Laser Treatment of Redness
Reduce Redness
Facial spider veins, or telangiectasia, as well as facial redness and flushing, commonly occur as we age. They can also develop as a result of sun damage, rosacea, pregnancy, or inherited factors. At Charlotte Skin & Laser, we have vast experience helping patients achieve better-looking and more comfortable skin by treating unsightly veins, redness, and flushing on the face.
We use a variety of different lasers to achieve the best reduction of redness and veins. The Vbeam pulsed dye laser is best for reducing overall redness, flushing, and very small veins. We often combine this treatment with the GentleYag laser for the treatment of larger facial veins. The dual use of these lasers allows the staff at Charlotte Skin & Laser to achieve the best clearance possible with minimal downtime. The IPL, or intense pulsed light, is a gentle way to treat redness as well as brown pigmentation that can occur from sun damage. All of these treatments have the additional advantage of rejuvenating the skin for a fresher and smoother appearance.
Multiple treatments are usually needed to achieve optimal results. Treatments can be performed at intervals of four to six weeks, and your doctor will discuss with you how many sessions you will need.
What Is Laser Treatment Of Redness?
Vbeam is a pulsed dye laser used to minimize or remove benign vascular lesions. This laser is commonly used to treat scars and keloids, facial redness and veins—as seen with rosacea, sun damage, and aging—poikiloderma, or redness that can occur with sun damage to the skin on the chest and neck; warts; psoriasis; and other benign vascular growths including angiomas (benign red moles), venous lakes, infantile hemangiomas, and port-wine stains (PWS).
The pulsed dye laser has a long history of safety and efficacy, having been used for over 25 years. It is safe for most skin types and all ages, including infants and children with vascular birthmarks. The Vbeam is the latest pulsed dye laser technology that combines longer pulse durations and cryogen cooling for treatments that are safer, less painful, more effective, and can be done without the side effect of bruising.
The Vbeam laser is also frequently used to improve the tone and texture of the skin, leading to a more refreshed and rejuvenated appearance—the Vbeam Facial. This rejuvenation effect is due to heat from the laser being absorbed by the skin, thus stimulating collagen production and mild skin renewal.
How Does Laser Treatment Of Redness Work?
The laser will emit a cool spray of mist to the skin, called dynamic cooling, before each laser pulse to protect the upper layer of skin, the epidermis, and improve comfort. The laser will then deliver a burst of light to the skin that is absorbed by the abnormal blood vessels in the dermis. These blood vessels will coagulate and be reabsorbed by the body over the course of a few weeks during the healing process.
Patients typically need 3 to 5 treatments with no or minimal bruising (typically fewer than five small bruises). With fewer but more aggressive treatments, more bruising may occur. Bruising from laser treatments may last from 7 to 14 days. Treatments should be spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart for optimal results.
To maximize results, the GentleYag 1064 laser is often used in combination with the Vbeam in the same session to help treat larger, deeper veins. Typically, Vbeam results can last anywhere from six months to more than two years. To help maintain results, it is important to avoid sun exposure and use a UVA-blocking sunscreen with at least SPF 15. Additional Vbeam treatments may be necessary to maintain results—especially with the Vbeam Facial (one to two treatments per year are usually needed).
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Integrating The Art of Medicine with the Science of Beauty
At Charlotte Skin & Laser, we offer personalized skincare with a boutique touch—combining medical expertise and aesthetic artistry to deliver natural, results-driven care. From skin checks to rejuvenation, our expert team is here to guide you.
Is Laser Treatment of Redness Safe?
The Vbeam treatment is very safe for patients of all ages. Both the patient and the laser operator will wear safety eyewear to protect the eyes from the laser light. As mentioned above, the unique Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD™) helps keep the epidermis safe and intact. You should avoid having a tan or sunburn on the skin prior to treatment, as it may increase the risk of blistering or the formation of a scab or crust. Strict sun avoidance is also recommended immediately after the procedure to minimize the risk of pigmentary changes. Sunscreen should be worn daily during the healing period and beyond to maintain the best results.
What Can I Expect with Laser Treatment of Redness?
Most patients will feel slight to moderate discomfort during the treatment; however, no topical anesthetics are needed (except when treating PWS). Patients have described the sensation as similar to the snapping of a rubber band, along with heat or a sting to the skin. Varying degrees of redness, swelling, and possible bruising are expected following treatment. Redness may last for a few hours after the procedure. Typically, swelling lasts 24 to 72 hours, and any bruising will darken within the first 24 hours and resolve over seven to ten days. When treating small areas or scars, these effects are usually minimal or nonexistent.
Is There Anything I Need to Do Before the Procedure?
It is highly recommended to avoid sun exposure for several weeks before the procedure and throughout the course of treatment. A sunblock with SPF 30 or higher that contains zinc oxide is suggested. If you have any questions about which products to use, please discuss them with the physician prior to treatment.
Refresh and Renew Your Youthful Look with Laser Treatment at Charlotte Skin & Laser
Restoring or preserving your youthful appearance with Laser Treatment is quick, simple, and effective. Charlotte Skin & Laser offers superior results and care designed to give you healthy, beautiful skin. Contact our office today at (704) 333-9113 or schedule your appointment online to get started with one of Charlotte’s premier board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan. Your most beautiful, healthiest skin starts here.
