Why Can Spider Veins Darken After Treatment?

• 27 November 2024
• Dr Zil Yassine

Last updated on November 27, 2024

Are your spider veins looking even worse after a sclerotherapy or laser procedure? You’re not alone! This phenomenon is called hyperpigmentation and can occur for multiple reasons. Let’s get into why it happens, what can be done about it, and what you can do to avoid it. 

Why spider veins darken after treatment

1. Sun exposure

Exposing the area to sunlight within 2 weeks of treatment can prompt an inflammation response. Sun damage can also prompt the development of new spider veins in the treated area since too much exposure to UV rays leads to collagen breakdown in the skin and blood vessels.

2. Laser light 

While the Nd:YAG is perfectly safe and we do everything possible to remove the heat from your skin, it is designed to ablate veins. In some cases, the intense wavelengths can prompt an inflammation response, leading the veins to swell and even darken. 

3. Sclerotherapy hyperpigmentation 

Sclerotherapy injections can sometimes trap pockets of blood in the sealed vein. As the body’s immune system kicks in and starts absorbing it, it will break down the vein walls, leading the trapped red blood cells to leak out. This type of hyperpigmentation is called hemosiderin staining. 

If hemosiderin staining occurs, it will typically resolve on its own. Only 5% of cases persist over 12 months. Fortunately, there are also steps you can take to speed up the process.

Getting rid of darkened spider veins and hyperpigmentation after treatment 

Any darkened veins will generally lighten in 2-10 days. In some cases, hyperpigmentation may persist for a few weeks to months. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to speed up the process. 

1. Stick to your treatment plan. Generally, you will need 2-3 spider vein treatments to see the best results. 
2. IPL. Intense Pulsed Light therapy is designed to target various skin blemishes, including port wine stains and hyperpigmentation. If your hyperpigmentation is taking a while to fade, talk to your treating clinician about IPL. 
3. Get active. Your clinician will recommend taking a 30-minute walk every day for around 2 weeks. Mild-to-moderate-intensity activities like these stimulate the muscles and boost circulation, which helps speed up the healing process. However, you should avoid intense exercises like weightlifting and CrossFit for 2-3 days. 
4. Apply cooling creams. Creams are an especially important step after laser treatment, as they’ll help calm the skin and relieve some inflammation. You can also apply an ice pack for 10-15 minutes a few times a day – just make sure to wrap it in a tea towel.  

Avoiding hyperpigmentation

The most effective way to avoid hyperpigmentation after your first and any subsequent treatments is to follow your clinician’s instructions. These may include wearing a compression wrap for 24 hours, avoiding sun exposure to the area for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your procedure and drinking plenty of water before your procedure. 

Why can spider veins darken after treatment: the takeaway

Laser and sclerotherapy treatments can sometimes cause inflammation or trap blood in the sealed vein, making it look worse. However, this is a normal process and is generally nothing to worry about. If you do get hyperpigmentation, it often resolves on its own within a few days to months. To help resolve it and minimise the risk of developing it in the first place, make sure to follow your clinician’s instructions.

About The Author

Dr Zil Yassine

Dr Zil Yassine is a practising doctor of over 15 years and an expert in non-invasive varicose vein treatments. Zil is dedicated and passionate about vascular health and staying up-to-date on the latest technology. Providing patients with the best care is Zil’s number one priority. As the Medical Director of The Vein Institute, he’s responsible for training doctors to diagnose vein diseases and ensuring they perform treatments to the highest standard. Dr Zil proudly holds a Bachelor of Medicine (UNSW), Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound in Phlebology (ACP), and is a fellow of FRACGP, F(Phleb UK).