When patients present with broken blood vessels, spider veins or acne scars, California Skin Institute providers can use a number of treatment options, including the Vbeam® Laser. This device was created by Syneron Candela, one of the leaders in laser technology for skin care. What makes the Vbeam® Laser such a great option for spider veins and lesions is that the laser pulse can target the oxyhemoglobin in blood vessels, without significantly affecting the surrounding healthy tissues. The treatment is very comfortable for most patients, and may even undergo this procedure during their lunch breaks.

If you’d like to schedule a Vbeam® Laser consultation, please contact a California Skin Institute practice near you, or send us an email through the Contact Form.

How the Vbeam® Laser Works

The Vbeam® Laser uses pulsed dye technology to deliver short bursts of energy into the skin. This energy is then absorbed by certain structures, which causes their damage and eventual removal by the body’s lymphatic system. For example, when the Vbeam® Laser is used to treat spider veins, the energy is absorbed by the blood vessel, which typically causes the vessels to collapse. Over time, the body will break down the destroyed blood vessel and remove it from the body through natural processes.

What the Vbeam® Laser Treats

The Vbeam® Laser pulsed dye laser is a versatile device that was designed primarily for the treatment of cosmetic vascular issues, and can also be used for treating pigmented lesions. Some of the specific problems that can be treated with this device include:

• Broken blood vessels
• Rosacea
• Spider veins
• Vascular lesions
• Scars
• Hyperpigmentation

Does the Vbeam® Laser Hurt?

Treatments with the Vbeam® Laser are quite comfortable and feel like a rubber band hitting the skin. Most patients don’t even require a numbing cream to undergo this procedure. Further, this device is equipped with cooling technology that provides a short burst of cold air to the skin moments before the laser beam is delivered, which significantly increases comfort during treatment.

Typical Vbeam® Laser Treatment

Here at California Skin Institute, we have worked very hard to build a patient-centric culture that places every patient’s individual needs above all else. As such, each patient’s treatment session will be somewhat different and tailored to your unique circumstances and needs.

During your Vbeam® Laser treatment appointment, your California Skin Institute provider will assess the treatment area to develop a customized treatment plan. Then, you will be provided with protective eyewear, and your provider will calibrate the device to your specific needs.

The procedure will be performed by pressing the Vbeam® Laser handpiece against the skin, where the vascular or pigmented lesions are present. Then, your provider will activate the laser, which will deliver a very quick burst of energy.

Your California Skin Institute provider will gently move the handpiece across the entire treatment area until all of the lesions and/or blood vessels have been treated.

After the treatment has been completed, you will be provided with an ice pack, to reduce any discomfort and promote a faster recovery.

Vbeam® Laser Side Effects

At the end of the treatment, most California Skin Institute patients report a sensation similar to a sunburn. There is slight soreness and some patients may experience very slight swelling. This is a natural reaction to the micro-damage to the blood vessels or hyperpigmented structures in the treatment area, and the body responds immediately with a healing process, to remove the damaged structures.

However, most patients are able to return to work immediately after the procedure, and can even wear makeup.

To reduce potentially serious side effects, it’s important to avoid sun exposure for approximately one week after the laser treatment, because your skin’s natural defenses against UV radiation will be temporarily weakened.

Vbeam® Laser and Tanning

The best outcomes are achieved for patients who do not have a tan, as this allows the laser to target the chromophores more efficiently. Therefore, it’s a good idea to avoid sun tanning or self-tanning several weeks before treatment.

How Many Vbeam® Laser Treatments Will I Need?

The number of Vbeam® Laser treatment sessions will vary from patient to patient, based on the severity of the original skin issue. Further, some blood vessels may need to be treated several times, as the body’s immune response will attempt to re-open these vessels.

Scheduling Your Vbeam® Laser Consultation

If you’d like a personalized, one-on-one consultation with a California Skin Institute provider, please call or find a location near you and request a consultation!

Disclaimer

Treatment results will vary, talk to a practitioner to see if this treatment or procedure is right for you.