Discoloration after laser vein treatment? (photos)

Question

I had minor spider veins that I didn’t like the appearance of so after consultation the doctor recommended that I treat my varicose veins first. Now, 10 months later I have a HUGE black vein that was not visible before on the back/side of my leg! The doctor told me to keep it out of the sun and after a year my body will “absorb” it but it has not changed in color since !!! Will it go away without further treatment and if not what treatment would be best to get rid of it ??

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It’s important to distinguish between varicose veins and spider veins when choosing between laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and vein surgery. With two board certified vein specialists, our center uses a combination of visual examination, functional flow measurements, ultrasound, transillumination, and infrared light to map out vein networks prior to therapy. Lasers can be used to treat deep varicose vein insufficiency, vein perforators, and varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is ideal for spider veins and reticular veins. Whereas surgery is reserved for severely incompetent varicose vein segments.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 surgeon

Andres Zavala, DO · Answer

The photo shows what appears to be staining on the skin overlying a vein (hemosiderin/post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) which is due trapped blood within a vein after treatment causing staining of the overlying skin.  Often times if you stay out of the sun, this will fade overtime but it can take over a year in many cases and does not always go away fully.  The area in the photo looks very dark so I doubt it will go away completely. After 10 months it may be too late to drain any trapped blood, the vein is likely completely scarred by now.  The best option may be a q-switch laser that those used for tattoo removal.

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

Normally we see people back and drain the blood out of these larger veins.  The varicose vein is discolored from blood that is trapped inside of it after sclerotherapy.  I would attempt this first and if this does not work consider waiting for up to two years to see if it fades.  Other option is  a tattoo removal laser like Picoway to pull out the color.

John Landi, MD · Answer

The posted pictures look like staining of the distal great saphenous vein.  This is due to trapped blood within the vein. I would first try to drain any areas.  This can be done under local anesthesia with a 20 gauge needle.  A year later is a long time to do this but it is worth trying.  The staining may improve spontaneously somewhat over time but the amount you have I doubt will resolve completely.  A q-switched laser has been reported to improve venous staining and you may want to inquire about this.

Discoloration after laser vein treatment? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Staining post closure.

Answer: Staining post closure.

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Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

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Discoloration after laser vein treatment? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Staining post closure.

Answer: Staining post closure.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.