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It is hard for us to answer all questions on a single page so please do not
hesitate to call or email us with your questions.
HOW DO VASCULAR
LESION LASERS WORK?
ARE THERE OTHER WAYS TO TREAT MY VASCULAR LESION?
ARE THERE ANY REASONS WHY I MAY NOT BE A CANDIDATE FOR
PULSED DYE LASER THERAPY?
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THIS LASER TREATMENT?
ARE THERE ANY ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS?
WILL THE TREATMENT HURT?
HOW LONG WILL THE TREATMENT LAST?
WILL MY TREATMENT BE DOCUMENTED?
WHAT SAFETY MEASURES ARE NEEDED DURING LASER TREATMENT?
WHAT WILL I HAVE TO DO TO TAKE CARE OF THE TREATED AREA?
WILL I HAVE TO STAY OUT OF THE SUN?
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
HOW DO VASCULAR LESION LASERS WORK?
To treat red (vascular) lesions, we use a pulsed dye laser: the Candela
V-Beam produces an intense, but gentle, burst of laser light which has the
proper wavelength to be absorb by the red pigment in lesions such as small
blood vessels. Absorption causes “photothermolysis”, or heat damage, to the visible blood
vessels without damaging surrounding tissue.
Laser light penetrates the skin only to a depth of 1.5 millimeters, or
about 1/20th of an inch.
This sets up an inflammatory reaction which causes the vessel to close
and heal. Back
to top
ARE THERE OTHER WAYS TO TREAT MY VASCULAR LESION?
Over the years, patients have had their vascular lesions removed by surgery
(cutting), cryotherapy (freezing), or tattooing
with a lighter pigment. These procedures often caused scarring or other
unsatisfactory results. Other lasers, like the ruby laser, the argon laser,
and the CO2 laser, have also been used to treat vascular lesions. These
lasers produce light whose wavelength, or color, is not as specific and
well-suited to destroying blood vessels as pulsed dye lasers. Their use
has sometimes caused scarring, Because of this potential risk, using these
other lasers are not recommended. Back to top
ARE THERE ANY REASONS WHY I MAY NOT BE A CANDIDATE FOR PULSED
DYE LASER THERAPY?
We do not recommend pulsed dye
laser treatment for patients who have moderately dark or black skin.
Increased pigment in such skin may make the laser less effective on the blood
vessels in the vascular lesion.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THIS LASER TREATMENT?
Successful treatment of superficial ("broken") blood vessels and rosacea usually will involve one or two treatments. Darker blood vessels of more intense
redness are more likely to need a second treatment ( touch-up
). The follow-up should be 8-16 weeks
after the initial procedure. Back to top
ARE THERE ANY ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS?
Treatment causes temporary purpura, or bruising,
which lasts 1-2 days, or sometimes a bit longer. You can use makeup to
cover this.
During the first few days after treatment, the
skin may swell slightly, flake, or crust. This is normal and does not
represent infection or scarring. The treated area may
also hyperpigment, or turn darker.
Although this rarely occurs, if it does happen, normal skin color usually
comes back in a few months.
Scarring is a risk with any laser, but pulsed
dye lasers have a remarkable safety record, producing mild scarring in well
under 1% of cases.
Back to top
WILL THE TREATMENT HURT?
The laser causes mild discomfort. Patients describe the feeling of a
laser pulse as feeling like "being snapped by a rubber band," or
like a slight sting of a mosquito bite. Most patients tolerate laser
treatment well. Back
to top
HOW LONG WILL THE TREATMENT LAST?
Most laser treatments last anywhere from a few moments to a half an hour. Back
to top
WILL MY TREATMENT BE DOCUMENTED?
Yes, we will record area to be treated, sizes color, and location of
lesion. If needed we will take
photographs of the specific area treated before and after the laser
treatment. This is done to allow you
and the Physician to follow your progress.
If these photographs are used for educational purposes, such as
lectures to Doctors, we will ask you to sign a consent form allowing us to
use them. Back
to top
WHAT SAFETY MEASURES ARE NEEDED DURING LASER TREATMENT?
The laser produces a very bright beam of light. Everyone in the
treatment room must wear protective eyewear while the laser is in use. Back to
top
WHAT WILL I HAVE TO DO TO TAKE CARE OF THE TREATED AREA?
We provide each patient we treat with typewritten aftercare instructions,
which clearly describe appropriate care for the period after treatment.
We encourage each patient to read these before leaving our office, and to let
us know if there are any questions.
You will be able to shower. We recommend however, that you avoid
rubbing or picking at the treated skin, since that might lead to hyperpigmentation. You may wear camouflage or other
makeup if you wish.
You may apply makeup at any time. You should, however, be careful to
remove it gently and do not rub or irritate the area. Back to top
WILL I HAVE TO STAY OUT OF THE SUN?
No. You should, however, use a full-strength sunscreen (SPF 15) to
protect the treated area if you will be outdoors. Back to top
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Ask us! Because we do not want you to consider laser treatment until
you are completely comfortable, we encourage that you bring any questions and
concerns to our attention. We will do our best to answer them. Back to
top
Trademark and
© 1999 The Laser Clinic, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Please send
your comments to The Laser Clinic <info@thelaserclinic.net>
Document Last
Revised: December 2002
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