Vascular lesions on the skin are usually flat or raised red patches that are the result of widening of small blood vessels, known as Capillaries. Laser is the safest and most effective technique to remove a variety of vascular lesions including Dilated Capillaries; Cherry Hemangiomas; Spider Angiomas; Venous Lakes; Redness associated with Rosacea; Redness associated with Acne Scarring; redness associated with sun damage; Birthmarks, including Port Wine Stains and Vascular Stains.
What are Dilated Capillaries?
Dilated Capillaries (often referred to as ‘broken capillaries’ or ‘broken blood vessels’) appear most often on the cheeks, nose, and legs as thread-like red or pink lines. When a large number of Capillaries are clustered together, they have the appearance of a red patch or a bruise that never disappears. The safest and most effective treatment is with a vascular laser.
How does laser remove vascular lesions?
Laser light is directed through the skin targeting the unwanted capillaries or veins. The light used is preferentially absorbed within these blood vessels. The absorbed light is converted to heat, which irreversibly alters the capillary wall, promoting its removal.
What laser is used in the office?
Depending upon the type of vascular lesion present, most often we use a 532nm (KTP) or a 1064 (Nd: YAG) Excel-VTM.
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 should lighten or disappear.
How many treatments are required?
Depending upon the type of lesion and its location on the body, Dilated Capillaries and Vascular Lesions require one to a few treatments. Factors affecting the number of treatments include skin complexion and the color of the capillaries. Vascular lesions that are prominent and bright red respond much more efficiently 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 after treatment with no limitations.