What type of lesions can the vascular laser treat?
Vascular Laser Therapy allows for safe, effective treatment of broken, dilated and unsightly leg veins, facial spider veins, birth marks such as hemangiomas and port wine stains, as well as Rosacea and other unwanted vascular lesions such as cherry angiomas or red spots which can appear anywhere on the body.
- Leg Veins up to 3.5mm in size can be completely removed with the use of Laser. The laser treats these vessels noninvasively and without the use of painful needles. Recent laser vein therapy has been found to be the most effective method to treat this condition.
- Facial Spider Veins is a common ailment that makes your complexion appear to be red. While this condition is typically hereditary, it also can be caused by excessive sun exposure or by certain medications. Treatment with laser usually involves two to three treatments and there is no down time.
- Port-wine Stains is a condition where the skin is purple or red (usually from birth). This condition is now treated using laser to gradually reduce the lesion until it completely is gone. Minor pain combined with no downtime has made this the most effective laser therapy available.
- Hemangioma/Angioma’s are small, red spots that can appear anywhere on the body. Using a deeper penetrating laser these spots can be removed in one to two sessions. The lesions can be treated in adults as well as infants with congenital hemangiomas.
How does laser treatment for veins and vascular lesions work?
The theory of “selective photothermolysis” revolutionized laser therapy for skin disorders, especially vascular lesions. Basically, the wavelength of the light of a laser can be fine tuned to match the wave length of a particular target, like hemoglobin in a vascular lesion. The laser light and heat will selectively heat up and destroy the target with damaging the surrounding tissue and skin, thus decreasing risk of scarring.
How is the procedure performed?
Laser treatments for vascular lesions are done in Dr. Guida’s office requiring no anesthesia except for occasional use of topical anesthetic cream. There are several lasers we currently use, depending on the nature of the vascular lesion. Dr. Guida will decide which modality is most appropriate.
How will I heal after the procedure?
The treated area may be red and slightly swollen right after treatment. You can resume normal activities immediately after treatment with light make up application, if needed. Sometimes, redness and bruising can occur at the treated sights and this will resolve over several days.
When can I expect the treated areas to fade?
The laser heat breaks up the hemoglobin in the blood vessel and it will take several days to a few weeks for the blemish to fade. Often, one treatment will completely and successfully remove the vascular lesion or vein. However, there are times when several treatments are needed depending on the size and color of the lesion.
How do I set up an appointment and begin a treatment?
Dr. Guida would be happy to meet with you personally to discuss this laser treatment in detail. Please feel free to call the office at 212-871-0900 or schedule an appointment on line. We are here to help you.
