| Laser treatments
are safe, effective, non-surgical options that target vessels
under the skin while bypassing the skin itself. The laser
light is absorbed by hemoglobin causing the vessel to coagulate
and subsequently be absorbed by the body.
Below is a list of vascular skin conditions
that can be treated.
• Spider veins/broken capillaries
• Leg veins/dilated blood vessels
• Pigment lesions/port wine stains
• Vascular lesions/benign pigmented lesions
How Does it Work?
Prior to your treatment, a topical anesthetic is applied to
the treatment area. A laser is then applied to the vein to
be removed. The laser light is absorbed by hemoglobin, a substance
in the blood that gives it a red color. Brief light pulses
are delivered to the vein, causing the vessel to coagulate
and subsequently be absorbed by the body. The wavelength enables
the beam of light to reach the target vessels under the skin
and to bypass the skin entirely. This greatly reduces the
side effects of skin discoloration and ulcerations which have
been problems with other laser systems.
Safety and Side Effects
The procedure results in rapid healing with minimal side effects.
Some patients experience temporary skin discoloration, reddening
of the skin, bruising, and occasionally blisters. These conditions
subside over a couple of weeks to a couple of months. After
treatment, sun exposure should be limited to short periods
of time with a sunscreen.
Results
Studies have shown an average of 70% improvement after one
to two treatments on the face and after three to four treatments
on the legs.
Comfort
The treatment is not painful. Patients
describe the feeling as similar to a rubber band snapping
against the skin. To make you more comfortable, we may write
a prescription for Valium before your treatment but you will
need to bring someone with you to drive you home following
the procedure. |
