Vascular Laser Treatment
What are vascular laser treatments?
A vascular laser treatment sends pulsed laser energy into blood vessels or pigmented areas. At the Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, we use the VBeam Perfecta®.
The VBeam Perfecta® is the gold standard and the world’s best-selling pulsed dye laser. The laser system is a safe way to treat vascular, pigmented and certain non-pigmented lesions. This system yields excellent results with no damage to the surrounding skin.
VBeam delivers laser energy in pulses, and the dye generates laser beams of different colors. Specific blood vessels or melanin-pigmented areas in the skin absorb VBeam’s light.
Vascular laser treatments can treat many skin conditions or lesions, such as:
- Facial veins
- Scars
- Birthmarks
- Rosacea
- Acne scars
- Red bumps
- Poikiloderma: most frequently seen on the chest or neck, is characterized by red pigmentation and is associated with sun damage
- Port-wine stains: discoloration of the skin caused by a capillary malformation in the skin
- Leg veins
- Stretch marks
- Warts
- Psoriasis
Many factors determine whether VBeam works effectively, including age, the color of the condition, type of lesion and treatment area location.
Continue reading to learn more about vascular laser treatments.
Before, during, and after the procedure
Before the Procedure
Prior to treatment, you will have a consultation. During this time, your dermatologist will discuss with you any history of cold sores as laser energy can activate the virus. If you are pregnant, have taken Isotretinoin within the last six months or blood thinners, you should not have this treatment. Strict sun avoidance 4 weeks before and between treatments is required to avoid healing with lighter (whiter) or darker (brown) spots. Avoid self-tanning products 6-8 weeks before treatment.
During the Procedure
During this 15 to 30-minute procedure, you must have proper eye protection. Patients say that there is little to no discomfort; however, depending on the area size, it could be more intense and you may need a topical anesthetic.
After you have the proper eye protection, a handpiece is placed on the skin as the laser energy is delivered. A Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) is used to protect your skin; it will spray a cool-mist across the skin.
After the Procedure
After your treatment, you may notice the area becoming redder than normal and possibly swollen. Bruising may occur if large blood vessels, port wine stains, warts or scars were treated. Bruising will disappear three to five days after treatment.
You must protect your skin from the sun during your post-treatment care as it can reduce the risk of post-inflammatory pigment changes. Your dermatologist will provide you with additional instructions.
How can my dermatologist help?
It’s imperative to have a professional team deliver your vascular laser treatment. At the Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, our team has years of experience with these types of treatments.
Our staff is dedicated to keeping up-to-date with the most advanced procedures and patient education. If Vascular Laser Treatment sounds like a treatment you would be interested in and you would like a consultation, please contact us.
Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC
600 Suncrest Towne Centre, Suite 115
Morgantown, WV 26505
Our office is located on the ground floor of the 600 Suncrest Towne Centre Building. Please enter through the middle doors at the front of the building. The Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC entrance is located just inside the building — first door on the right.
