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)

The friendlyness

#12025-07-22

Appearance of office, professionalism and efficiency of staff and doctor.

#22012-10-03 12:03:35

I was scared that I had something on my face after my laser treatment. As it turns out Jill took a second look and told me it was normal and it will resolve. The reason why I tell you this is because Lisa at the front desk was instrumental on making sure I was followed up and that my fears were elevated. Lisa was outstanding! From my experiences in the past, I find most people at the front desk don't really care about the patients. However, I did not get that from Lisa. She kept in contact with me until I was completely satisfied with my care. She really is a professional and deserves recognition. Her job is the most important one in the office. I have left other offices in the past because I didn't care for the staff. That won't happen here! Hats of to LISA!!!! P.S. The computer in the waiting room is AWESOME too!!!

#32012-12-06 11:38:48

Everyone was friendly, office was nice and bright, bathrooom was clean.

#42025-06-17

Talking with the Physician

#52025-08-12

How nice and welcoming everyone is!

#62025-12-14

So much better then other doctors offices, very very friendly, Love it.

#72011-04-05 09:29:32

Friendliness and comfort

#82012-09-27 14:38:45

Promptness

#92011-06-06 08:59:45

the swiftness and kindness of the staff, felt very comfortable

#102025-07-17

See more patient answers >>

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

I was a bit embarressed by not knowing more information regarding my parents history. I believe it would have been better handled if I were asked to please get more info and then let the dr's office know.

#12025-10-22

When making a first appointment ask who ther person would like to see. Doctor vs Aesthetician

#22025-08-12

No comments at this time.

#32025-12-31

Always laugh at my jokes.

#42026-02-17

Good the way it is.

#52026-03-26

Just do the same good job

#62025-11-01

I would like you to offer evening and/or Saturday hours for both dermatology and esthetician appointments.