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What is Hemosiderin Staining and How Long Does It Last?

asked 2 years ago by Gigi1980 in DFW
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 9,713 times
Tags: hips

I had a mommy makeover March 1st, 2010. This included tummy tuck, breast lift, breast augmentation, hernia repair, and liposuction of the hips. I recently noticed that I have discoloration (bruising) in the area where I had liposuction. The bruising is almost symmetrical on both hips. Is there anything I can do to get rid of the bruising? My doctor has diagnosed me with hemosiderin staining. Will it be permanent? Can someone explain this condition to me?

7 answers to What is Hemosiderin Staining and How Long Does It Last?

Hemosiderin VS Hyperpigmentation

In conditions where there is constant bleeding into tissues (such as venous ulcers etc), the red cells in the blood break down and their contents are taken up "pac man" style by the macrophages, the cells responsible to eating up germs and debris in the body. Inside the macrophages the hemoglobin, the iron containing molecule which holds on to oxygen is broken up and its iron is combined into a storage form of iron and proteins with a dark yellow-brown pigment called... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Hemosiderin staining usually resolves in time

Hemosiderin staining is the result of the iron left in tissues after blood loss into the tissues and the body's attempt to recycle the valuable parts of the blood lost in the tissues. In this case, the hemosiderin is the iron that is left behind after other elements of the blood have been resorted. This is common after bruising and hemotomas and sclerotherapy. Most people do not have hemosiderin stains regardless of the amount of blood in the tissues. Others have hemosiderin stains... more

John K. Long, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Hemosiderin Staining

The discoloration you are experiencing is related to iron pigment contained in red blood cells. because he experienced bruising, some pigment has been deposited. This should gradually dissipate and improve with time. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Bruising following surgery

Hello, Hemosiderin staining is a part of bruising and certainly it occurs only when blood has escaped vessels as in bruising. Time is the biggest factor. A little massage may help and some supplements such as arnica montana may also aid in the bruise going away faster, but time is by far the biggest factor. All the best, Dr Repta

Remus Repta, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

www.aaaplasticsurgery.com

Skin pigmentation

Hemosidrin is the iron in the red blood cells oxidised. That is Iron oxide(RUST). There is no good treatment except time. with time it will fade. May take a year to completely fade

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Hemosiderin staining of skin following surgery

Hemosiderin is a pigment that is a byproduct of hemoglobin that has spread into the tissues following injury with bleeding and bruising of the tissues. It contains iron pgiment and may take along time (years) for the body to metaoblize the iron and pigment that has spread into the tissues.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Hemosiderin and bruising

When blood leaves the blood vessels and leaks into the surrounding tissue the red blood cells are eventually broken down/digested. The iron in those cells gets incorporated into a protein complex called hemosiderin. This is different from a bruise which is just blood in the tissues visible from the outside as black and blue. Usually these pigmented areas (bruises and hemosiderin) clear away over time. However it is possible to get permanent skin discoloration from the hemosiderin deposit.... more

Aaron Stone, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

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