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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)

The ambiance, staff and physician

#12026-02-17

Didn't have to wait long to see to get into the room, or for the doctor to come in. The doctor & medical assistant took the time to explain the medications, when I should take them, how much I should use and what they would do to my skin.

#22025-11-12

I was very please with the service when setting up my appointment, and when I called back with questions concerning my insurance. Very pleasant and accomodating staff!

#32011-01-04 10:23:13

informative and efficient

#42012-09-05 09:52:41

I came here because my previous doctor's staff was not friendly or helpful. I am very glad I switched. Everyone here has been very nice and professional

#52025-08-22

relaxing decor, classical music

#62025-11-15

the doctor was comprehensive, concerned and frank

#72026-06-07

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.

#82011-05-25 13:14:40

Doctor was very knowledgable.

#92025-11-01

choice of music - French, Brazilian, etc appreciated being called when a cancellation opened up an appointment for me that was sooner than my originally scheduled appointment

#102026-04-11

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What can we do better?

(answers:373)

I do not like waiting long periods of time in either the reception area or exam room fort he Dr to come in. The exam with the Dr should be relatively close to the appointment time

#12025-12-21

Maybe directions as "across from the Lexus place." Have the assistant say there may be a name recall test later, as she introduces herself.

#22010-12-07 10:07:04

Friday appointments with Dr. Ringpfiel

#32011-01-17 16:36:22

Can't think of a thing. I was very impressed.

#42010-09-27 14:45:03

Everything was wonderful

#52026-03-29

very satisfied

#62010-10-13 11:22:48

You were great. No suggestions