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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)

Dr. Ringpfeil listened patiently and explained treatment and diagnosis thoroughly

#12026-01-21

I ejoyed the beauty of the office-a nice place to be. I was anxious to meet the Dr.-and I found her to be great-very thouough,friendly and professional

#22026-04-01

It is very impressive and comforting the way that Dr. Rignfeil listens to what you say. I also appreciate her "holistic" approach to issues which effect your body.

#32011-05-04 12:13:25

The med assistant and the doctor were very pleasant and I feel like I can leave knowing that I am ok and had an excellent exam

#42025-09-09

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.

#52025-08-13

The doctor and assistant were wonderful!!! So friendly and warm. I am so used to doctors being rushed AND condescending. This was a great change!!

#62025-12-14

I liked the fact that the MA is an aesthetician too. I really think the staffis super friendly and would recomend you to my friends and family.

#72011-04-26 11:00:08

The office is really nice. The lobby is really nice and the doctor knows what she is doing..

#82025-08-04

The visit went smoothly, and the physician answered my questions directly.

#92025-07-02

I liked that Dr. Ringpfoil was very through and caring.

#102025-08-06

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What can we do better?

(answers:373)

beethoven & mahler symphonic music pumped N2 waiting area* squash magazine & velonews & roleur periodical*(my wish list JK)

#12026-05-18

Keep me informed of specials on products that might be good for my skin.

#22011-01-05 16:01:31

Offer a male of female medical assistant and ask if opposite sex assistant is okay

#32011-06-02 13:39:55

Cookies and Milk! Seriously, I love coming in and being seen promptly. More importantly, I like the fact that the doctor was not distracted and there was not a single interruption.

#42026-03-13

I have nothing to add, everyone was superb, made you feel right at home and insanely knowledgable. I am beyond happy.

#52010-09-28 11:03:56

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.

#62010-10-28 10:21:25

I have a suggestion: I noticed that two of the lovely rugs pose hazards to patients using walkers or who may have other mobility issues. The large rug placed at an angle and the narrow rug placed in front of the reception desk leave no room for these individuals to safely manuveur around the reception area and are likely to contribute to fall risks. I would suggest leaving these areas clear.

#72010-10-04 12:14:56

All aspects of care were remarkable--much better than I've encountered elsewhere.

#82026-02-28

Service was excellent, keep up your service as is.

#92025-11-20

Being able to get an appointment at the time of the outbreak.

#102025-10-01

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