I had laser on my legs for spider veins 8 weeks ago and my legs look terrible. I was told white marks will go away. (Photo)

Question

It has been 8 weeks and I have not been tanning. I waited a month or two before I had my treatment. I was burned the first time which left the white marks and the other 2 treatment left no marks. I was already self conscious when crossing my legs and now I can't even wear a dress or shorts. I'm hoping this isn't permanent. Please help advise me what I should do. I wanted to go to tanning bed for my vacation coming up but no clue what to do.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

You have laser induced hypopigmentation. I would start with Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams followed by fractional laser and Melapeels to help correct the problem. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles vein expert

Ivan Brooks, MD · Answer

Unfortunately the effects of laser can cause several changes in skin tone and scarring.  You clearly have "hypo-pigmentation" which is a loss of melanocytes in the area.  This generally does not resolve on its own.  Secondary treatments aside from time and healing creams is the use of bleaching creams to blend the area and reduce the discoloration borders.  I would recommend seeing a well trained cosmetic dermatologist and get a treatment plan started.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Unlike hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation is a difficult problem to treat.I would see a vein specialist for treatment with sclerotherapy in the future. Make sure you wear compression stockings after sclerotherapy.

Aaron Shiloh, MD · Answer

You clearly are having issues with the laser inducing hypopigmentation.  To be completely honest, I don't believe that laser is the best treatment for these types of spider veins.  In my practice, we would have treated them with direct injection which truly works best.  Hopefully, with skin creams that can improve.

Good luck

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

You have hypopigmentation caused by the laser.  I would speak to your physician for a cream that may help with this.

I had laser on my legs for spider veins 8 weeks ago and my legs look terrible. I was told white marks will go away. (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Pigmentation

Answer: Pigmentation

Answer: Light spots

Answer: Light spots

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Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

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

I had laser on my legs for spider veins 8 weeks ago and my legs look terrible. I was told white marks will go away. (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Pigmentation

Answer: Pigmentation

Answer: Light spots

Answer: Light spots

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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.