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Skin On Ankle Getting Darker. Had Undergone Laser Surgery On Leg For Varicose Veins. Any Suggestion?
Question: About two years ago I had the laser surgery on my right leg in which some varicose veins were closed of. Before I was released (30 days later)there were some dark spotsat the closed veins and he drew some blood out with a needle. Since that surgery my right ankle has been steadily get darker. Which I feel is staining of the skin. Is their a way I can bleach or change the discoloration?
Hi,
Thanks for your query to healthcare magic.
Skin burns & Skin colour changes are a few side effects following laser treatment for varicose veins. You have mentioned your doctor drew some blood out with a needle; this is done to reduce the skin discoloration following surgery.
The skin discoloration (staining) is due to deposition of hemosiderin (a breakdown product of red blood cells) that has been deposited in the tissue while the body is resorbing the treated blood vessels & also there is an increase in melanin production.
But in most patients this resolves within a year of surgery & in rare cases it may take 1-3 years.
Don't worry, even though it takes time, the staining will eventually resolve in some people. However, you can still discuss about q-switched XXXXXXX laser treatment (vaporizes out the hemosiderin staining), Auriderm (contains vitamin K oxide), etc., with your surgeon. Also a moisturizing cream or a bleaching cream may offer some improvement
Hope the information was useful. I will be happy to answer any further queries in this regard.
Take care,
Dr. Balaji Chinnasami, MD
Thanks for your query to healthcare magic.
Skin burns & Skin colour changes are a few side effects following laser treatment for varicose veins. You have mentioned your doctor drew some blood out with a needle; this is done to reduce the skin discoloration following surgery.
The skin discoloration (staining) is due to deposition of hemosiderin (a breakdown product of red blood cells) that has been deposited in the tissue while the body is resorbing the treated blood vessels & also there is an increase in melanin production.
But in most patients this resolves within a year of surgery & in rare cases it may take 1-3 years.
Don't worry, even though it takes time, the staining will eventually resolve in some people. However, you can still discuss about q-switched XXXXXXX laser treatment (vaporizes out the hemosiderin staining), Auriderm (contains vitamin K oxide), etc., with your surgeon. Also a moisturizing cream or a bleaching cream may offer some improvement
Hope the information was useful. I will be happy to answer any further queries in this regard.
Take care,
Dr. Balaji Chinnasami, MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
So the darkening skin is due to basically blood that was in the veins that my body absorbed, it was not absorbed and it caused the darkening of the tissue on the inside of my ankle. Is the bleaching agent you discussed a prescription medicine or over the counter and where can I find it?
Hi,
Yes, based on the information you provided the darkening skin is due to basically blood that was in the VARICOSE veins which has not been completely re-absorbed. Yet, I would advise you to visit a dermatologist, so that he can examine the staining and confirm diagnosis.
Auriderm skin clearing gel is usually available exclusively through the offices of Dermatologists and other qualified skin care professionals.
Hope the information was useful. I will be happy to answer any further queries in this regard, if no, kindly close the query & rate it.
Take care,
Dr. Balaji Chinnasami, MD
Yes, based on the information you provided the darkening skin is due to basically blood that was in the VARICOSE veins which has not been completely re-absorbed. Yet, I would advise you to visit a dermatologist, so that he can examine the staining and confirm diagnosis.
Auriderm skin clearing gel is usually available exclusively through the offices of Dermatologists and other qualified skin care professionals.
Hope the information was useful. I will be happy to answer any further queries in this regard, if no, kindly close the query & rate it.
Take care,
Dr. Balaji Chinnasami, MD
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Mohammed Kappan
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