 |
 |
Before |
After |
Many lasers are used to treat abnormal or unwanted blood vessels that are seen in conditions such as port wine stain birthmarks, strawberry hemangiomas, and telangiectasia (broken capillaries or spider veins). Several types of lasers are available to target hemoglobin, the absorbing chromophore in blood vessels. The Perfecta laser is most commonly used, and allows easier, quicker, more effective treatments. Larger areas of vessels are easily treated by the laser. In some cases several treatments may be needed especially for areas with more dense or larger vessels.
Some vessels can be traced out with lasers with a small beam of light (CoolGlide, Diolite) other bluer vessels can be treated with the GentleLase as that laser's light is absorbed by deoxygenated hemoglobin. The GentleYAG is another option for deeper or more recalcitrant vessels. So depending on the other types of vessels or redness you have, there are several options to give the best possible treatment.
Immediately following the laser treatment, the treated area may swell and appear red or bruised or have a blue-gray discoloration. The swelling or redness usually clears in a few hours to a few days, but if bruising occurs it usually lasts 3-10 days. Not adhering to proper skin care treatment following the laser treatment can increase the chance of scarring or skin textural changes to the treated area.
Q. Is this procedure safe?
Possible complications of this laser treatment include transient redness, hypopigmentation (lightening), and hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the skin, but these resolve with time. Although very rare, textural changes or scarring may be seen.
Q. How painful is this procedure?
A sharp burning sensation is felt but in most cases topical anesthesia is not required.
