Bruise from IV won't go away after 5 months post surgery, is this something to be concerned about? (photo)

Question

I had surgery (TT) 5 months ago I still have a bruise from the IV on my right arm that won't go away. I spoke with my doctor about it around 3 months and he said it should go away on its own, but I am now starting to worry if it can possibly be something more than a bruise?

Natalie Ngan, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

This is uncommon to see so many months down the track. I would suggest seeing another doctor for a second opinion. It’s very difficult to assess without seeing you in person.

Brian A. Pinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

Bruising is bleeding that occurs under the skin.  Rarely, you can get deposition of a pigmented breakdown product of the red blood cells called hemosiderin, which gets deposited in the tissues and essentially causes staining of the tissue.  This can be addressed with laser treatments such as a CO2 or other laser that treats pigment.

Bruise from IV won't go away after 5 months post surgery, is this something to be concerned about? (photo)

Answers (2)