Sclerosing solutions used to obliterate spider veins and reticular veins can cause pigment deposition in the skin. How often does this occur? It has been observed in up to 1/3 of patients when hypertonic saline is used as the sclerosing solution, in 7 to 31 % of patients when polidochanol is used, and in 10%... more
Leg hyperpigmentation after Sclerotherapy
About 8 months ago, I had surgery to remove veins from my legs. As a touch-up to some spider veins, sclerotherapy was performed on my legs. I have since developed hyperpigmentation in these treated areas on both of my legs. I think it may be because I let my legs get sun after about one week after the Sclerotherapy. It seems that I just can't win with getting my legs to look healthy again.
Nonetheless, I have been given HQRA from my Dr. for the hyperpigmentation. I am wondering how long it will take to go away? I am a 46 year old Caucasian female, fair to medium skin tone. I have high hopes for this to fade by summer (it's now Januay, but I don't want to get my hopes up if my chances are slim to none that this will fade). Please advise.
3 answers to “Leg hyperpigmentation after...”
A: Chances are good that the pigment will improve by summer.
A certain proportion of individuals will have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation overlying the blood vessels. In the case of Sodium Sotradecol, the incidence is approximately 10-15%. This pigment can persist for some time - on the order of several months to a year, but usually fades and eventually... more
A: Try retinoids too
The pigment may also be from hemsiderin (the pigment in blood) and that type of pigment responds poorly to hydroquinone. Talk to your doctor about adding tretinoin or tazarotene. Good Luck!
Comments
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38 posts
8 Jan 2009
Hydroquinone may be useful in treating hyperpigmentation that was either caused by inflammation and trauma from the vein surgery, or hemosiderin staining from the sclerotherapy. However, it is a minimum of 3 months before you will appreciate a reduction. Sometimes intense pulsed light (Fotofacial, Photofacial, etc) may also be helpful in lifting the pigment. Be very diligent about avoiding the sun during this time as well. Good luck!
2 posts
23 Mar 2009
I am also a 46 year old white Caucasian who had sclarotherapy treatments. I was never told that after the waiting peroid of no sun that I would tan all blotchy. You no what the worst part is the treatment did'nt even work so now I still have the spider veins and terrible looking tanned legs!