What can be done to treat lipodermatosclerosis?

I am about two months into treatment for chronic venous insufficiency? I have had laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy with very little results. Can anything be done to treat lipodermatosclerosis after the veins are treated. I wear compression hose.

Answers from doctors (6)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 08, 2010

Lipodermatosclerosis is the end result of long standing chronic venous insufficiency. It seems that you have done all the appropriate treatments. If all sources or reflux have been resolved, then the only other treatments options would be compression hose, exercise, elevation , a bleaching cream and possibly compression pumps at home. However, the end results of chronic venous insufficiency may not be reversible.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Lipodermatosclerosis is the end result of long standing chronic venous insufficiency. It seems that you have done all the appropriate treatments. If all sources or reflux have been resolved, then the only other treatments options would be compression hose, exercise, elevation , a bleaching cream and possibly compression pumps at home. However, the end results of chronic venous insufficiency may not be reversible.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 16, 2009

Lipodermatosclerosis is usually not reversible even after treatment for venous insufficiency. It is scarring and damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissues due to longstanding venous insufficiency. It sometimes improves a bit after treatments, but it will not resolve completely. I would continue to wear compression hose to keep it from getting worse and possibly help it improve. It sounds like your already everything you can to improve the health and look of your skin.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Lipodermatosclerosis is usually not reversible even after treatment for venous insufficiency. It is scarring and damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissues due to longstanding venous insufficiency. It sometimes improves a bit after treatments, but it will not resolve completely. I would continue to wear compression hose to keep it from getting worse and possibly help it improve. It sounds like your already everything you can to improve the health and look of your skin.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Nov 16, 2009

Lipodermatosclerosis is indicative of end stage venous insufficiency. The discoloration of the skin is typically permanent. The treatment involves preventing the skin changes from progressing to ulcers. The big question is has the laser ablation and sclerotherapy stopped your reflux? This would be answered with an ultrasound and you should discuss the results with your treating physician.

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Answered by Miller Vein

Lipodermatosclerosis is indicative of end stage venous insufficiency. The discoloration of the skin is typically permanent. The treatment involves preventing the skin changes from progressing to ulcers. The big question is has the laser ablation and sclerotherapy stopped your reflux? This would be answered with an ultrasound and you should discuss the results with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Nov 11, 2009

Lipodermatosclerosis is usually not reversible even after treatment for venous insufficiency. It is scarring and damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissues due to longstanding venous insufficiency. It sometimes improves a bit after treatments, but it will not resolve completely. I would continue to wear compression hose to keep it from getting worse, but I'm not aware of a treatment to make it go away.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

Lipodermatosclerosis is usually not reversible even after treatment for venous insufficiency. It is scarring and damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissues due to longstanding venous insufficiency. It sometimes improves a bit after treatments, but it will not resolve completely. I would continue to wear compression hose to keep it from getting worse, but I'm not aware of a treatment to make it go away.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Nov 11, 2009

Treat the veins and wear compression, generally over months (4-6) the skin changes improve.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Treat the veins and wear compression, generally over months (4-6) the skin changes improve.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Innovative Vein

Published on Nov 11, 2009

If you do have LDS this represents a chronic change in the skin that is the result of years of venous insufficiency. It takes time for these areas to improve. Months to years. Some areas may still be thickened and discolored indefinitely.

Answered by Innovative Vein (View Profile)

If you do have LDS this represents a chronic change in the skin that is the result of years of venous insufficiency. It takes time for these areas to improve. Months to years. Some areas may still be thickened and discolored indefinitely.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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