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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)

very comfortable, pleasant office setting

#12025-12-22

everyone was very kind and helpful! and a nice atmosphere.

#22025-12-23

The time the doctor spent with me.

#32026-04-23

respectful and relaxing

#42026-03-20

I have to say this was the most comfortable experience at any doctor office I have ever been to in my life. Dr. Ringpfeil is incredibly nice and compassionate. Lauren was super. The receptionists are very friendly. I now have a new dermatologist. Thanks!

#52012-12-13 10:14:16

The doctor was very thorough.

#62025-08-15

The Dr. wanted to start with the simpliest treatment before jumping into medicated treatment.

#72026-05-18

The doctor was friendly and very thorogh -- I didn't feel rushed.

#82026-05-18

The consultation with the doctor. She was able to diagnose the problem, which is most appreciated.

#92026-04-22

EXCELLENT SERVICE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVISE & ASSISTANCE. VERY CLEAN, NICE & CONFIRTABLE OFFICE SETTING. VERY KNOWLEDGEBLE DOCTOR. THANK YOU AGAIN. I WILL RECOMMEND YOU GUYS TO OTHERS. EXCELLENT JOB!!!

#102025-06-03

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What can we do better?

(answers:373)

I was very happy with the care I received.

#12010-09-14 10:44:00

Everything was great! The only thing I would say is when I called to make an appointment for sun spot treatment to let me know that I should limit my sun exposure and wear sunblock.

#22011-05-05 13:30:08

I really am not sure how you could improve. The visit was actually relaxing.

#32025-08-17

No complaints - overall best experience at any dermatologist.

#42011-09-27 12:59:17

The lock on the door of the unisex bathroom is a little challenging in that you don't know whether it is locked or not. This was a little unnerving.

#52010-10-28 10:21:25

You guys did great. This was a great experience for me

#62010-09-22 12:31:41

Everything was great.

#72025-11-11

Everything was great!