I was diagnosed with venous insufficiency which was treated, but left me with scars from the sores and leg discoloration. I wonder if there is anything with lasers perhaps which can eliminate the scars and at least lighten the discoloration.
The discoloration to which you refer is a result of hemosiderin deposition, or the breakdown of iron from hemoglobin (the oxygen carrier of red blood cells) in the skin as the result of venous insufficiency.
Treatment of the venous insufficiency is, of course, first line therapy. Once the venous insufficiency is appropriately treated, it should be noted the hemosiderin staining is not dangerous.
It can, however, be unsightly. The staining, if mild, may fade away on its own. If more severe, it may improve with some skin creams, though most do not penetrate deep enough into the dermis to be effective.
The most efficacious treatment is found in topical laser therapy. This may require a course of several treatments.
See your local dermatologist for more information.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Discoloration from venous insufficiency can sometimes be reduced with different types of laser or light treatment. That said, not all pigmentation responds the same. We have had success in many cases using a Ruby laser, IPL and PicoGenesis (Enlighten). As far as the scaring goes, Dermal needling can sometimes reduce and soften these. Nothing can eliminate them completely. As I have said results vary from person to person. See if you can find a clinic willing to do test areas with different types of lasers. Hopefully you will find one that works for you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Unfortunately, your question is somewhat vague.I don't know exactly what kind of treatment you've had and when it was done. This would affect recommendations. Probably seeing a dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic disorders would be your best bet.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If the venous insufficiency underlying the skin changes is corrected, and if you wear medical-grade elastic compression stockings daily and achieve near-normal weight, the skin changes often will improve tremendously over the course of a year or so.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If the discoloration is from the chronic venous insufficiency (venous stasis dermatitis) it might never clear. If the discoloration is due to the procedures themselves, then just be patient. It might take several months to a few years sometimes to resolve. There is no laser that will help.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It would be a good idea to have another ultrasound to make sure all of those refluxing veins were treated first, then I'm sure there are treatments available for skin discoloration, most likely at a clinic that does cosmetic laser treatments.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Lasers will not lighten the skin nor eliminate the scars. If you have underlying superficial reflux that has not been treated, treating this may help to improve the texture of the skin and may achieve some improvement in the skin color. Bleaching agents such as hydroquinolone and retin-A may also help. An emollient called Bag Balm has also been shown to improve skin texture and color.
Published on Jul 11, 2012