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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)

Loved the doctor. She was very friendly and it was refreshing to see someone who actually enjoys their job!

#12010-11-11 09:48:40

the doctor was very nice and all the staff was very nice and answered all my questions i had.

#22026-03-27

I didn't have to wait at all to be shown to the back. The physician anticipated all of my questions and was very nice.

#32025-12-14

Doctor took the time to asnswer questions; computer technology

#42026-04-25

The friendly people who work here are great. Probably the best thing, though, is the timeliness of service. Most physicians make me wait far past my appointment time. I appreciate on-time service immensely!

#52025-11-23

I was extremely impressioned with the professionalism of the entire staff and the uplifing atmosphere of the office as it made me feel relaxed and welcomed. I love the color scheme of the office too!

#62025-11-02

Nice staff and doctor

#72026-05-07

Patience and Politiness

#82026-03-06

VERY NICE EXPERIENCE

#92026-03-16

The great service, short waiting time, and the doctor was super helpful!

#102025-09-11

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What can we do better?

(answers:373)

Everything was perfect today

#12010-10-05 10:42:21

everything was fine

#22011-02-24 15:01:34

watercooler in waiting room.

#32025-10-05

Everything was great!

#42025-06-04

My only complaint is that I work and live (1 mile from) Center City, PA and I wish the office (Dr. Ringpfield) had weekend or later hours. Dr. Heckman was great but she cannot assist me with my cosmetic issues. Overall - like the office and professionalism.

#52011-08-10 18:44:27

The restroom could be cleaner.

#62011-01-19 08:56:51

No changes recommended at this time.

#72026-03-22

I do not believe there is a need to improve.

#82010-11-01 14:00:26

You can't improve upon excellence.

#92025-06-08

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

#102025-11-30

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