It's been a year since my surgery and I still have bruising. Does that mean it's permanent?
Bruising after endovenous laser ablation usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks after the treatment. Bruising one later is probably not bruising but increased pigmentation or perhaps matting. This should be evaluated by your vein specialist. A follow up vein sonogram may be helpful.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Probably not. Most likely what you are seeing is not really bruising, but what we refer to as staining. This is a light brownish discoloration, which looks like a light bruise, which is caused from trapped blood in the areas of the treated veins. Typically the body slowly reabsorbs this over time, and while the process is generally over a period of many months, it is not unusual for it to last longer, and sometimes even a year or longer. Although it may be difficult, the best thing to do is to be patient.
If you have not been seen for a 1-year follow-up however, you should be seen by your vein doctor, to ensure there is no residual problem which may be slowing the reabsorption process, and which may be easily treated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sometimes what looks like bruising is actually matting (a collection of tiny spider veins). This can be treated. I would recommend a follow up ultrasound to exclude underlying reflux which would need to be treated first.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is NOT possible to have bruising lasting a year. True bruising can last from 10-17 days only. What you may be having is either hyperpigmentation or emergence of new network of small spider veins or matting. Most probably you still have reflux in one or more branches of your superficial veins. In such cases what should be done, is to have a detailed reflux mapping by color duplex ultrasound and doppler study. The key the test must be performed by a sonographer or phlebology physician who is experienced in detecting rare reflux sources and have a good understanding of possible anatomical variations.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Likely some hyperpigmentation and a bit is not unusual. Will likely continue to fade gradually but can left with some.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would not expect bruising more than a few weeks after any endovenous thermal ablation. It is more likely that you see some staining from clot in some varicose veins which occasionally can take a very long time to resolve. If this is the case, sometimes a microphlebectomy procedure to remove a residual varicose vein can speed up healing and resolution of color changes. You need to see your vein physician for an evaluation of your concern.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The pigmentation you see is not bruising it is resolving pigment from the reabsorption of the vein and associated trapped blood. This likely will continue to fade over time. Not much can be done about it just time and it should fade over the next year.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Where did you have this done? Do you know what type of laser the doctor used? The lower the light wave, the more pain and bruising. What you see might be Thermal Damage to the skin.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It's most likely not bruising, that would be unusual. It is most likey small tiny bluish veins that were likely present before the procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Bruising this far out is not really bruising. You likely have what is called hemosiderin staining, which occurs frequently with vein treatment. It is iron that has been trapped in the skin. It typically fades away between 6 and 18 months after the procedure, but can occassionally be permanent. There are few ways to improve staining, but a Q switch laser used for tattoo removal may help Time may still improve this area, however.
Published on Jul 11, 2012