >>

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

My advice would be to continue doing exactly what you are presently doing. I had a very good first impression of Dr. Ringpfeil and the practice. Thank you.

#12011-02-07 10:50:14

You can't improve upon excellence.

#22025-08-12

Everything was great!

#32026-04-17

excellent service

#42025-09-22

maybe offering a bit more evaluation of options -that I haven't already thought of or asked about- for skin care and amelioration, as I am not certain what exists

#52025-07-28

The service was great I don't see anything better u can do!

#62026-05-31

More appointment availability either early or later (before or after the normal 9-5 workday)

#72010-08-23 16:22:28

Excellent experience Can't think of anything I would change

#82011-04-04 11:16:27

Good the way it is.

#92026-03-16

No comments at this time.

#102026-05-23

see more patient answers >>