Bluish/red discoloration after Sclerotherapy. Will this clear up?

Question

Hi After treating reflux in the deeper veins, I had sclerotherapy (mostly reticular veins) about 7 weeks ago with foam Asclera. Since then, both my thighs (about 50% of them) look almost bluish/reddish and some of the reticular veins injected are dark with reddish matting around them. The PA said that this may go away but it doesn't seem to have improved over the past month. Will this clear up or can there be something done now? Thanks

Andres Zavala, DO · Answer

Some bruising and slight discoloration is normal after sclerotherapy. Darker discoloration is usually the result of larger volumes of trapped blood within the vein and in these cases it is best to do a micro-thrombectomy which is removal of the trapped blood via a tiny incision.  This will allow the area to heal quicker and lessen risk of longer lasting or even permanent discoloration. Matting or the formation of tiny little red veins around the treated site will often go away on its own but may take a year or more and in some cases it can be permanent. Treating this areas with a different sclerosing agent like Glycerin can often help speed up recovery of the matting.

Michael Nguyen, MD · Answer

It is common that treated areas with sclerotherapy may cause micro veins to appear, a side effect known as matting. If this happens, it can also be treated with another sclerotherapy session for more improved results. It could take up to 2 months or more to see full results after spider vein treatment. Overall improvement per session is expected to be 50-75% each time. In general, most patients may need between 2 to 6 sclerotherapy sessions. According to how the patient reacts, vein doctor can adjust treatment plan if necessary.

John Landi, MD · Answer

Bruising and darkening of trhe veins are very common post sclerotherapy.  If the veins are dark then evacuation of the trapped blood should be done.  If there is bruising then this should cleear over 6 weeks.  Ibuprofen, wet heat to the bruised areas and topical creasms such as dermaka will also help.

Albert Malvehy, MD · Answer

Sometimes, when we see matting after treatment, it is a sign that there is something going on with the deeper circulation. If you have not had an ultrasound, you might consider one. If the person who did your treatment does not do ultrasounds, you should seek out a vein specialist.

Rodolfo Farhy, MD · Answer

There is always bruising and inflammation after sclerotherapy that disappears with time most of the time. Certainly would be easier to give you an opinion by seen the pictures of them.

Bluish/red discoloration after Sclerotherapy. Will this clear up?

Answers (5)

Answer: May be a sign of deeper reflux

Answer: May be a sign of deeper reflux

Answer: Veins after sclerotherapy

Answer: Veins after sclerotherapy

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Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

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Bluish/red discoloration after Sclerotherapy. Will this clear up?

Answers (5)

Answer: May be a sign of deeper reflux

Answer: May be a sign of deeper reflux

Answer: Veins after sclerotherapy

Answer: Veins after sclerotherapy

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.