I have lots of veins on my heels and ankles. Are there any treatments that I can do that won't stain brown?

I have thin skin that bruises easily, and I have brown stains from previous sclerotherapy treatments that I did over 7 years ago.

Answers from doctors (10)


Vein Treatment Clinic

Published on Jul 02, 2018

Consider an evaluation from a vein specialist who you can trust. Ultrasound scan should be part of the evaluation as well. A vein doctor can help you decide the correct treatment or combination of treatments to achieve the best results. Vein specialist can also recommend or refer you for treatment for your hyper-pigmented areas.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8534_1510077584.jpg
Answered by Vein Treatment Clinic

Consider an evaluation from a vein specialist who you can trust. Ultrasound scan should be part of the evaluation as well. A vein doctor can help you decide the correct treatment or combination of treatments to achieve the best results. Vein specialist can also recommend or refer you for treatment for your hyper-pigmented areas.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein & Aesthetic Center of Boston

Published on Nov 07, 2012

Veins in the ankles and feet can be successfully treated with sclerotherapy. These veins may require more treatments because they are under more pressure than the veins in your upper thighs. Some patients are more prone to staining. There are certain sclerosants that cause less staining. If you do have these veins treated, check and see what was used last time and give your physician that information. Taking Arnica before treatment to avoid bruising, wearing compression hose for 2 weeks after treatment, and evacuating any trapped blood earlier rather than later can all limit staining.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/511_1408044070.jpg
Answered by The Vein & Aesthetic Center of Boston

Veins in the ankles and feet can be successfully treated with sclerotherapy. These veins may require more treatments because they are under more pressure than the veins in your upper thighs. Some patients are more prone to staining. There are certain sclerosants that cause less staining. If you do have these veins treated, check and see what was used last time and give your physician that information. Taking Arnica before treatment to avoid bruising, wearing compression hose for 2 weeks after treatment, and evacuating any trapped blood earlier rather than later can all limit staining.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Aug 29, 2012

The first thing you should consider doing is having an ultrasound to check
for underlying venous insufficiency. Spider veins in the ankle areas are a
pretty good sign you might have a problem in the superficial set of veins
under the skin and fat. Polidocanol injections rarely result in
pigmentation and this has only been approved for use in the USA for the past
2.5 years so it was probably either sotradecoal sulfate or hypertonic saline
that was used for your previous injections. Foaming may also result in more
pigmentation so liquid sclerotherapy is recommended.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/740_1408044075.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialists

The first thing you should consider doing is having an ultrasound to check
for underlying venous insufficiency. Spider veins in the ankle areas are a
pretty good sign you might have a problem in the superficial set of veins
under the skin and fat. Polidocanol injections rarely result in
pigmentation and this has only been approved for use in the USA for the past
2.5 years so it was probably either sotradecoal sulfate or hypertonic saline
that was used for your previous injections. Foaming may also result in more
pigmentation so liquid sclerotherapy is recommended.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Aug 28, 2012

It is very likely that you have other veins higher up in the legs that feed those veins. It would be a good idea to have another ultrasound to determine if those bigger veins higher up in the legs are refluxing and causing problems.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1153_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

It is very likely that you have other veins higher up in the legs that feed those veins. It would be a good idea to have another ultrasound to determine if those bigger veins higher up in the legs are refluxing and causing problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Aug 24, 2012

Laser, Vein Wave, Vein Gogh, and sclerotherapy with a different agent might all work. You need to see a vein specialist to discuss this.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/464_1408044069.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Laser, Vein Wave, Vein Gogh, and sclerotherapy with a different agent might all work. You need to see a vein specialist to discuss this.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Aug 24, 2012

It is possible that your previous treatments were using saline (super concentrated saline solution). This has a higher incidence of staining. Also if you have larger very blue veins in the ankle area there may be some staining from the iron in the blood.

Newer approved solutions Asclera and Sotradecol have a lower incidence of staining, Aslcera perhaps a little less. It is important that your practitioner is experienced especially in doing ankles. However, staining is one of the most common side effects of sclerotherapy but less so in experienced hands.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

It is possible that your previous treatments were using saline (super concentrated saline solution). This has a higher incidence of staining. Also if you have larger very blue veins in the ankle area there may be some staining from the iron in the blood.

Newer approved solutions Asclera and Sotradecol have a lower incidence of staining, Aslcera perhaps a little less. It is important that your practitioner is experienced especially in doing ankles. However, staining is one of the most common side effects of sclerotherapy but less so in experienced hands.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Aug 24, 2012

Sclerotherapy is probably still the best treatment for the veins on your heels and ankles. The discoloration or brown staining you are referring to is, in all likelihood, hyperpigmentation from the sclerosing agent used previously - probably Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate (Sotradecol). This particular sclerosing agent can have a hyperpigmentation effect and is especially high risk for hyperpigmentation with sun exposure after treatment.

