Vascular Laser

Vascular Lesion Laser Treatments

Vascular lesions can be treated with a Long Pulsed YAG (LPY) laser. It is a 2940nm wavelength laser that allows the practitioner to precisely treat visible vessels, broken capillaries, spider veins, and vascular lesions by using the laser energy. The treatments are tailored to match one’s skin condition and desired results. All skin areas can be treated with the Long Pulsed YAG laser.

What is unique about the Long Pulsed YAG? What does it do?

The Long Pulsed YAG laser will diminish the appearance of existing veins on the face and legs. Once the laser light is applied to the skin, it enters the vein, where the energy from the laser is absorbed and the vein walls collapse and seal shut, eliminating the vein’s appearance on the skin. Eliminating veins with the LPY laser is quick and effective.

How does it work?

The laser gives energy to the skin, which is absorbed by blood vessels, scars, port wine stains, hemangiomas, and other vascular lesions. This relatively quick, comfortable procedure can eliminate blood vessels by precise tissue heating, i.e. energy is directed against the vessels alone and does not alter the surrounding skin. Usually the vessels collapse during the treatment session, but there can be some post-treatment redness and swelling. Following treatment sessions with aggressive sun protection practices can produce longer lasting results and prevent formation of similar lesions.

What are some indications for LPY?

Treatment of vascular lesions such as telangiectasias (broken blood vessels), spider veins, hemangiomas, cherry spots, and leg veins

What to expect?

Discomfort is minimal and is usually compared to the “snap of a rubber band”. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve your desired result.

Pre Treatment

Discontinue any medications/supplements that may thin your blood unless prescribed by a doctor. You may wish to bring a pair of shorts to wear during your treatment if having your legs treated.

Post Treatment

Depending on the area treated, some swelling and irritation may occur. However, most treatments have little to no down time and few side effects. Avoid sunlight and use sunscreen or antibiotic ointments to promote healing and prevent damage. I recommend you purchase ALASTIN SKIN NECTAR at the office for healing. Anti-aging skin care products may be prescribed by our Nurse Practitioner, Jalie. If a scab forms, it should not be picked or scarring may occur. If you have any questions about healing or if a wound forms, please call the office.

DO’s – Cold packs to reduce redness/swelling, use SPF (we have 3 different options in the office), wear compression garments/support stocking for 3-5 days if your legs were treated. Best results happen with longer wear.

DO NOT- Exercise for 3 days, take hot baths/showers, use a hot tub or sauna for 5 days, please refrain from drinking alcohol for 5 days, and do not take any ibuprofen/NSAIDS for 5 days after.

How long does a treatment take?
Depends on size of the area, but can take 15 min for face lesions and longer for legs.

Is there downtime?

No, there is no downtime. However, you may swell and have some redness after

When will I see my results? How long do they last?

Best results to be seen after 1-2 treatments. Leg vein resolution usually takes 8-12 weeks. At the end of this process, some vessels may be gone while others may be lighter or not affected. Can be a series of treatments for some veins. Additionally, the further down the on the body, the more stubborn veins can be to disappear.

How many treatments will I need?

A minimum of 3 treatment is recommended

Can I exercise?

Yes, but I recommend you wait 3 days. Please wait 5 days before resuming exercise if your legs were treated.

Are there any side effects?

Discomfort, skin irritation, discoloration, sensation of mild sunburn. Sometimes the pigment cells can be damaged leaving darker or paler patches of skin. White patches or scars are rarely permanent.

Is it safe?

Yes, for skin types I-III

How much can a procedure cost?

Treatment cost depends on the the area treated. A face treatment is usually $200, Legs are $350

Who is a good Candidate?

Candidates are dependent on many factors, including age and overall health, the extent of your spider or varicose veins, your symptoms, your goals, and what your provider expects your condition to be in the future. However, the most common candidates are those with cherry spots, matted and superficial vessels, or visible spider veins.