A skin ulcer developed after my doctor injected a purple hard spot on my calf. Is this normal? Will I have a permanent scar?

I noticed a small purple hard spot on my calf after my sclerotherapy appt 3 months ago. At my most recent appointment, he injected the purple spot. A sore then appeared within a week. I went in right away and he said it is a skin ulcer that could take a couple of months to heal. He said that this can happen and that the tissue didn't get enough blood due to injecting the veins. Is this normal? Will I have a permanent scar? It is about the size of a dime.

Answers from doctors (3)


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI , RPhS

Published on Jul 23, 2016

It could cause a permanent scar, but this is a known side effect/risk of sclerotherapy. Topicals can reduce the hyperpigmentation effect.

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Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI , RPhS

It could cause a permanent scar, but this is a known side effect/risk of sclerotherapy. Topicals can reduce the hyperpigmentation effect.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

Published on Jul 21, 2016

Please get a second opinion with board-certified vascular doctor.

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Answered by NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

Please get a second opinion with board-certified vascular doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 16, 2015

Ulcerations can occur post sclerotherapy. The most common areas are usually in the skin over the ankle. Treatment of ulcerations consists of local care to the area by cleaning and removing the unhealthy tissue and applying topical agents to aid in healing. Ulceration can take several months to heal.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Ulcerations can occur post sclerotherapy. The most common areas are usually in the skin over the ankle. Treatment of ulcerations consists of local care to the area by cleaning and removing the unhealthy tissue and applying topical agents to aid in healing. Ulceration can take several months to heal.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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