What is a vascular laser?
This is an energy source emitting light of a specific wavelength, which is absorbed by the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Transformed into heat, it causes sclerosis of the vessel wall in the weeks that follow. The 1064 nm Yag laser is the most effective.
The main indications for vascular laser treatment
- First and foremost, couperose, a very common condition involving dilation of the dermal vessels in the center of the face. In particular, the red vessels on the bridge of the nose.
- Ruby spots all over the body.
- Red (diameter less than 0.5 mm) and blue (between 0.5 and 2 mm) telangiectasias of the legs, which are often impossible to treat with sclerosing injections. In any case, this is a needle-free alternative.
Vascular laser treatment
- The number of sessions depends on the number of spider veins to be treated, their color and size, generally 2 to 3 for moderate couperose, with at least 6 weeks between sessions.
- Normal activities can be resumed immediately after the treatment session.
- For the legs, it is advisable to avoid strenuous movements for 24 hours.
- In all cases, avoid the sun.
Treated spider veins show considerable improvement within 2 to 6 weeks. It may take several months to achieve the final result. Over time, new spider veins may become visible, which are treated in the same way.
After-effects of vascular laser treatment
In most cases, there are few or no side effects, apart from a slight reddening and local swelling of the skin for a few days, and sometimes blistering.
Larger parts of the vessels may turn black and remain painful for quite some time. If scabs form, a healing moisturizing cream may be recommended by your practitioner.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur on dark skin, and disappears with time.