My suggestion would be to see a provider who uses glycerin as the sclerosing agent. Glycerin carries virtually no hyperpigmentation risk and is well tolerated. Also, you may want to ask you dermatologist or vein specialist about Hydroquinone topical cream to help remove the dark or stained areas on your heels and ankles. Only your provider can determine if hydroquinone is appropriate for you.



//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/861_1409954875.jpg
Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Sclerotherapy is probably still the best treatment for the veins on your heels and ankles. The discoloration or brown staining you are referring to is, in all likelihood, hyperpigmentation from the sclerosing agent used previously - probably Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate (Sotradecol). This particular sclerosing agent can have a hyperpigmentation effect and is especially high risk for hyperpigmentation with sun exposure after treatment.

My suggestion would be to see a provider who uses glycerin as the sclerosing agent. Glycerin carries virtually no hyperpigmentation risk and is well tolerated. Also, you may want to ask you dermatologist or vein specialist about Hydroquinone topical cream to help remove the dark or stained areas on your heels and ankles. Only your provider can determine if hydroquinone is appropriate for you.



Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 23, 2012

If the veins are large microphlebectomies may be possible. If the veins are small sclerotherapy is the procedure of choice. I would recommend that you go to someone with sclerotherapy experience and that you ask them about using either glycerine or polidocanol which both have low incidences of staining.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

If the veins are large microphlebectomies may be possible. If the veins are small sclerotherapy is the procedure of choice. I would recommend that you go to someone with sclerotherapy experience and that you ask them about using either glycerine or polidocanol which both have low incidences of staining.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Aug 23, 2012

Both laser and sclero will usually result in some brown staining.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/772_1408044077.jpg
Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Both laser and sclero will usually result in some brown staining.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Aug 23, 2012

You may have undetected saphenous vein insufficiency. Have an ultrasound/vein mapping by a vein specialist first.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1365_1408044094.jpg
Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

You may have undetected saphenous vein insufficiency. Have an ultrasound/vein mapping by a vein specialist first.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy -11 answers
How long does it take to see spider veins vanish after Sclerotherapy? Is there any hope the veins will disappear after more time has gone by?
See More
Sclerotherapy -12 answers
I have a lot of green veins on my legs, calves, even my arms and other parts of my body. Are those on my legs reticular veins, or could they be normal veins? They are very obvious. I never had them until my pregnancy last year. I have delivered 1 year ago.
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
Why is it necessary to wear Compression Stockings after Sclerotherapy?
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
I had 6 treatments of sclerotherappy one week apart. Much of the treatments were injecting "feeders". It's been over 2 months since my first treatment and my veins look worse. I have new quite dark veins that have popped up. What happened?
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
Will the length of time be longer then two weeks?
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
It has been 8 weeks since I had spider and 1 surface blue vein injected by vein surgeon. I still have black blue spots and the surface vein looks worse, will this correct itself or do i need more treatments/ new doc??
See More
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
I had a sclerotherapy treatment, but instead of being prescribed compression stockings, my doctor advised me to use an elastic bandage. Is the bandage just as effective as compression stockings?
See More
Sclerotherapy -12 answers
What chemicals are in the saline solution and does it have mercury in it and if not what is in it? what are the side effects if any.
See More
Sclerotherapy -4 answers
I recently just noticed that all of my veins are visible all over my body, including a few in the chest area....is this normal? I'm currently on Accutane too.
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
How long after Sclerotherapy can you get in the sun?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
I just had the sclerotherapy procedure today. I would love to cut off the feet of my compression stockings. I feel like it would be much more comfortable. Would that defeat the purpose?
See More
Sclerotherapy -6 answers
How soon after sclerotherapy can I play tennis? run? dance?
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
After sclerotherapy, there is a small section that is lumpy and discolored. My treating pysician does not drain these, is there any way to speed up the healing/fading of pigmentation?
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
I hade sclerotherapy yesterday, but I can still see a few of the veins that were treated. How long until all the veins disappear?
See More
Sclerotherapy -13 answers
I've heard that occasionally, small lumps of clotted blood can be felt after sclerotherapy. Aren't blood clots quite dangerous?
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
Will running short distances, say 2-4 miles three times per week, be of detriment to sclerotherapy procedures? What about medium distance hikes of 5-10 miles that include hills?
See More
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
Can you go in a hot tub after sclerotherapy and how long do you have to wear the stocking for?
See More
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
I had sclerotherapy almost 4 weeks ago. My legs now ache and feel heavy as soon as I get up in the morning. I have been wearing support knee highs. How long should this last? Legs didn't feel this way before sclerotherapy.
See More
Sclerotherapy -6 answers
Would I see the results right away after Sclerotherapy treatment? If not, when wil the bruises go away? Is it normal to still see all my treated veins after 10 days?
See More
Sclerotherapy -13 answers
I had a sclerotherapy procedure for spider veins on lateral upper thigh just over two weeks ago at derm dr. Since that time, have noticed an approx. 1" wide area of tons of tiny new vessels just distal to injection sites. How long before this goes away?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR