Matting after schlerotherapy, 1 year post op, what can I do? (photos)

Question

I have matting after a laser treatment to fix veins. Sadly got matting instead of fixing it. It's been over a year. Is there anything I can do to fix this? I got a topical cream that did seem to make it less noticeable but that was irritating to the skin.

Andres Zavala, DO · Answer

While the pictures show some scattered telangiectasias, I don't see heavily dense clusters of telangiectasias which is more characteristic of matting.  Sometimes small spider veins can appear after treatment of larger veins, or simply as a result of trauma and inflammation to the area.  I think in your case, treatment with sclerotherapy may be the best option.  From your pictures there are underlying reticular veins (bluish veins) that if properly treated along  with the small spider veins is likely to yield better results.  You would likely need several treatments to get improvement but with a little perseverance, you should see improvement.  Make sure you see an experienced veins specialist in your area.  Hope this helps, good luck!

Albert Malvehy, MD · Answer

Sometimes the skin can become colored after vein treatment. This happens for a variety of reasons (blood trapping, skin type, sun exposure). In most people, this is gone after 12 months but there area a few where it is persistent. This can be treated with laser to lighten the color if the veins are indeed gone. I would go to someone local with extensive laser experience in skin (likely a dermatologist, not a vein doctor) to see if you are a candidate for what is, essentially, skin discoloration or a type of scarring.

John Landi, MD · Answer

Your pictures look like staining rather than matting.  Staining is treated by time as most will improve spontaneously.  For staining a q-switch laser will also lessen the discoloration.  Matting is usually very fine vein which form around an area that has been treated with sclerotherapy.  I usually treat matting by using another type of sclerosing solution called glycerine with good results.

Ivan Brooks, MD · Answer

I would recommend a venous ultrasound to determine large vein relfux. Matting after sclerotherapy is an indicator of larger vein insufficiency. I would recommend seeing a vein specialist to get evaluated.

Gary Nackman, MD, FACS · Answer

From your picture, it is unclear whether you have matting or staining from some retained blood in the veins. Matting typically appears as many small spider thread veins in an area that was treated. When it occurs, additional treatment of sclerotherapy or laser may be effective in eliminating the veins.

Matting after schlerotherapy, 1 year post op, what can I do? (photos)

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Matting after schlerotherapy, 1 year post op, what can I do? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Matting after sclerotherapy

Answer: Matting after sclerotherapy

Answer: Matting after sclerotherapy

Answer: Matting after sclerotherapy

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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.