Should I still have bruises (that never disappear) on the leg that had Endovenous Laser Ablation 10 months ago?

Is this normal?

Answers from doctors (11)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Nov 26, 2018

If your vein was very superficial, there can be staining in the overlying skin. I have alternative procedures I perform for these superficial veins to avoid this. Try a firm massage with Dermaka cream. This cream may help fade the bruising, but it may take time. As to your other question, no, bruising isn't normal this far out from treatment.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

If your vein was very superficial, there can be staining in the overlying skin. I have alternative procedures I perform for these superficial veins to avoid this. Try a firm massage with Dermaka cream. This cream may help fade the bruising, but it may take time. As to your other question, no, bruising isn't normal this far out from treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 04, 2010

Bruising after endovenous ablation usually resolves within 2 to 3 weeks. If you have "bruising", this is due to something else such as matting or hyperpigmentation or staining. You should follow up with your vein specialist and perhaps have a repeat venous ultrasound.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Bruising after endovenous ablation usually resolves within 2 to 3 weeks. If you have "bruising", this is due to something else such as matting or hyperpigmentation or staining. You should follow up with your vein specialist and perhaps have a repeat venous ultrasound.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Feb 24, 2010

It is not typical for simple bruising to persist for 10 months. However, what you are experiencing may not be just bruising. It is possible that the discoloration you are seeing is actually what we refer to as staining, and represents blood that was trapped in the treated vein, and appears as a light discoloration, often appearing like a light bruise, on the skin surface. This can last for an extended period of time, but does generally diminish and disappear over time. The most important thing is that if you have continuing questions or concerns, you should be seen again by your treating physician, who can evaluate your situation, and determine if there is anything further that needs to be done, or can offer potential treatment options for you.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It is not typical for simple bruising to persist for 10 months. However, what you are experiencing may not be just bruising. It is possible that the discoloration you are seeing is actually what we refer to as staining, and represents blood that was trapped in the treated vein, and appears as a light discoloration, often appearing like a light bruise, on the skin surface. This can last for an extended period of time, but does generally diminish and disappear over time. The most important thing is that if you have continuing questions or concerns, you should be seen again by your treating physician, who can evaluate your situation, and determine if there is anything further that needs to be done, or can offer potential treatment options for you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Feb 23, 2010

You may have hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) which will gradually fade and can take a year or longer to resolve. Alternatively, the discoloration may indicate that you still have reflux and I would recommend an ultrasound.

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Answered by Miller Vein

You may have hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) which will gradually fade and can take a year or longer to resolve. Alternatively, the discoloration may indicate that you still have reflux and I would recommend an ultrasound.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Jacksonville Vein Center

Published on Feb 22, 2010

If your GSV was very superficial are fair skinned and had an intense phlebitic reaction to the EVLT iy is possible that you developed hyperpigmentation in the skin aling the treated vein. This usually fades with time, but can take up to 2 years. You may always have some pigmented areas along this vein. It is an unusual, but not unheard of occurrence.

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Answered by The Jacksonville Vein Center

If your GSV was very superficial are fair skinned and had an intense phlebitic reaction to the EVLT iy is possible that you developed hyperpigmentation in the skin aling the treated vein. This usually fades with time, but can take up to 2 years. You may always have some pigmented areas along this vein. It is an unusual, but not unheard of occurrence.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


HealthQare Associates of Northern Virginia

Published on Feb 21, 2010

Brown spots can occur after ablation procedures. They usually resolve over several months to one year. If they are concerning to you, you should have your vein doctor look at them.

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Answered by HealthQare Associates of Northern Virginia

Brown spots can occur after ablation procedures. They usually resolve over several months to one year. If they are concerning to you, you should have your vein doctor look at them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Innovative Vein

Published on Feb 19, 2010

You should not have bruises.? The areas that look like bruises are likely hemosiderin stains.? These are a common side effect of vein treatment.? They usually fade away between 3 and 18 months.? There isn't much to do to speed up the process unfortunately.?

Answered by Innovative Vein (View Profile)

You should not have bruises.? The areas that look like bruises are likely hemosiderin stains.? These are a common side effect of vein treatment.? They usually fade away between 3 and 18 months.? There isn't much to do to speed up the process unfortunately.?

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Center for Venous Disease - Glendale

Published on Feb 19, 2010

Endovenous Laser (unlike VNUS Closure) relies on high temperature in order to boil the blood inside the vein to damage the vein wall. This forms a thrombotic occlusion of the vein. Depending on the laser wavelength, pain and bruising can last for months. Feel free to contact the office nearest you for a consult with one of our doctors.

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Answered by Center for Venous Disease - Glendale

Endovenous Laser (unlike VNUS Closure) relies on high temperature in order to boil the blood inside the vein to damage the vein wall. This forms a thrombotic occlusion of the vein. Depending on the laser wavelength, pain and bruising can last for months. Feel free to contact the office nearest you for a consult with one of our doctors.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Feb 19, 2010

Not unusual to be left with some darkening in the skin over the area of an occluded vein.? This is likely hyperpigmentation.? It may gradually continue to fade but can take a long time.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Not unusual to be left with some darkening in the skin over the area of an occluded vein.? This is likely hyperpigmentation.? It may gradually continue to fade but can take a long time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Feb 19, 2010

If they are truly bruises, it would be extremely unusual.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

If they are truly bruises, it would be extremely unusual.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Feb 19, 2010

Those are not likely to be bruises at that point, but more likely staining for old blood under the skin. Generally these will resolve over time even 1-2 years after the procedure.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Those are not likely to be bruises at that point, but more likely staining for old blood under the skin. Generally these will resolve over time even 1-2 years after the procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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