IPL / Laser Treatments for Capillaries and Redness
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and vascular lasers deliver pulses of light that selectively destroy unwanted capillaries and red blemishes without damaging surrounding skin.
Vascular lasers produce light energy of one wavelength that is only absorbed by blood. These lasers therefore treat only red blemishes in the skin, but do so very precisely and efficiently. IPL on the other hand produces light that contains a band of different wavelengths which collectively target a variety of red as well as brown skin blemishes.
At Heber Davis, we use both IPL and laser, often in conjunction, to achieve the best outcomes. In our experience, lasers more effectively target larger, visible blood vessels, whilst IPL is often best for finer veins and diffuse redness. We match the most appropriate technology to each patient’s particular concerns to ensure we achieve the best results.
The "next generation" IPL installed at Heber Davis is called Broadband light or BBL. BBL spans a broader spectrum of light than traditional IPLs which allows for more precise treatment and greater flexibility in the range of conditions treated.
IPL / laser is the gold standard for the treatment of red skin blemishes such as nose veins, broken capillaries, rosacea, port wine birth marks, red necks, red chests, spider angiomas and red scarring including acne scars, as well as for reducing red flushing and burning. All areas of the body may be suitable for treatment.
Before After
Rosacea
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The number of treatments required depends on the condition to be treated. One to two treatments usually suffice to eliminate the majority of red blemishes, though more extensive conditions may require a course of treatments.
- You will be seen by a doctor who will review your medial history, discuss your concerns, photograph the area to be treated and decide on the best treatment plan for you.
- You may view before and after photos of other patients’ outcomes, as well as photos of what you might expect to look like immediately after treatment.
- During treatment you will be asked to wear dark glasses to shield your eyes from the bright light.
- Your doctor will use a smooth glass spot to deliver pulses of light to your skin. This is a non-invasive treatment that will feel like a series of quick stings, similar to a rubber band flicking on your skin.
- You may experience a sensation of heat that may last for a few minutes. You will be provided with an ice pack that will calm the area almost immediately.
Before After
Birthmarks
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Before After
Angiomas
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Immediately after treatment your treated skin will be flushed, similar to that produced by a vigorous workout, but will typically return to normal within a few hours. You may experience swelling under the eyes if the upper cheeks have been treated and bruising can sometimes occur. Makeup may be worn immediately. Aftercare
Final results may take up to a month to become apparent. Once removed, capillaries usually do not recur though new vessels may develop naturally or as part of an underlying condition such as rosacea, for which maintenance treatments may be required at infrequent intervals over the years. Lifelong daily use of sun protection dramatically reduces the risk of further damage for most conditions.
Treatments are quick, typically taking not more than a few minutes. Whilst you will experience a definite sensation, local anaesthesia is rarely needed. Laughing gas is available if required.
Before After
Red acne scarring
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Your may experience redness and swelling for a few minutes, hours or days, depending on the intensity of your treatment. This represents heating of the deeper skin layers. Heat stimulates collagen production and results in some remodeling of this tissue while leaving the surface of the skin intact. Bruising can occur when blood vessels are treated.
- Pregnancy. Though no specific complications are anticipated, as a precaution we prefer not to use lasers or IPL/BBL machines during pregnancy.
- Active cold sores or other infections in the areas to be treated
- Moles or suspicious lesions should be referred to a dermatologist.
- Use of Roaccutane (oral acne medication) in the last 12 months.
- Recent tanning, either natural or artificial, interferes with the absorption of light into pigment.
Before After
Red noses
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Before After
Capillaries
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Before After
Red faces
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Before After
Spider naevi
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Before After
Red necks
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