Cutting edge treatment options for vascular lesions on the face

Vascular skin lesions such as telangiectasia in the face are generally common cosmetic blemishes. Women consider such vascular ectasia to be annoying, as it is difficult to conceal them with makeup. Among men, there is also increasing readiness to have these removed and to pay privately for the treatment.
For the treatment of fine, superficial vessels, which are common in the face, the QuadroStarPROYELLOW and the QuadroStarPROGREEN (577 & 532nm) are highly suitable. In fact, these special wavelengths are readily absorbed by the hemoglobin of the blood vessels. That means that the light is converted to heat, the blood vessel is damaged and disappears. The water surrounding of the vessel (tissue contains a high percentage of water) doesn’t absorb the green or yellow light at all, which results in the surrounding skin being spared. The vessels are ‘erased’ immediately without unattractive purpura (purplish discoloration). The risk of pigment changes and scarring is also very low.

Cutting edge treatment options for vascular lesions on the body

Leg veins remain one of the cosmetic problems where treatment is sought very frequently. For larger ectatic vessels, which are normally deeper in the skin, for example leg veins, the penetration depth of the green and yellow light is often not sufficient. Therefore, a longer wavelength of light in the near infrared range with sufficiently high power is necessary. The high-power diode lasers of the MeDioStar NeXT Family feature a special handpiece with a smaller spot, designed specially for the treatment of blood vessels.
Due to the higher penetration depth of laser light, lasers with wavelengths in the infrared range, such as the MeDioStar diode laser, are very well suited for the coagulation of leg veins and small vessels on the face. The blood readily absorbs the light while the water in the surrounding skin does not, ensuring effective damage to the blood vessel while protecting the surrounding skin at the same time.

How the treatment works

When treating vascular lesions, the light beam goes into the skin and is absorbed by the hemoglobin of the blood. This means that the blood is warmed significantly. This leads to an inflammation of the inner wall of the vessel and thus generates a bonding of the vessels. The result is the occlusion of the vessel, which takes some time depending on the size of the vessel (it takes more time for larger vessels, up to a few months for the deep bluish ones). Each laser beam has a certain color (wavelength). For small ectatic vessels, which are normally red and superficial, the yellow and green laser beams are particularly suitable, because they are readily absorbed by the blood. On the other hand, the water absorption is very low. Since normal skin consists mainly of water, the bloodless skin remains almost cold and so there is a very minimal risk of damaging the skin surrounding the vessel. For larger and deeper vessels (bluish), the infrared laser beam is more effective because this light penetrates deeper.

Ablative lasers: the gold standard for dermatological treatments

The ablative lasers are the “gold standard” of lasers for dermatological treatments. They ablate the skin with a degree of precision that can be measured in microns. This makes it possible to safely and gently remove a wide variety of lesions from the skin at epidermis and dermis level. Due to their ease of absorption in water, both the Erbium:YAG (2,940 nm) and the CO2 (10,600 nm) wavelengths are highly suitable for this purpose.
The skin is disinfected before the treatment is carried out. Then, depending on the size and/or depth of the lesion to be dealt with, the dermatologist decides whether anesthesia is required and what type of anesthesia is appropriate (most of the treatments are very well tolerated without any anesthesia!).

Gentle and effective treatments

Treatments using lasers are gentle on the skin and eliminate bothersome skin lesions very effectively and in a matter of minutes. The Erbium laser works very precisely and can selectively remove skin areas to a predefined depth with little pain. At the same time it stimulates skin renewal. The results are impressive: tangibly smoother, softer skin.
After treatment, it normally only takes a few days for the wound to heal. It is recommended not to expose the treated area to sunlight or sunbeds for at least 10/15 days prior to/following treatment. The use of sunscreen is recommended in summertime and in general when treating areas exposed to sunlight (e.g. the face).
Studies show that the Erbium laser is also very effective in treating scars, for example acne scars, and for skin rejuvenation. The success results from the highly precise removal of tissue during treatment, softening and smoothing of tissue during wound healing and collagen neogenesis during the first year post-op.

What types of scars can be treated?

Laser scar removal can work on many skin types, including very light and very dark skin. The best results are observed on atrophic and acne scars, which are normally relatively flat. The procedure can also be used successfully for the treatment of striae, resulting in an improvement in the appearance of the scar (no removal). The treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars (that are normally pink, raised, firm and erythematous) is not recommended.

Is the treatment painful?

Most people feel minimal discomfort during laser scar treatment. The treatment is normally well-tolerated, however a local anesthetic may be used for particularly sensitive areas.

How many sessions are necessary?

According to the size and location of the scar, several sessions may be needed. A course of three to seven treatments can, in most cases, provide good aesthetic results.

How long is the recovery time?

The recovery time is usually very short. Most people resume regular activities immediately following the treatment session. During the first 48 hours, there may be a sensation of heat or burning similar to sunstroke – discomfort that will vanish thanks to the use of creams indicated by the physician. For 10-15 days afterwards, the skin will have a smooth appearance with a reddish color that can easily be covered with light makeup and without affecting your daily activities or social life.

Are there any undesirable side effects?

Typical side effects include temporary redness and swelling, which should last only a few days. There is a low risk of prolonged itching, redness, and blistering. There may be some unsightly dark marks, which always disappear within a few weeks, either on their own or by following your physician’s instructions.

Asclepion Laser Technologies is working closely with physicians, clinics and universities to improve technologies to assess their effectiveness and safety as well as to improve its application. In clinical studies, scientific questions are answered in a controlled environment. This ensures the best possible results for both the users and patients.

Achieving superior resurfacing results with the Erbium:YAG laser
Jasin ME. Arch Facial Plast Surg 2002; 4:262-266

 

Facial skin resurfacing with the Erbium:YAG laser: new findings
Perez MI, Bank DE. Cosmetic Dermatology 1998;5:27-37

 

Laser peel: facial rejuvenation with a superficial erbium:YAG laser treatment
Khatri KA, Machado A, Magro C, Davenport S. J Cutaneous Laser Ther 2000;2:119-123

 

Comparison of erbium:YAG and carbon dioxide lasers in resurfacing of facial rhytids
Khatri KA, Ross V, Grevelink JM, Magro CM, Andersson RR. Arch Dermatol 1999;135(4):391-7

Professional therapy

With its extensive range of services, Asclepion sees itself as a competent partner for dermatologically and aesthetically oriented practices, institutes and clinics. Decide now for the treatment with the most advanced laser technology and discover a new world of professionalism and quality.

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