Why Does Skin Turn Brown After Sclerotherapy? Causes and How Long It Lasts

Sclerotherapy is one of the most common treatments for spider veins and small varicose veins. The use of this treatment helps improve the appearance of the skin. But there is one drawback: some patients observe brown staining after sclerotherapy. It occurs due to the decomposition of the blood and iron pigments under the skin during the therapy.​

Even though this discolouration usually goes away, the duration varies from person to person. In this guide, we will be looking at the reasons behind the discolouration that happens after a sclerotherapy procedure, how long this may take, and what can be done about it.

​What is Sclerotherapy?​

Sclerotherapy is a treatment that closes damaged veins in the legs, allowing blood to flow through other healthy veins. Although the sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins is quick and minimally invasive, the healing process may sometimes cause scarring. It can turn your skin brown.​

It is worth noting that there are ways of preventing such discolouration and also methods of treating the problem in case it arises.

​What Causes Discolouration After Sclerotherapy?

Discolouration after sclerotherapy occurs because of changes in the treated vein. The vein becomes swollen and closes when the injected solution irritates its walls. The leakage of blood cells may occur to the neighbouring cells, thus changing the skin colour. As a result of the breakdown of blood cells, a compound called haemosiderin is formed, which discolours the skin.

This process is different from normal bruising, although both can occur at the same time. Bruising happens when blood leaks under the skin due to the needle puncture. In contrast, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after sclerotherapy, which causes brownish skin discolouration, is a deeper reaction that may last much longer than a regular bruise.

​Types of Discolouration and How to Identify Them

​Not all brown staining after sclerotherapy is the same. Knowing the type of discolouration you are experiencing will help you decide how to proceed and when to contact your vein doctor.​

Bruising (Ecchymosis)

• ​Purple, blue, or yellow discolourations resembling normal bruises resulting from an injury or an injection
• Appears right after treatment and disappears within one to two weeks
• Caused by the leakage of blood through the point where the needle punctured the skin.

​Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

• ​The treated vein may have brown or tan streaks or patches.
• It appears two to four weeks after treatment, and fading may take up to six months.
• Red blood cells degrade in or around the treated vein. This causes the release of iron deposits, which can produce brown skin discolouration.

​Telangiectatic Matting

• ​Small reddish or pink network of vessels found in and around the affected area
• Appears within 4 to 8 weeks after the procedure and typically resolves slowly
• A result of new small blood vessels forming due to the action on the veins

​How Long Does Discolouration Take to Fade?

​There is no fixed duration of skin discolouration after sclerotherapy for all patients. For most people, it takes a period of weeks to months for discolouration to slowly fade. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to heal in case of mild discolouration, whereas more visible or widespread discolouration may take up to 3 to 6 months to go away completely.

​However, it is essential to note that people’s skin heals differently. Things that may affect the duration of the discolouration may include skin type, the number of veins treated, as well as the healing process of each patient. In some instances, especially when dealing with people with dark skin, the skin remains discoloured longer than usual and requires extra care.

​What to Expect During Recovery After Sclerotherapy

​In sclerotherapy, a solution is injected into the veins. The solution will irritate the inner lining of the vein, causing the vein to eventually close and disappear after some time.

​Knowing what to expect after sclerotherapy will help you prepare for the recovery process, especially because the common effects will usually be mild and part of the healing process.​

You will notice that:​

• Minor bruising
• Slight redness around injection sites
• Soreness or tenderness
• Minor swelling
• Slight itching
• Tightness around treated veins
• Veins turning dark just before disappearing

​Such changes are generally temporary. Veins may appear more noticeable at first but then start improving. Also, dark patches after sclerotherapy do not indicate that treatment was unsuccessful. The body requires time to absorb treated veins.​

Symptoms and recovery period will differ based on:

• ​The size of the veins involved
• The number of injections done
• Your blood flow
• The seriousness of bruising and swelling
• Whether compression stockings are applied correctly
• The skin sensitivity and healing process​

How to Avoid and Reduce Skin Discolouration

​Even though discolouration after sclerotherapy is unavoidable most of the time, there are things that you can do to prevent or reduce it:

​Compression Stockings:

​If you wear compression stockings as recommended by your doctor, then you will have improved blood flow, preventing blood from pooling in the treated veins and thus preventing discolouration.​

Sun Protection:​

It is important to protect your skin from sunlight. UV rays may cause hyperpigmentation and slow down the process of recovery. High-SPF sunscreen should be applied to the treated area to avoid further darkening.

​Topical Treatment Options:

​Patients may get relief through the use of topical treatments such as vitamin C, Hydroquinone, and Arnica cream/ointment, all of which can fade hyperpigmentation over time. You should always talk to your healthcare provider before using any skin treatments.

​Allowing Time for Healing:

​Time is usually the best medicine. With continued healing, the discolouration will eventually fade, allowing the full results of your sclerotherapy treatment to become visible.

​Expert Sclerotherapy Treatment at Dr Salim Aesthetic Medicine!

​Brown staining after sclerotherapy is a typical problem that tends to fade away slowly as the healing process proceeds. If you follow the aftercare advice from your specialist after the treatment, it will help you recover.

Sclerotherapy treatment by Dr Salim Aesthetic Medicine helps to remove your unwanted veins for the purpose of achieving smoother and clearer skin. If you are having trouble with skin discolouration and unsightly spider veins, consider checking out our available spider vein removal treatments and consult Dr Salim to find the most suitable option for your needs.​

Frequently Asked Questions

​Q: What not to do after sclerotherapy?

A: ​Avoid heavy exercise, hot baths, or sitting or standing for long periods of time immediately after treatment. Listen to your doctor and protect the treated area from exposure to the sun.

Q: ​How long should I wear compression stockings after sclerotherapy?

A: ​Compression stockings are usually prescribed for several days to 2 weeks based on the veins treated and instructions from your doctor. Wear them for the duration of time your doctor recommends.​

Q: Is skin discolouration after sclerotherapy permanent?

A: ​No, brown marks often fade gradually, typically after a few months. Some marks might stay longer than that, however. If there is no improvement or if the discolouration worsens, consult your doctor.

Q: Can sun exposure make brown marks worse after sclerotherapy?

A: Yes, exposure to the sun can cause the spots on the skin to become darker. The treated area should be protected with clothes and sunscreen as advised by your doctor.

Q: ​Is brown staining normal after sclerotherapy?

A: Yes, mild skin discolouration can occur after sclerotherapy. Brown marks after spider vein treatment usually fade with time, but some marks will take several months to fade away.