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 a particular 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.
BBL/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
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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.
Before After
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- 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 will be shown 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
- Your doctor will perform your treatment, which is non-invasive and 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.
To learn more about this treatment click to watch a video of one of our patient’s being treated.
Before After
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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. Click for more information about post procedural care.
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.
BBL/laser treatments for redness, capillaries and rosacea are intended to be gentle and have proven to be safe and well tolerated in our hands. However, the possibility of complications cannot be entirely eliminated whenever a skin procedure is performed. You will be shown photos of these side effects during your consultation.
Before After
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- Prolonged redness and swelling, blistering, crusting or flaking, bruising and infection are risks of any laser or IPL/BBL treatment.
- Pigment changes. Though this will most often be temporary, the risk of permanence cannot be eliminated.
- Scarring, though rare, can occur following any skin treatment.
- Protective eye wear/shields must be worn throughout the treatment session to avoid the risk of eye damage
- Treatment near the eyebrows carries a small risk that eyebrow hair may be affected. Hair may take several months to regrow and the possibility of permanent loss cannot be completely eliminated. Every precaution will be taken to avoid this risk.
- "Patterning" of the skin sometimes occurs. This reflects a demarcation between treated and untreated areas. These areas can be blended at subsequent treatments.
Before After
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- 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 as described above.
- Use of some oral acne treatments in the last 12 months, as this may compromise healing
- Recent tanning, either natural or artificial, interferes with the absorption of light into pigment.
- Seizure disorders that are triggered by light.
Special precautions may be required in each of the following situations.
Before After
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- You are taking medication that is known to increase sensitivity to sunlight such as tetracycline antibiotics, phenothiazine tranquillisers or gold treatment therapy.
- You have a history of cold sores in the area to be treated. Anti-viral medication may need to be prescribed for you before treatment.
- You are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) that may predispose you to bruising
- You have a history of keloid or abnormal scarring. Treatment parameters may need adjusting.
- You have poorly controlled diabetes which may compromise healing
- You have a history of vitiligo.
