Permanent bruise or discoloration after laser vein treatment?

Question

I have one round of vein injections 8 months ago and two YAG laser treatments within the last three months and my leg looks worse and will not lighten. Is there anything I can do? I’m considering getting injections again instead of laser. It looks like a permanent bruise, not a vein anymore which is worrying me.

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

John Landi, MD · Answer

The posted picture looks like matting which is essentially new small vein formation following sclerotherapy.  Although there are reports of matting being self limiting, my experience is that it does not resolve without further treatment.  I would recommend looking for feeding reticular veins and treating them and also consider using a different type of sclerosant solution.  I have had good results with glyceine for matting.

Jawdat Abboud, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question, it is very common question after EVLT, and sclerotherapy. Diffntly the issue should be evaluated and treated by a vein specialist. From the picture above you have underling feeders veins should be treated with more sclerotherapy, and subsequently the small spider veins will improve.

Albert Malvehy, MD · Answer

You have matting, the formation of new veins. This is not bruising, Laser treatments don’t work particularly well on spider veins on the legs, a function of underlying blood pressure differentials. Sclerotherapy is far more effective and can also fix your matting. Find someone who is expert in vein treatments (not a Med spa).

Permanent bruise or discoloration after laser vein treatment?

Answers (4)

Answer: Matting, not bruising

Answer: Matting, not bruising

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Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

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Permanent bruise or discoloration after laser vein treatment?

Answers (4)

Answer: Matting, not bruising

Answer: Matting, not bruising

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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.