Laser Treatment of Dilated Capillaries and other Vascular Lesions

DILATED CAPILLARIES & VASCULAR LESIONS

Vascular lesions are due to the abnormal widening of small blood vessels, known as capillaries, in the skin. Laser is the safest and most effective technique to remove a variety of vascular lesions including Dilated Capillaries, Cherry Hemangiomas, Spider Angiomas, redness associated with Rosacea, Sun Damage, and Birthmarks including port wine stains and vascular stains. Laser is also used to remove Venous Lakes that represent abnormal widening of small veins, most often appearing on the lips.

What are Dilated Capillaries?

Dilated Capillaries (often referred to as broken capillaries or broken blood vessels) appear on the cheeks, nose, and legs as thread-like red or pink lines. When a large number of capillaries are clustered together they may have the appearance of a red patch or a bruise that never disappears. The safest and most effective treatment is with a laser.

What other types of vascular lesions are treated by laser?

Other vascular lesions that respond favorably include Cherry Hemangiomas, Spider Angiomas, Rosacea and Sun Damage.

Venous Lakes appear as blue or purple lesions, most often on the lips. They appear blue or purple because they are due to abnormal widening of blood vessels slightly larger than capillaries:

How does laser remove dilated capillaries and other vascular lesions, including birthmarks?

Laser light is directed through the skin targeting the unwanted capillaries or veins. The light used is such that it is preferentially absorbed within these blood vessels. The absorbed light is converted to heat, which irreversibly alters the capillary wall, promoting its removal.

Which vascular laser does Dr. Green use?

The Excel-VTM and VersaPulseTM are the brands of laser that Dr Green uses. They have demonstrated to be consistently effective in eradicating unwanted dilated capillaries and a large array of vascular lesions.

Is there any harm in removing capillaries and other benign vascular lesions?

No. Dilated capillaries and veins accumulate blood within their channels, rendering them functionless. By the time these vascular lesions have appeared, normal capillaries or veins, in the same vicinity, have taken over their function. The removal does not adversely affect the local circulation and is considered safe.

Does treatment result in the appearance of new capillaries?

No. Treatment does not, usually, stimulate new capillary growth. However, anyone who has dilated capillaries is likely predisposed to this problem and can expect new dilated capillaries to develop, whether or not pre-existing capillaries have been treated.

What can I expect after treatment?

After treatment the skin overlying the capillaries may be somewhat red and swollen. These changes resolve in a few hours to a few days. During the subsequent days and weeks, the successfully treated capillaries and vascular lesions disappear.

How many treatments are required?

Usually, Dilated Capillaries on the face respond after one treatment; on the legs, several treatments are typically required. Factors affecting the number of treatments include skin complexion and the color of the capillaries: those that are prominent and bright red respond much better than those that are faint. Most Cherry Hemangiomas and Spider Angiomas disappear after one treatment no matter where they are located.

What will I feel during treatment and after?

Each laser pulse feels like the skin is being snapped with a small rubber band. Immediately after treatment there is, usually, no discomfort. Some feel a stinging sensation; if present, it resolves spontaneously within minutes to a few hours. All activities may be resumed immediately including aerobics, running, and swimming.

Is treatment with laser safe?

Yes. These vascular lasers emit visible and infrared light and are FDA cleared, specifically, for this purpose.