Laser Treatment for Hemosiderin Staining
What is Hemosiderin?
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Hemosiderin is an iron-storage molecule. It forms when there is bleeding into a tissue: the red blood cells that leave the blood vessel die and start to break down and degrade, releasing hemoglobin which contains iron.
Usually the white blood cells come in to "clean up" the area. As the white blood cells "eat" the hemoglobin molecule to get rid of it, a hemosiderin molecule is formed. |
Hemosiderin Staining
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What is Hemosiderin Staining?
Hemosiderin staining also known as hemosiderosis is used to describe the yellow/brownish to purplish color stain formed under the skin after severe injury to the tissue. Hemosiderin staining can occur anywhere on the body including face, arms, legs, feet.
Normally the body's immune system (white blood cells) can remove and "clean up" the debris including the iron from the hemoglobin that was released into the skin. But if there was severe injury to the tissue or excessive bruising (lots of red blood cells being released), the iron may leave a "stain" in the skin.
Normally the body's immune system (white blood cells) can remove and "clean up" the debris including the iron from the hemoglobin that was released into the skin. But if there was severe injury to the tissue or excessive bruising (lots of red blood cells being released), the iron may leave a "stain" in the skin.
What Can Cause Hemosiderin Staining?
Usually, there is an event or medical condition that causes excessive release of red blood cells into interstitial tissue including the skin:
- Trauma (car accident, fall, etc.)
- After surgery, sclerotherapy, or injection (side effect from a medical procedure)
- Systemic disease such as venous insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, etc.
What are the Treatment Options?
There are certain creams and skin products being sold that claim to help with hemosiderin staining. These types of creams/ointments generally don't work because the hemosiderin staining is deep in the skin and the products being applied to the skin do not penetrate deep enough to reach their targets. Most individuals will try the creams first, but they don't work!
We have been able to successfully treat and significantly remove and improve hemosiderin staining with laser treatments at Pristine Laser Center.
We have been able to successfully treat and significantly remove and improve hemosiderin staining with laser treatments at Pristine Laser Center.
Do Lasers Work in Removing Hemosiderin Staining?
Yes! We have been able to successfully treat hemosiderin staining with our lasers.
Most of our clients have needed between 1 to 6 laser treatments to see significant reduction in the hemosiderin staining.
The number of treatments needed will vary with each person and will be dependent a few factors including:
Most of our clients have needed between 1 to 6 laser treatments to see significant reduction in the hemosiderin staining.
The number of treatments needed will vary with each person and will be dependent a few factors including:
- The location of the staining (upper body or lower body)
- How dark the hemosiderin staining is
- How long the hemosiderin staining has been there
- The client's skin type
What else do I need to know?
Laser treatment of hemosiderin staining will work very well if the cause of the staining was a one-time event. For example, someone who has no systemic illness undergoes surgery or there's trauma to the body which causes hemosiderin staining. These individuals do really well with the laser treatment and typically need a session or two.
However, if someone has systemic disease like venous insufficiency or cardiovascular disease, and it is not fully treated/under control, then laser treatments will help; however more sessions will be needed. That is why we stress that if you have systemic disease, it is important to make sure that is being fully managed and is under control.
Everyone who has been treated for hemosiderin staining at our office has seen some sort of improvement. The extent of improvement and number of sessions does vary though between each client.
Laser treatment of hemosiderin staining will work very well if the cause of the staining was a one-time event. For example, someone who has no systemic illness undergoes surgery or there's trauma to the body which causes hemosiderin staining. These individuals do really well with the laser treatment and typically need a session or two.
However, if someone has systemic disease like venous insufficiency or cardiovascular disease, and it is not fully treated/under control, then laser treatments will help; however more sessions will be needed. That is why we stress that if you have systemic disease, it is important to make sure that is being fully managed and is under control.
Everyone who has been treated for hemosiderin staining at our office has seen some sort of improvement. The extent of improvement and number of sessions does vary though between each client.
Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Treatment of Hemosiderin Staining
1. Which kind of laser(s) do you use to treat hemosiderin staining?
We have received many phone calls and emails from all over the world, particularly from medical offices, physicians and surgeons, as well as individuals suffering from hemosiderin staining asking us what laser we use to treat hemosiderin staining. There is not a single laser with a particular wavelength and spot size or fluence that we can tell you to use. We utilize different lasers depending on many factors. Our physician will see the area, ask you questions, and then will make a determination as to which laser and what technique to use. Every client's treatment plan is specif and unique.
We have received many phone calls and emails from all over the world, particularly from medical offices, physicians and surgeons, as well as individuals suffering from hemosiderin staining asking us what laser we use to treat hemosiderin staining. There is not a single laser with a particular wavelength and spot size or fluence that we can tell you to use. We utilize different lasers depending on many factors. Our physician will see the area, ask you questions, and then will make a determination as to which laser and what technique to use. Every client's treatment plan is specif and unique.
2. How much does it cost?
We charge based on the size of the area that needs to be treated. Prices start at $350 per session and go up.
We charge based on the size of the area that needs to be treated. Prices start at $350 per session and go up.
3. How many sessions will I need?
It really depends... everyone is different depending on a few factors. Everyone starts to see results after the first session. It will continue to improve with subsequent treatments. We expect that it may take up to 6 laser sessions to significantly improve the hemosiderin staining.
It really depends... everyone is different depending on a few factors. Everyone starts to see results after the first session. It will continue to improve with subsequent treatments. We expect that it may take up to 6 laser sessions to significantly improve the hemosiderin staining.
4. How long do I have to wait in between sessions?
Depending on the location of the hemosiderin staining, we ask the client wait 4 to 8 weeks in between each session.
Depending on the location of the hemosiderin staining, we ask the client wait 4 to 8 weeks in between each session.
5. Are there any over-the-counter products or prescription medications that I can try for the hemosiderin staining?
This is a very common question we receive. If the hemosiderin staining is less than 3 months old, you can try certain products (please see your doctor-we can't help you as we don't know your full medical history). If it's been over 6 months since the staining occurred, then there's really nothing that we can recommend.
This is a very common question we receive. If the hemosiderin staining is less than 3 months old, you can try certain products (please see your doctor-we can't help you as we don't know your full medical history). If it's been over 6 months since the staining occurred, then there's really nothing that we can recommend.
6. I live outside of Florida. Can you recommend/refer me to any doctors?
The physicians/practices that can successfully treat hemosiderin staining are very limited. That is why we have clients who travel to our office from all over the United States to receive laser treatments for their hemosiderin staining.
The physicians/practices that can successfully treat hemosiderin staining are very limited. That is why we have clients who travel to our office from all over the United States to receive laser treatments for their hemosiderin staining.
Actual Pristine Laser Center Client's Before & After Pictures
Amazing results have just one laser session!
Phenomenal results after just 3 laser sessions. This client told us that she just wanted to be able to wear a skirt again and not feel self-conscious. After the third session, she told us that after more than a decade, she feels comfortable wearing a skirt again.
Proudly providing laser treatment for hemosiderin staining in Orlando, Lake Mary, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Casselberry, Winter Park, Dr Phillips, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Maitland, Wekiwa Springs, Longwood, Deland, Deltona, Clermont, Ocoee, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Titusville, Daytona Beach, and Central Florida areas.
Disclaimer: The material presented here is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or recommendation. Please check with your physician.
