Can radiofrequency occlusion help with lipodermasclerosis?

I see a dermatologist for my lipodermasclerosis, but it is progressing faster than we can handle. Can radiofrequency occlusion help with this condition?

Answers from doctors (4)


It is important that you are evaluated by a vascular physician to know if you have reflux/leaking in your vein that could benefit from radiofrequency ablation. The doctor may also want to look closer at your deep veins if the LDS is only in one leg.

Answered by Weill Cornell Vein Treatment Center (View Profile)

It is important that you are evaluated by a vascular physician to know if you have reflux/leaking in your vein that could benefit from radiofrequency ablation. The doctor may also want to look closer at your deep veins if the LDS is only in one leg.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Oct 11, 2013

Yes and no. Since lipodermatosclerosis is often times a vein disease related symptom, treatment of any abnormal veins in the affected leg can help. This is why performing RF or laser on your refluxing saphenous vein(s) can help, but it normally does not get rid of most of the LDS. The reason for this is because LDS is due to chronic inflammation from all of the abnormal veins in and around the affected area. Treating only one of those abnormal veins (in this case the saphenous vein) will not completely resolve this problem. You need to address all of the abnormal veins. Only then will you stop the progression of your LDS. Therefore, what you need is not just an RF/laser procedure, but a thorough evaluation and treatment of your leg veins.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Yes and no. Since lipodermatosclerosis is often times a vein disease related symptom, treatment of any abnormal veins in the affected leg can help. This is why performing RF or laser on your refluxing saphenous vein(s) can help, but it normally does not get rid of most of the LDS. The reason for this is because LDS is due to chronic inflammation from all of the abnormal veins in and around the affected area. Treating only one of those abnormal veins (in this case the saphenous vein) will not completely resolve this problem. You need to address all of the abnormal veins. Only then will you stop the progression of your LDS. Therefore, what you need is not just an RF/laser procedure, but a thorough evaluation and treatment of your leg veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Oct 10, 2013

If there is venous insufficiency of the superficial veins, radiofrequency occlusion may help.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

If there is venous insufficiency of the superficial veins, radiofrequency occlusion may help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 10, 2013

A closure procedure will help with venous reflux which could be contributing to lipodermatosclerosis so it may help to control the progression but the procedure will not reverse the condition. Once you get to the point of LDS the treatment is directed at skin care and compression.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

A closure procedure will help with venous reflux which could be contributing to lipodermatosclerosis so it may help to control the progression but the procedure will not reverse the condition. Once you get to the point of LDS the treatment is directed at skin care and compression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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