What can I do about a small clot of trapped blood after sclerotherapy?

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?

Answers from doctors (9)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Sep 10, 2018

We always drain areas of trapped blood as the areas heal faster and reduce the chances of getting pigmentation.

If your doctor refuses to drain these, try massaging with Dermaka cream 3 times a day and applying low heat often.

Perhaps ask the doctor again if he will do this; it is standard of care today.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

We always drain areas of trapped blood as the areas heal faster and reduce the chances of getting pigmentation.

If your doctor refuses to drain these, try massaging with Dermaka cream 3 times a day and applying low heat often.

Perhaps ask the doctor again if he will do this; it is standard of care today.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

No, there is not a way to speed up healing/fading of pigmentation. Removing the trapped blood is the best treatment.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

No, there is not a way to speed up healing/fading of pigmentation. Removing the trapped blood is the best treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 03, 2012

They should be drained by your physician with an 18 gauge needle, otherwise you will likely have problems with long term pigmentation in these areas. Since this was done for cosmetic reasons, in part, I would think long term appearance does matter. Insist on drainage of these areas at the treating clinic or find another that will.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

They should be drained by your physician with an 18 gauge needle, otherwise you will likely have problems with long term pigmentation in these areas. Since this was done for cosmetic reasons, in part, I would think long term appearance does matter. Insist on drainage of these areas at the treating clinic or find another that will.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Oftentimes, it is possible for the physician to make a small opening in the vein and drain the trapped blood clot. That will speed up the healing.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Oftentimes, it is possible for the physician to make a small opening in the vein and drain the trapped blood clot. That will speed up the healing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on May 15, 2012

The clot will fade and heal after time, but if the area continues to grow in size and/or become more painful, I would be a good idea to find a physician or nurse practitioner who would drain that clot.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

The clot will fade and heal after time, but if the area continues to grow in size and/or become more painful, I would be a good idea to find a physician or nurse practitioner who would drain that clot.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Austin Vein Specialists

Published on May 08, 2012

Yes, there are ways to speed the healing/fading process.
This includes :
1)drainage (although you said your doctors did not advise this)
2)excercise
3)avoiding sun exposure
4)compression stocking use
5)flushing the area of discoloration by injection of sterile water or saline
6)time and patience, as it usually resolves over time
I hope this helps.

Answered by Austin Vein Specialists (View Profile)

Yes, there are ways to speed the healing/fading process.
This includes :
1)drainage (although you said your doctors did not advise this)
2)excercise
3)avoiding sun exposure
4)compression stocking use
5)flushing the area of discoloration by injection of sterile water or saline
6)time and patience, as it usually resolves over time
I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on May 08, 2012

The small lumpy and discolored sections that you see are due to trapped blood. Normally, I would recommend that the trapped blood be removed as much as possible because when left untreated, they can result in a permanent discoloration or staining on the skin in the distribution of where the trapped blood resides. The staining originates from the iron in the trapped blood gradually being deposited into the skin resulting in a bronze-like discoloration. The more blood trapped, the larger the reservoir of iron potentially being left in the skin. If you get rid of the trapped blood, you effectively removed this reservoir and the discoloration will eventually fade out like a suntan.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

The small lumpy and discolored sections that you see are due to trapped blood. Normally, I would recommend that the trapped blood be removed as much as possible because when left untreated, they can result in a permanent discoloration or staining on the skin in the distribution of where the trapped blood resides. The staining originates from the iron in the trapped blood gradually being deposited into the skin resulting in a bronze-like discoloration. The more blood trapped, the larger the reservoir of iron potentially being left in the skin. If you get rid of the trapped blood, you effectively removed this reservoir and the discoloration will eventually fade out like a suntan.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein Treatment Center

Published on May 03, 2012

If this is due to "trapped blood" the best treatment would be to remove the trapped blood for fast healing and to avoid hyperpigmentation.

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Answered by The Vein Treatment Center

If this is due to "trapped blood" the best treatment would be to remove the trapped blood for fast healing and to avoid hyperpigmentation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 02, 2012

Trapped blood is best treated by evacuating the area. This expedites the healing and decreases the chances of increased pigmentation.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Trapped blood is best treated by evacuating the area. This expedites the healing and decreases the chances of increased pigmentation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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