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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 Rinfiel took a lot of time an I didn't feel rushed. The MA was also very nice.no wait time.

#12025-06-21

Did not have to wait long.

#22025-12-03

I'm impressed with the office layout & decore + like the classical music played.I continue to be impressed by Dr. Ringpheil, who is also treating my son.

#32025-09-08

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

#42025-07-29

Doctor spent time engaging my child, and making her feel comfortable before the exam.

#52011-10-17 16:27:23

The care, attention and kindness were remarable--thank you!

#62025-11-27

Everything

#72025-07-19

Dr. Ringpfiel was very attentive; she explained very clearly different treatments and their outcomes and gave me some alternatives I could choose from. I was extremely pleased by the Dr's professionalism, excellence, kindness and attention. Definitely one of the best services I have received! I am bringing my son in 3 weeks!

#82025-07-30

The medical assistant was very friendly and sat with me through the registration process to ensure my computer worked properly. The clinican was very patient and provided excellent care.

#92011-05-25 13:14:40

I thought it was great, especially when compared to other dermatologists I have been to! Very professional and knowledgable.

#102026-05-26

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What can we do better?

(answers:373)

When making the initial appointment and then calling to try to get it moved up (our of fear that I had a melanoma), I didn't think that one of the booking person(s) was particularly helpful or reassuring.

#12026-04-13

Your rain spouts put water into the driveway to the back parking lot. As it gets colder, it will freeze and create a dangerous pathway for clients

#22010-12-13 11:23:03

no complaints. everything was fine.

#32025-09-18

Its hard to find anything that you guys didn't do correct. Keep up the good work

#42011-08-03 11:52:57

just keep up the good work

#52011-04-19 10:17:20

More upbeat music! The warm temperature and the John Mayer-esque music made me feel as if it were bedtime =)

#62011-09-16 11:42:32

Keep doing the same thing.