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.

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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 professional and thorough.

#12026-01-22

Dr. was very informative. Everyone was very nice. Please give all the ladies here a raise..

#22026-01-13

I have been to many dermatologists and the service here was exceptional.

#32025-07-27

The time spent with the doctor....I always feel she cares and will take the time with you.

#42026-06-04

People, help, expertise.

#52011-01-17 15:16:10

Art work

#62026-05-18

The music and the abience in the office was superb!

#72026-01-13

I especially liked the friendliness of the staff and doctor. Also, this office is beautiful. I've never seen a doctor's office that compares with this one.

#82026-05-31

everyone is wonderful, nice, accommodating, and awesome. Great customer service overall.

#92011-12-21 17:29:36

Personable experience.

#102011-04-26 10:31:17

See more patient answers >>

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

it's a little thing, but when you enter an office and ask the receptionist attending to you how are you, she say fine, but does not inquire how you are, and is not engaging, I just think its rude.

#12025-12-15

less waiting time for follow up appointments

#22025-12-06

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

#32026-01-19

I'm speechless!! I make a living at answering this very question but I can't recommend anything you can do to provide better service. You deserve a high score in all aspects of the practice. One minor detail - I have not yet seen the aesthetician and I have limited experience with you. Maybe patients could complete a survey after they've had a couple of appointments and contact with others. Some valuable feedback may be provided. Oops....I just heard an administrator use the word "cancellation" with a patient. May I suggest other terms like "change in the schedule" or "we'll make time for you". Wouldn't want to give patients the idea that it's ok to cancel. :-) Can you recommend a vascular specialist closer to the area than in Center City?

#42011-06-02 14:18:32

Keep doing what you're doing.

#52025-12-13

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

#62010-09-28 11:03:56

Ask patient if they have any pain before asking them to waiting three weeks for appointment

#72025-11-18

The restroom could be cleaner.

#82011-01-19 08:56:51

It's a little warm in the office.

#92025-09-27

The only downside is parking!