Vascular Laser Treatment

Vascular lasers uses light energy that targets and destroys unwanted capillaries and blood vessels of the skin while leaving the surrounding normal skin unharmed. Upon absorption by the blood vessels, laser light penetrates and heat up the unwanted vessel causing the formation of scar tissue thus, closure to the vein as it losses its source of blood. This vein is likely to disappear.

Vascular lasers can treat a wide range of conditions such as redness of the face, neck and chest, rosacea, broken capillaries, spider veins, birthmarks, facial and nose veins and stretched marks

Prior to the procedure, you will need to

• avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 4 weeks
• avoid applying self-tanning lotions
• avoid certain medications, herbs and supplements
• let your doctor know if you are on Accutane or blood-thinning medications
• avoid alcohol

On the day

• cleanse the treatment area well 
• avoid the use of makeup, lotion or cream on the treatment area

To begin, you would likely be given protective gear for your eyes and a cooling gel may be applied before your laser treatment. During the administration, you might feel a series of quick stings on the skin and warm sensation may persist.

The procedure may take about 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.

Expect some redness and swelling but should resolve over the next few days. 

Cold compress may be used when required to ease the redness and swelling. Keep it on for 5 minutes and off for 10 minutes. Do not leave it on continuously.

Elevating the treatment area may be helpful

Some vessels may show visible disappearance immediately while others fade over time.

Typically one or two sessions can eliminate the majority of the condition but some may require a course of treatment over time.

Results are long-lasting however, it is dependent on the condition.

Possible side effects include

-redness
-swelling
-bruising
-blistering
-crusting
-infection
-changes in pigmentation
-scarring