Vascular Laser Treatment: What Is It And How Does It Help?

Vascular Laser Treatment: What Is It And How Does It Help?

Cosmetic medicine is a branch of medicine that is rapidly evolving. Contrary to popular belief, it affects health and quality of life – not just the enhancement of outward appearance. Vascular abnormalities currently affect many individuals and considerably worsen their skin conditions. Fortunately, modern laser therapy’s advancement has aided in effectively treating numerous skin problems, including vascular lesions.1

What are vascular lesions?

Vascular lesions can be congenital (known as birthmarks) or acquired, and common vascular lesions include: vascular malformations, haemangiomas, and pyogenic granulomas. Even though these conditions all have a vessel origin, their causes and required treatments vary.2

What is vascular laser treatment?

Vascular lesions can be removed from any part of the body or face quickly and effectively with vascular laser treatment (also known as thermocoagulation or photosclerosis).3

The treatment swiftly, safely, and comfortably eliminates red lesions with no interference done to the patient’s social or professional life. Without harming the surrounding tissues, it reduces the blood vessels that contributed to the vascular lesion.3

Treatment of congenital defects was the primary goal of early laser development. It was only subsequently discovered that lasers might also be used to treat acquired vascular lesions. Key developments like dynamic surface cooling and prolonged pulse duration have improved clinical outcomes and reduced side effects.

How does it work?

Vascular laser therapy involves using a laser or pulses of light that permeates the skin and emits heat as it interacts with the haemoglobin in the target blood vessels. The vessels coagulate under the heat, making them easier to expel. Selective photothermolysis is a method that gradually reduces vascular lesions’ growth and, as a result, the pain they cause (particularly in the legs) without damaging the rest of the skin.3

Your eyes will be covered by safety goggles while receiving treatment from the doctor. You may also experience a minor burning sensation as the laser is administered to the lesions. Recipients may then spot some temporary redness or bruising around the treated area after the therapy.

You can typically return to your regular activities after receiving vascular laser treatments, but occasionally, you might need a dressing and be told to take it easy. For your comfort, creams and bio-masks are typically given if the therapy involves your face.3

Each patient’s required number of sessions will vary based on the amount and size of damaged vessels and the level of vascular reactivity. The typical course of therapy can be once a month for a few sessions, with the first signs of improvement appearing around ten days after the initial session as the lesions gradually shrink.3

Aftercare

After receiving vascular laser treatment, your treating physician would typically advise you to use an anti-inflammatory lotion to lessen pain or discomfort. If you’ve received treatment for your legs, you may need to don compression stockings. Avoiding the sun and scorching environments that would considerably raise body temperature is also one of the most crucial things to remember.3

Conclusion

With the help of modern technology, vascular lesions can be a thing of the past. For those looking into this effective treatment method, note that while no preparation is required, you will need to ensure that your skin isn’t burned or tanned before the treatment. 

Angeline Yong Dermatology is a dermatology clinic known for its high-quality laser treatments and meticulous care. For more information on our vascular lasers and other such treatments, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

References

Zawodny, P., Malec, W., Gill, K., Skonieczna-Żydecka, K., & Sieńko, J. (2023). Assessment of the Effectiveness of Treatment of Vascular Lesions within the Facial Skin with a Laser with a Wavelength of 532 nm Based on Photographic Diagnostics with the Use of Polarized Light. Sensors23(2), 1010. MDPI AG. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/s23021010

How to treat vascular lesions. How to Treat. (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2023, from https://www.ssmhealth.com/cardinal-glennon/conditions-treatments/pediatric-plastic-reconstructive-surgery/hemangiomas#:~:text=Vascular%20lesions%20are%20relatively%20common,Vascular%20Malformations%2C%20and%20Pyogenic%20Granulomas.

Vascular laser treatment: What is it, symptoms and treatment. Top Doctors. (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2023, from https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-dictionary/vascular-laser-treatment#