Now, men and women alike are making unsightly facial vessels, redness and vascular neoplasms (port wine stains, hemangiomas) a thing of the past. With the most advanced technology, including lasers and light-based devices, we can safely and effectively treat facial redness, visible blood vessels, and vascular neoplasms such as port wines stains and hemangiomas.
How Does Laser Vein Therapy Work?
The laser delivers pulses of light energy that cause blood within the veins to coagulate. The vessels are then gradually reabsorbed by your body. Blood flow will then be redirected to veins deeper below your skin’s surface, where it should be. All laser and light-based procedures rely on the principle of selective photothermolysis. It is well known that certain structures - such as blood, melanin, water, and collagen - preferentially absorb certain wavelengths of light. By utilizing devices that emit light at specific wavelengths (Lasers) or specific ranges of wavelengths (Intense Pulsed Light devices), we can preferentially target unwanted structures (such as a blood vessel), while leaving the healthy overlying and surrounding skin intact.
What Types of Lesions Can Be Treated?
With a combination of laser and light devices - including a Cutera long-pulsed Nd:Yag laser, a Palomar Starlux intense pulsed light device, and a Candela V-beam Perfecta pulsed dye laser - we can treat most blood vessels and vascular lesions on any body location.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The total number of treatments is somewhat variable, and depends on the nature of the condition. However, most people require from 3 to 5 treatments for optimal results.
What About Rosacea?
Rosacea is a condition characterized by redness (flushing) in the central portions of the face (cheeks, chin, and nose). Intense pulsed light and laser treatments are extremely effective at eliminating visible blood vessels, reducing flushing, and minimizing general background ruddiness. Most patients require 2 to 4 sessions to obtain optimal results. Dr. Crawford has published widely on this topic, and he has successfully treated hundreds of patients with this troubling condition.
What About Port Wine Stains and
Hemangiomas?
Congenital vascular neoplasms, such as port wine stains and hemangiomas, can often be quite dysfiguring and progressive. However, even smaller lesions can be of concern to patients. Pulsed dye lasers are extremely effective in treating these types of lesions. Most patients will require repeated sessions. Treatment of large or dysfiguring lesions are often covered by insurance carriers.
Does the Treatment Hurt?
Most patients experience a stinging sensation as the pulses of energy are delivered to the skin. Although anesthesia and pain medication are not typically required, many patients opt to use a topical anesthetic prior to treatment. Pain is minimal to nonexistent after the procedure.
What Happens After the Treatment?
Following your treatment, some redness or bruising may occur. When larger veins are treated, a tan or brownish pigment may persist for a few weeks or months following treatment.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
Although many patients report few, if any, side effects, those most commonly noticed are slight redness and local swelling of the skin. These effects typically last for less than 24 hours. Some patients may experience bruising. In rare instances, blistering may occur. Consult with your physician for complete information on the benefits and risks of treatment.
Are There Restrictions After the Treatment?
It is recommended that you avoid vigorous activities for the first 24 hours after treatment. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated areas exposed to the sun.
How Can I Set Up An Appointment?
The Pennsylvania Centre for Dermatology is located at Pennsylvania Hospital, on the 10th Floor of the Spruce Building. Call for more information or to schedule a consultation.
Pennsylvania Centre for Dermatology
822 Pine Street, Suite 2A
Philadelphia, PA 19107
267-519-0154
