I am a black female and I had sclerotherapy treatments a month ago on the front of my leg for the straight bluish green veins and the wiggly bluish green veins on the back of my leg. The veins turned a brownish color. How long will it take the brownish color to fade away. I'v had sclerotherapy treatments before about 7 yrs ago and I did not have this problem. My legs bruised but the bruising did not last long. I have another appt. next week but now Im skeptical about keeping it. Thanks!
After sclerotherapy treatments, when does the brownish color go away? (photo)
Doctor Answers 4
What your pictures show is called staining which is a result of what is called hemosiderin release from trapped or extravasated blood. This can occur following sclerotherapy and, usually resolves spontaneously. It hopefully will resolve sooner but it could take up to a year and, very occasionally, it will be permanent. There are several things that can be done to help to resolve this-first your doctor should see if there is any area in which he can release the trapped blood. Second-your doctor can look for any open feeding veins and close them. If no improvement from this then a venous reflux exam should be done to ensure that that are no refluxing valves which may be contributing to the back pressure. Although, in general, bleaching creams usually don't work, trying hydroquinolone may help. I have also used in the past (at the advice of a midwest farmer), an over the counter item call bag balm which also has hydroquinolone, is inexpensive and easy to apply. You have nothing to lose by trying this for 2 to 3 months.
What your pictures show is called staining which is a result of what is called hemosiderin release from trapped or extravasated blood. This can occur following sclerotherapy and, usually resolves spontaneously. It hopefully will resolve sooner but it could take up to a year and, very occasionally, it will be permanent. There are several things that can be done to help to resolve this-first your doctor should see if there is any area in which he can release the trapped blood. Second-your doctor can look for any open feeding veins and close them. If no improvement from this then a venous reflux exam should be done to ensure that that are no refluxing valves which may be contributing to the back pressure. Although, in general, bleaching creams usually don't work, trying hydroquinolone may help. I have also used in the past (at the advice of a midwest farmer), an over the counter item call bag balm which also has hydroquinolone, is inexpensive and easy to apply. You have nothing to lose by trying this for 2 to 3 months.
The dark staining after sclerotherapy is not uncommon. it can last for months, or longer, but it usually does lighten significantly over time. I would keep the appointment and show your treating clinician the spots you are concerned about and see what he/she has to say. You can always opt to not have a treatment after being examined. However, if there are other veins that remain, usually having them treated will improve the overall appearance while you are waiting for the staining to fade.
The dark staining after sclerotherapy is not uncommon. it can last for months, or longer, but it usually does lighten significantly over time. I would keep the appointment and show your treating clinician the spots you are concerned about and see what he/she has to say. You can always opt to not have a treatment after being examined. However, if there are other veins that remain, usually having them treated will improve the overall appearance while you are waiting for the staining to fade.
Hyperpigmentation of the skin can occur after sclerotherapy in anyone and is a known side effect of traditional or foam sclerotherapy. It is more likely when reticular veins are injected and also when large veins under the skin (varicose veins > 6 mm) are injected. Proper compression with stockings and strict avoidance of sun exposure are necessary components of therapy as well as the use of topical products.
I recommend Scleroquin plus and Sclerovase creams. see the link below.
Web reference: https://venasmart.com/collections/whats-new/products/scleroquin-plus
Hyperpigmentation of the skin can occur after sclerotherapy in anyone and is a known side effect of traditional or foam sclerotherapy. It is more likely when reticular veins are injected and also when large veins under the skin (varicose veins > 6 mm) are injected. Proper compression with stockings and strict avoidance of sun exposure are necessary components of therapy as well as the use of topical products.
I recommend Scleroquin plus and Sclerovase creams. see the link below.
Learn more: https://venasmart.com/collections/whats-new/products/scleroquin-plus
You might also like...
Sclerotherapy is good for small veins and spider veins.
Large veins, require surgical removal or the very large varicose veins endolaser.
The brown pigmentation is due to hemosiderin the iron oxide rom the blood. It can stay up to one year. creams do not improve it. I am not sure even if there is a laser that can affect it since we need laser wave length absorbed by the iron.
Samir Shureih MD. FACS
sshureih@msn.com
Sclerotherapy is good for small veins and spider veins.
Large veins, require surgical removal or the very large varicose veins endolaser.
The brown pigmentation is due to hemosiderin the iron oxide rom the blood. It can stay up to one year. creams do not improve it. I am not sure even if there is a laser that can affect it since we need laser wave length absorbed by the iron.
Samir Shureih MD. FACS
sshureih@msn.com
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
You might also like...
Related Content
Sclerotheraphy and Sun Exposure?
4 doctor answers
I'm so embarrassed. What is the best way to get this to go away?...
4 doctor answers
Ask a Doctor
Get personalized answers from board-certified doctors. For free.
Sclerotherapy Pictures
*Treatment results may vary
Sclerotherapy Pictures
*Treatment results may vary
