Will this purple bump go away? Had 2 sessions of sclerotherapy 1 month post op. (photos)

Question

I have had 2 sclerotherapy sessions. The second session was a month ago. I’ve developed this purple bump along the vein that was being treated. I went back to the doctor 5 days ago and he said it was phlebitis. He drained some of the blood. It hurts less, but is still very visible. Any suggestions to speed up healing? Will this likely go away?

Tif Siragusa, MD · Answer

After sclerotherapy for slightly larger veins, it is very common to have some trapped blood in there that can be a little bit tender and painful. We also will drain this material out by using a needle to poke a hole in the vein and then expressing it out. This really speeds up the rate at which this rain will go away. Sometimes after 2 to 3 weeks, the trap what is a little bit stuck in there and harder to get all of it out. You could always use a little bit of Arnica gel on the area. Otherwise, I agree with the warm compresses 2 to 3 times a day. Your body will clear all this up, it will just be a little bit of time and patience that’s needed.

John Landi, MD · Answer

The posted picture looks like trapped blood in the vein following sclerotherapy.  You doctor did the right thing by draining it.  However, if it is still hurting you then it may need to be re evacuated.  Also, wet heat to the area and ibuprofen will help.

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

From your picture it looks like you have had sclerotherapy in these veins. Sometimes the blood gets trapped in the vein and your body does not resorb it quickly.  This causes discoloration.  We recommend coming back and we will numb the area and use an 18 or 20 gauge needle and draw out the blood in the vein.  This helps it go away much quicker.

Lisa Perez, MD · Answer

From your photo it appears that your doctor closed a large reticular vein.  The purple bump was most likely an area of trapped blood that he removed.  The discoloration will fade with time but could take months or even up to a year to fade.  It appears that you have some brownish discoloration over the injected veins as well.  This is called hyperpigmentation and can happen when injecting larger veins.  It is very important to protect these areas from sun and they will fade over time, but again it can take more than a year for this to fade in some people.

Scott Powell, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,It sounds like you had trapped blood after sclerotherapy, and your physician drained what they could.  This is common and is like getting a blood blister.  You also look like you might have some staining.  This results from the scar tissue of the vein and pigments from the blood discoloring the skin.The good news is that this usually fades with time.  The bad news is that this can take several months up to a year.  It is best to avoid sun exposure or tanning to that area as this can darken it.Sometimes Arnica cream or gel can help.  Lasers are usually not as beneficial.  Good luck to you,Dr. Powell

Will this purple bump go away? Had 2 sessions of sclerotherapy 1 month post op. (photos)

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