Is this normal for Sclerotherapy? It isn’t fading - Doctor says it takes time but it’s been 6 weeks! Help! (Photos)

Question

I had lots of veins on my back so I went to a vascular DR at one of the most prestigious hospitals in boston. I didn’t realize this feeder vein was there, or else I would’ve skipped this whole procedure! I’ve been back 2x and he just keeps saying it will fade,l. But after 6 weeks it is still there. I’ve tied arnica,, vitamin k. I even went to one of he top cosmetic dermatologist and he said it takes time. This is located in an embarrassing place right between my butt, what Can I do??

Andres Zavala, DO · Answer

Sclerotherapy can sometimes result in a brownish discoloration from iron in the blood. When this occurs it can take a long time to fade away. As long as you avoid sun exposure it will most likely go away on its own but this can take up to a year or more in some cases.  Rarely it can become permanent. If after giving it more time, it does not go away. A q-switch laser like those used for tattoo removal can be effective, besides the laser, other things simply don't work well on this kind of discoloration.

John Landi, MD · Answer

The posted pictures show post sclerotherapy staining.  6 weeks is a very short time for this to resolve.  Staining may take a year or more to resolve and some may never resolve.  Fortunately, most staining goes away over time.  Some physicians have said that a Q switch laser will expedite the process.

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

This is called staining after a sclerotherapy procedure, It is due to the iron content of the blood which gets trapped in the skin.  This will fade over time. I tell my patients it may take up to 12 months.  There are some things that may help to speed up the process such as topical creams and light based treatments but they are not always helpful.

Ivan Brooks, MD · Answer

Unfortunate this can happen with just about all sclerosing agents used fur sclerotherapy.  Your doctor is right and unfortunately it can take 6-12 months to fade.  There are some healing creams and bleaching creams which can aid in the healing process.

Ramtin Massoudi, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi Dear
This is Hemosiderin staining post sclerotherapy and is very common, it is very important to put pressure at the site of treatment after procedure to collapse the vein so the blood does not come back to the same area. Now that already stained (which is Iron in the blood caused tattooing of the skin) it takes our body macrophages which is like Packman eating away the stain or tattoo removal laser.
or wait but might take one year to go away
Thank you
Ramtin Massoudi, MD

Scott Powell, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Based on the pictures, it looks like you have staining.  What happens is the vein dies and contracts, but blood gets trapped inside.  The iron pigments in the blood cause the brown discoloration.The good news is 90% will fade, but bad news is that it can take up to a year.  Also, most topical treatments, lasers, etc. do not really have any effect.  You have to give it time.Good luck to you,Dr. Powell

Is this normal for Sclerotherapy? It isn’t fading - Doctor says it takes time but it’s been 6 weeks! Help! (Photos)

Answers (6)

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