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The science of treating iron infusions stains
- Pico lasers are the best way to treat iron infusion stains
- The speed of iron infusion removal is governed by your skin’s immune system
- Fast responders will clear iron staining within 2-4 sessions
- Slow responders may take 1-2 years for results to be seen
- Infusion stains in darker skin types are very difficult to treat
Understanding the depth of iron staining is the first step in removal. Shallow staining is earlier to treat compared to deep iron stains.
Why did it happen in the first place?
Iron staining of the skin is most frequently caused by the line or tube that feeds the infusion being dislodged from the vein. This leads to spillage of iron to the surrounding tissue. The most common reasons include-
- Failure to secure the tube (tape, arm board)
- Failure of security tape (flexing or bending the arm)
- Too high infusion rate.
- Failure to respond quickly to the spillage of IV iron to the surrounding tissue.
- Iron injections can also cause staining of the skin.
How to treat iron staining?
Lasers are the best way to remove iron staining in the skin. These lasers work by breaking up large iron particles into smaller pieces. These fragments are then cleared by your immune system. It takes many sessions over time to slowly remove iron stains.
What results can I expect?
Results are highly variable & depend on these factors-
- The extent, location & depth of the iron stain.
- Your skin color – type.
- Your immune system’s response to clear pigment after laser therapy.
The rate limiting factor is your immune system, this is highly variable. If you are efficient at clearing pigment, expect improvement within 2-4 sessions, if you are not efficient at pigment removal, you can expect up to 15 or more sessions over 1-2 years.
Expect 4-15 sessions, spanning 6 to 24 months. Even with the best equipment, the clearance rate for iron infusion stain removal is dismal, & the results are variable.
Can we guarantee that laser treatments will work?
Unlike laser treatments for tattoos or unwanted pigment, laser treatment for iron staining is not predictable. We will do our utmost to expedite the resolution, however the outcome and speed are dependent on your immune system. Rest assured, we use the most advanced laser systems available (Picoway, Picosure Pro), including high-energy, short pulse duration 1064 Nd:YAG lasers in both full beam and fractional modes. It is important to understand that while laser treatment is the best option we currently have, it does not guarantee results.
What is the fastest way to treat freckles?
The fastest way to treat freckling is to treat them with lasers. At the Melasma Clinic we employ-
- Pico lasers for now downtime freckle removal
- CuRAS Q switch lasers
- Fractional lasers
- Chemical peels
- IPL
Our Gallery of Results
The Melasma Clinic can diagnose all forms of pigmentation including iron staining. We employ pico & nano lasers to address deeper pigment. Treatment can be effective, however it takes time for best results.
Our specialist clinic is overseen by dermatologists who have extensive experience in the treatment of all forms of pigmentation, including removal of iron stains.
Dr Davin Lim
645K subscribersHow to treat PIGMENTATION
If I can identify the cause of pigmentation, chances are I can treat it. This can only be achieved with careful real time examination…
What are the side effects of laser iron staining removal?
Side effects following lasers for iron staining are higher compared to removal of other forms of pigmentation, primarily because we have to use high energy levels. They include-
- Worsening of pigment (seen in >10% cases, up to 40%). Common in darker skin.
- Blistering, scabs.
- Hypopigmentation (lightening of skin)
- Scarring, less than 2%
- Infection, less than 2%
What is the cost for removal & who pays for it?
The situation is complex and can be summarized as follows:
Consent prior to iron infusion: If you gave consent for the iron infusion & signed a waiver regarding side effects, the hospital or doctor may not cover the cost of treatments. Some hospitals do offer coverage.
No consent that covers the side effect of infusion stains- practitioners or the hospital may cover the treatment costs or at least offer a trial treatment. A legal report is required for commencement of laser therapy as most hospitals require this prior to consideration of treatment.
Cost guide:
Small area or a test patch(palm size):** $580
Medium area (hand size):** $680
Large area (larger than hand size):** $790
Medico Legal report: $490
*Please read this webpage carefully & undertake your own research regarding iron infusion stain laser removal. Results are variable, side effects can occur. Unlike tattoo treatments the outcomes are not predictable. You will be consented accordingly.
**Above costing when performed by a nurse or dermal clinician. Dermatologist laser removal is charged at 50% above the quoted rate. A dermatologist is involved when treatments are part of a medico-legal claim.
What is so special about the lasers used to treat iron staining of skin?
The optimal laser wavelength for removing iron staining from the skin is typically within the near-infrared range, with 1064 nm Nd:YAG & 755 alex lasers being commonly used This wavelength is effective because it penetrates deeply into the skin and can target the iron particles without causing significant damage to the surrounding tissue.
Key Points:
1064 nm Nd:YAG Laser / 755 alex
This laser is frequently chosen due to its deeper penetration capabilities and its effectiveness in targeting iron particles. It is also used for treating other types of pigmentation and deep birthmarks.
High Energy & short PD:
Using high energy and short pulse duration settings enhances the effectiveness of breaking down iron particles. Devices like Picoway and Picosure Pro are known for their high energy and short pulse durations, making them suitable for such treatments.
Full Beam and Fractional Modes:
Utilizing both full beam and fractional modes can optimize the treatment by allowing comprehensive coverage and targeted treatment areas.
Scientific Basis: The principle behind using 1064 nm Nd:YAG lasers is their ability to selectively target the iron particles while minimizing damage to the surrounding skin tissue.
Clinical Evidence: Studies and clinical practice have shown that this wavelength can effectively reduce iron staining, although the speed and completeness of the resolution depend on individual immune responses. Though the technology is there, the rate limiting aspect is on the patient’s innate responses to lasers.
More of our mostFrequently asked questions
What is special about iron staining in darker skin types?
Can chemical peels be effective in treating iron infusion stains?
Can IPL remove iron stains?
What forms of iron infusion staining respond slower to lasers?
Are there natural methods to remove iron stains?
Can microneedling be effective?
What is the difference between silver staining vs that of iron staining?
Why are tattoos easier to treat compared to iron staining?
What other types of lasers do we use to treat iron infusion stains?
Which laser is better; Q switch or pico laser for iron stains?
Who to see for iron staining?
A SummaryTreating iron infusion stains
Dr Davin Lim | Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic, Brisbane | Sydney
This is one of the hardest things to predictably treat (along with dermal melasma). The two biggest variables are; firstly the depth of iron staining & secondly the immune response of the patient. As the iron infusion is in the subcutaneous layer of skin, extravasation of iron is primarily deep. For these patients, lasers can not penetrate to the fat layer safely. Secondly, the removal of pigment is mediated via the patient’s immune response. There is no predictable value to determine this, apart from a test spot.
Laser wavelengths; the compromise between skin color, depth of pigment & absorption.
There is no such laser that targets iron pigment at 405 to 410 nm. The primarily reason is that it is not financially viable for a laser company to invent this wavelength as the money lies in cosmetic skin rejuvenation, not iron stain removal…
Hence, treatments are a compromise between using a close wavelength (532), collateral uptake of natural pigment (especially in darker skin types, depth of penetration (longer wavelengths are better) as well as big spot sizes. The algorithm is complex & is determined by your treating dermatologist based upon patient factors as well as equipment available. For the most part we employ the 1064 nm wavelength in the biggest spot size available. For lighter skin types we may consider the 532nm.
*Disclaimer: A dermatologist may be involved in insurance claims or hospital iron infusion cases that have resulted in iron staining. These cases require a medical report that will incur further charges; namely an additional $490 on top of the consultation. Careful consideration should be given to the financial commitment if one is to consider laser treatments. Results are variable, with no guarantee of success.