Purplish spots on my legs 3 weeks post laser treatment. Will they ever go away? I am 43 yr old.

Question

Hello, 3 weeks ago i had laser treatment on my leg veins - i only had superficial very thin red, net -like capillaries over my thighs and some lower legs. I have very fair skin and don't tan at all. 3 weeks post treatment i still have purplish spots at the sites of treatment that are now more pronounced that the veins that were treated in the first place.Will they ever go away ?

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.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Andres Zavala, DO · Answer

Sometime veins can leak after laser treatment.  These spots should go away with time but may take weeks to a few months.  I usually recommend arnica cream which can sometimes help expedite clearing of the spots.  Also very important to avoid sun exposure if possible.  If not, use sun block.  Exposure to sun increases the risk of these spots becoming darker (this is known as hemosiderin hyperpigmentation) and can take a long time to go away.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hyperpigmentation and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs after sclerotherapy and topical laser and we recommend the use of two products that can be applied in the morning (Sclerovase) and evening (Scleroquin plus). The products reduce the hyperpigmentation of the overlying skin. See the link below. Hratch L Karamanoukian MD FACSABVLM certified vein specialist

John Landi, MD · Answer

Following topical laser or sclerotherapy treatments, the treated veins can rupture and leak or bleed under the skin leading to spots (ecchymosis).  These spots will be reabsorbed by the body but could sometimes take months to do this.  Topical creams may help.  I recommend dermaka.  Also avoid getting sun burn over these areas.

Michael Nguyen, MD · Answer

The purple spots are the result of the vein leaking in the treated spot, medically known as purpura. This will eventually fade but to help prevent hyper pigmentation make sure and wear sunscreen when you go out in the sun. With time it will all disappear but it may take a few months.

Ivan Brooks, MD · Answer

Depending on the type of laser it is possible for the veins to rupture with the energy source.  This can lead to a darker more diffuse appearance.  This generally will resolve over several months.  Occasionally hyper=pigmentation can occur from the hemosiderin depositing along the treated area which can last quite a bit longer.  Avoid sun exposure and try several healing creams including arnica creams over the treated area.

Stuart H. Bentkover, MD (retired) · Answer

Most likely the purple spots are purpura.  This is caused by the blood vessels treated with the laser rupturing.  Eventually it usually clears.  Can take 6-8 weeks.  Also, you can be left with hyperpigmented areas on  your legs.  You need to use sunscreen.  The hyperpigmentation usually clears also.

Purplish spots on my legs 3 weeks post laser treatment. Will they ever go away? I am 43 yr old.

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