hemosiderin staining post sclerotherapy

Question

I had sclerotherapy of many reticular veins over the course of a year and have some mild to severe hemosiderin staining, particularly in the calf and ankle area. Some are injection sites and others follow along the course of treated veins. After 8 months the doctor decided it would not likely resolve in its own. I have had one Yag treatment 5 weeks ago and there has been a slight fading, but that's it. Generally, is iron staining easier to remove than a tattoo?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is best improved with a combination of laser treatments and vitamin C pills/topical.  I suggest you see someone with experience in these treatments.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Daniel J. Ritacca, MD · Answer

3 sessions of a
Q-Switch 1064 Laser will take care of hemosiderin staining beautifully. The laser will gently break up the pigmentation and fade away gradually with each treatment.

John Landi, MD · Answer

Staining following sclerotherapy does not happen often but when it does, it is difficult to treat. I would first make sure that you have no underling reflux or feeding veins still open.  If everything is closed then topical creams such as those recommended by Dr. Karamanoukian or q-switch laser may help.  I have seen staining take up to 2 years to resolve.  Most staining will resolve but some can be permanent.

Ronald Kolegraff, MD, FACS · Answer

Staining after sclerotherapy will continue to improve over time but dark stains can take over two years to lighten significantly.   There are several lasers than can help.  A q-switch laser shoots a very fast blast of laser light into the pigment breaking it up so the body can clear the treated area.  The newer pico switch lasers are also claiming seccess wit hemosiderin stains.  Fractional ablation if you can get it deep enough will also result in some improvement.   Ask your local physician if any of these things are available.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

These are hyperpigmentation sites and hemosiderin deposits that are from leakage points from the sclerosed veins and inflammation (phlebitis) following sclerotherapy. I recommend that you use 2 creams VenaQuin and VenoLucent for approximately 3 months

hemosiderin staining post sclerotherapy

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hemosiderin staining post sclerotherapy

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