How long does staining usually take to go away after liquid sclerotherapy on the feet?

Question

I had liquid sclerotherapy on one foot done 10 weeks ago. I'm concerned the staining may not go away, as there hasn't been much improvement. Is there anything i can do to help it like massage the foot or to prevent it happening on the other foot - the compression stocking i used was a surgical one with maximum compression around the ankle, which didn't seem right to me. This time he has used a bandage with graduated compression. The first 2 pictures are before surgery, the others are after.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to sclerotherapy. Staining occurs when blood remains trapped in the vein after sclerotherapy. It will eventually break down, but can take up to a year. Laser treatments can help break up the dyschromia faster. To be sure what is best for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I would start with Melarase PM cream on the area with Melapads; followed by q switch laser to help the pigmentation. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Staining can occur after sclerotherapy and it does resolve eventually but this frequently can take from up to six to twelve months. Keep in mind it will take a few sessions to see improvement with Sclerotherapy. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

For veins that are this sized, an experienced vein specialist would have recommended microphlebectomy, not sclerotherapy.Anyways, you need some topicals to reduce hyperpigmentation. 
You need to use some adjunctive measures after sclerotherapy to reduce post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. it is those that don't follow such instructions immediately following sclerotherapy, starting on day1 (next day) that seem to get retained hyperpigmentation. I recommend 2 creams: Scleroquin plus and Sclerovase and also Scler-X supplement to reduce post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (see link below) as well as compression stockings for at least 2 weeks.
H Karamanoukian MD FCS
certified vein specialist from ABVLM and double board certified surgeon

Ivan Brooks, MD · Answer

As the vein shuts down the trapping of blood will potentially lead to staining.  Staining can last up to one year.  If you would like to speed up the discoloration there are superficial laser treatments that will improve appearance in a shorter time frame.

How long does staining usually take to go away after liquid sclerotherapy on the feet?

Answers (9)