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What is Hemosiderin Staining and How Long Does It Last?

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?

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15 Doctor Answers | Asked by Gigi1980 in DFW

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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

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

32 reviews

Chicago 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

Dark Spots after Surgery

I agree with others here, dark areas may be post inflammatory hyperpigmentation rather than hemosiderin staining. Perhaps a Dermatologist's opinion would be valuable.

Hemosiderin stain

The compund that brings oxygen to your body cells is called hemoglobin. Its breakdown product is hemosiderin which gives a stain appearance like we see in leg ulcers from bad veins. The body has to break down the chemicals before the color disappears. This takes time, and in my experience, the stain disappears. I am not aware of any treatments that helps this process.

Hemosiderin

Hemosiderin is just a big word for the iron content within the red blood cells. They usually go away after a few days. You can also call it bruising

Long term brusing from tummy tuck and liposuction

Hemosiderin staining from bruising is an unfortunate side affect of liposuction with or without a tummy tuck. This is more likely in darker pigmented skin in some ethnicities. The good news is that it will eventually go away. The bad news is that it may take up to several years for the body to slowly metabolize the iron breakdown products under your skin. Give it time and be patient. Best of luck Dr Ghavami

Hemosiderin Staining After Liposuction - What Is It, How Long Does It Last?

Hemosiderin (a breakdown product of hemoglobin) causes staining of tissue after liposuction or other surgical procedures. Since hemoglobin is made up of iron plus a protein, and since oxygen binds to this hemoglobin iron protein complex, once the red blood cell is rupture releasing free hemosiderin under the skin, one often has a discoloration. The immune system combines this hemosiderin with melanin (skin pigment) which creates a very dark area, either speckled or in large... more

Hemosiderin staining vs hyperpigmentation vs laser burn

These marks look very much like laser burns. Was laser liposuction used during your procedure? Hemosiderin deposits can occur with chronic venous stasis, of course, but they can also occur with a single lower blepharoplasty in a susceptible patient. Fortunately, these tend to go away over time. Hyperpigmentation from dressings, adhesives, etc. may require specific treatment such as creams, laser treatment, etc.

What is Hemosiderin Staining and How Long Does It Last?

Hemosiderin is an iron pigment from the Hemoglobin molecule in blood. It can present in tissues that have bleeding and can remain in the skin for months to years.

Hemosiderin staining

Hemosiderin staining is the deposition of this pigment in the skin after significant bruising. It doesn't always happen with bruising, but when it does it can last a long time like 1-2 years. In my experience, this fades with time. There are no creams to address this issue as far as I know. Hydroquinone targets melanin deposition, not hemosiderin. In addition, this cream can lighten the surrounding skin, especially in dark-skinned individuals. Please consult with a board-certified plastic... more

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.

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

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

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