How do lasers remove capillaries?
Lasers use a specific wavelength of light to target the unwanted capillaries. The light used is preferentially absorbed by hemoglobin within the capillary. The absorbed light is converted to heat, destroying the capillary. Once destroyed, the capillary disappears and should not return.

Laser Treatment Dilated Capillaries in the Legs

Laser Treatment Dilated Capillaries in the Legs

Laser Treatment Dilated Capillaries in the Face

Is there any harm in removing capillaries and other benign vascular lesions?
A dilated capillary merely pools blood within its channel. It is usually functionless. By the time dilated capillaries have appeared, normal capillaries in the same vicinity have taken over their function. The removal of dilated capillaries or other vascular lesions does not adversely affect the local circulation and is considered safe.

What kind of vascular lesions can be removed?
In addition to capillaries on the face and legs, other commonly occurring vascular lesions that are effectively treated include: cherry hemangiomas, spider angiomas, rosacea, and sun damage. Less common conditions can also be treated, including port wine stains.

Laser Treatment Cherry Hemangioma

Laser Treatment Spider Angioma

Laser Treatment Rosacea

Laser Treatment Sun Damage

How is laser treatment performed?
A narrow beam of light is directed at the capillary through the skin. Because of the wavelength of the laser light used, there should be maximal absorption by the blood vessel and minimal interaction with other constituents of the skin.

Does treatment result in the appearance of new capillaries?
Treatment does not stimulate new capillary growth. However, anyone with capillaries is likely predisposed and can expect new capillaries to develop, whether or not pre-existing capillaries have ever been treated.

What can I expect after treatment?
After treatment the skin overlying the capillaries may be somewhat red and swollen. This can take from a few hours to a few days to resolve. During the subsequent few days and weeks, the successfully treated capillaries disappear. You may resume all normal activities. There is no need for bedrest, leg elevation or any limitation in activity.

How often is treatment performed?
About one month after treatment, the sites are examined to see if any capillaries remain. At that time, if capillaries are present they can be retreated.

How many treatments are required?
The number of treatments will vary depending upon the number of capillaries present and their location. Capillaries on the face respond much more effectively than at other sites. Often one treatment on the face is enough to completely remove these red areas. On the legs, often several treatments are required. Other factors affecting the number of treatments include skin complexion and the color of the capillaries. Capillaries that are large and bright in color respond much better than those that are faint.

How will I feel after treatment?
Most patients feel fine. Some feel a stinging sensation on the skin that resolves spontaneously, usually within a few hours. You may immediately resume all previous activities including aerobics, running and swimming.

Is treatment with laser safe?
The laser Dr. Green uses is the VersaPulse™ (Lumenis™, Santa Clara, CA). It is FDA approved specifically for this purpose. It emits visible light and does not consist of ionizing radiation or other harmful rays. Therefore, it can be used during pregnancy and is used even on some infants with port wine stains and other vascular abnormalities.

Are there any side effects?
Laser, like any medical intervention, will have the potential for some adverse effects. Fortunately, serious side effects from laser are almost unheard of. When side effects do occur, they are localized to the treatment site. A small blister can develop and there can be some increased pigmentation, usually temporary, at treatment sites. Compared to other lasers and light sources that are used to treat vascular lesions, the VersaPulse™ rarely produces these side effects.

What other treatments are available?
Before lasers were available, capillaries were often treated by electrocoagulation using an 'electric needle'. However, that technique is likely to scar and is rarely used. Laser treatment is the safest and most effective method to remove dilated capillaries and many other vascular lesions.

Do you have a question? - Email: skincare@laserderm.net