My skin is bruising following sclerotherapy, will the bruising go away?

I've had one treatment of foam sclerotherapy 6 months ago, and now I have bruising on my skin (purple and brown). Will it go away, or will the bruising remain for life? Any exercises that will help? My leg looks worse than it did before the treatment.

Answers from doctors (6)


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jul 02, 2014

That is probably not bruising, but staining from the sclero. Was the sclero ultrasound guided, or more superficial injections of spider and reticular veins? If the veins are very superficial, but large, then injecting them will cause staining that can last for months, even be permanent. The doctor should've explained those risks.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

That is probably not bruising, but staining from the sclero. Was the sclero ultrasound guided, or more superficial injections of spider and reticular veins? If the veins are very superficial, but large, then injecting them will cause staining that can last for months, even be permanent. The doctor should've explained those risks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 01, 2014

The bruising goes away.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

The bruising goes away.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 01, 2014

What you may be seeing could be hyperpigmentation. Sclerotherapy of larger vessels can result in pockets of "trapped blood" and that along with a larger vessel can cause some staining of the surrounding tissues. We always inform our patients to observe the areas, massage with special creams and report any lumps, bumps of tenderness. This can be a sign of trapped blood which is easily released with a needle. It can take several sessions but long term results are good. You can request that your sclerotherapist check you with an ultrasound or vein lite to see if there is still residual trapped blood and try to drain it. It may also not be effective at 6 months. We have tried different laser treatments and lightening creams but the pigmentation usually is too deep. Often time it can still resolve over a period of 12 months. Try gentle massage several times per day with a bruise cream containing arnica, low heat several times and wearing compression stockings as much as possible.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

What you may be seeing could be hyperpigmentation. Sclerotherapy of larger vessels can result in pockets of "trapped blood" and that along with a larger vessel can cause some staining of the surrounding tissues. We always inform our patients to observe the areas, massage with special creams and report any lumps, bumps of tenderness. This can be a sign of trapped blood which is easily released with a needle. It can take several sessions but long term results are good. You can request that your sclerotherapist check you with an ultrasound or vein lite to see if there is still residual trapped blood and try to drain it. It may also not be effective at 6 months. We have tried different laser treatments and lightening creams but the pigmentation usually is too deep. Often time it can still resolve over a period of 12 months. Try gentle massage several times per day with a bruise cream containing arnica, low heat several times and wearing compression stockings as much as possible.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lone Star Vein Center

Published on Jun 30, 2014

After 6 months, you may consider topical medications to help lessen the skin tone. This is a difficult question to answer without an exam. The skin does constantly turn over, and you may be able to assist the turnover with
specific medications. I would suggest you discuss this option with your provider. Hope that helps.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1418_1425080698.jpg
Answered by Lone Star Vein Center

After 6 months, you may consider topical medications to help lessen the skin tone. This is a difficult question to answer without an exam. The skin does constantly turn over, and you may be able to assist the turnover with
specific medications. I would suggest you discuss this option with your provider. Hope that helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


If it is bruising I dont know if it will go away. It may be some small veins that were made following the sclerotherapy which can happen. In that case re-treatment with sclerotherapy with liquid can help that.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

If it is bruising I dont know if it will go away. It may be some small veins that were made following the sclerotherapy which can happen. In that case re-treatment with sclerotherapy with liquid can help that.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 27, 2014

You seem to be describing staining and possibly some neovascularlization. The first thing to do is to make sure that there is no underlying reflux or feeding reticular veins to the area. This would require a venous ultrasound. Both staining and matting may resolve spontaneously but this could take a year. You should follow up with your treating physician since one sclerotherapy session usually will not solve the problem.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

You seem to be describing staining and possibly some neovascularlization. The first thing to do is to make sure that there is no underlying reflux or feeding reticular veins to the area. This would require a venous ultrasound. Both staining and matting may resolve spontaneously but this could take a year. You should follow up with your treating physician since one sclerotherapy session usually will not solve the problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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