Staning badly after RFA veins. How can I get rid of this dark stripe? (Photo)

Question

I had RFA right leg 2,5 months ago, now I have pigmentation and after US : Rfa close down and up of treted vein , in h middle US shows still not close proper . Very upset how my legs looks now:(. How I can get red if this dark stripe? Please help

John Landi, MD · Answer

This kind of staining usually occurs when the treated saphenous vein is close to the skin.  If an area of the vein is still open then this should be closed first.  Next or at the time of the closure I would try evacuating different areas of the vein by percutaneous needle evacuation.  Over time this staining should improve although it may never be completely normal.

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

First of all, I'd like to reassure you that this staining  is treatable.  As vein specialists, we see this almost daily.  It appears you have what's called hemosiderin staining and results from the trapped blood in the vein breaking down and then interacting with sunlight or artificial light at the skin.  The first step is to close whatever sections of the veins remain open with laser/RFA or foamed Sclerotherapy, so that the vein can be fully reabsorbed.  Then the discoloration tends to slowly fade over a year or more.  If you would like to speed that process up, skin lasers such as our Picoway have been shown in clinical research and in practice, to break up this pigment  and improve the discoloration with 4-5 treatments.  There is little to no downtime or discomfort, but you must keep the skin protected from the sun until the color returns to normal.  You can also add the use of topical skin products that reduce pigmentaion.  Our patients are very pleased with their results.

Staning badly after RFA veins. How can I get rid of this dark stripe? (Photo)

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Staning badly after RFA veins. How can I get rid of this dark stripe? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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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.