How to remove hemosiderin staining caused by sclerotherapy? (Photo)

Question

I had my schlerotherapy last September 2014, the result is okay except the brownish stain, i think this is hemosiderin staining. Its been 7months now. How to treat this and how long will it take?

Jennifer Greer, MD · Answer

You are correct: the brownish staining you see is from hemosiderin. This is produced when hemoglobin is broken down, which is why you see the same color change as a bruise fades. The blood that is clotted in a vein after sclerotherapy takes much longer to be broken down, however, as you have noticed. I would still expect to see some improvement over the next several months, but laser treatments can speed this process along. Best of luck to you!

John Landi, MD · Answer

Post sclerotherapy staining unfortunately does occur and, in most instances, it will spontaneously lighten over a 2 year period.  I have found that evacuating  any clotted areas (even a year later) may give some improvement.  Also, looking for any open feeding veins to the area and closing them may help.  The Q switch laser and VenaFade and VenoLucent as mentioned in other posts may also help.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.The vein is quite sizeable and perhaps you would have been best served with a microphlebectomy technique. Having said that, hyperpigmentation does occur with improper compression after the procedure and not following with a regimen of wearing compression stockings for 3 months. I understand that this is difficult in areas of your country with high humidity and heat. Going forward, q switched lasers and daily use of creams like Scleroquin. Perhaps you can have a friend from the U.S. ship you these products.Best,Dr. Karamanoukian

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

Q-switched lasers are usually helpful to treat this.  In my office, I would start with a Q-switched alexandrite laser.  Several treatment sessions might be necessary to see significant fading.

How to remove hemosiderin staining caused by sclerotherapy? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Hemosiderin staining after sclerotherapy

Answer: Hemosiderin staining after sclerotherapy

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How to remove hemosiderin staining caused by sclerotherapy? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Hemosiderin staining after sclerotherapy

Answer: Hemosiderin staining after sclerotherapy

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.