Dark spots after blood vessel laser treatment? (Photo)

Question

I received laser treatment on broken capillaries on my face two and a half weeks ago. After the treatment, the spots were red, and since then they have turned into more isolated dark spots. (darker than they were before the treatment.) Is this normal? Will they fade over the next few weeks? I don't have any future treatments scheduled as my derm said one might be enough. Thanks!

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.

Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Andres Zavala, DO · Answer

From the pictures this appears to be normal stages of healing and sometimes things look worse before they look better. The area should clear over several weeks. I do agree however, that sometimes evacuation of trapped blood is necessary for faster healing. Consider following up with your treating physician if you are not seeing improvement in a week or so.

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

It is normal with laser for lesions to turn darker and look worse before they improve or go away.  Your response is normal.  I would give it a few weeks and see how you respond.

John Landi, MD · Answer

You are going through the normal and expected stages of healing following a topical laser treatment.  It seems as if the laser as sealed the veins causing them to clot.  This is normal and these areas should resolve over the next several weeks.  You should, however, follow up with your treating physician.  Sometimes the clotted areas may require evacuating.

Norman N. Bein, MD, FACS, RVT · Answer

This may be a part of the healing process and you are very early.  Typically healing will take 4-6 weeks.  I would recommend gentle massage with arnica or Dermaka cream several times per day.  
I can sometimes take several treatments.
Sunprotection daily and you can use cover-up.

Dark spots after blood vessel laser treatment? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Post topical laser healing.

Answer: Post topical laser healing.

Answer: Dark spots after laser treatment to facial vessels

Answer: Dark spots after laser treatment to facial vessels

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Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

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

Dark spots after blood vessel laser treatment? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Post topical laser healing.

Answer: Post topical laser healing.

Answer: Dark spots after laser treatment to facial vessels

Answer: Dark spots after laser treatment to facial vessels

Browse related questions

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.