Laser Treatment of Facial Vessels with Coolglide/Varilite Including:
Spider veins, nose telangiectasia, purple lip vessels and periorbital reticular blue veins
FAQ’S
What is Telangiectasia?
Telangiectasia is small unsightly red, purple or blue blood vessels found along the surface of the skin
on the face, upper chest, and neck and rarely on other parts of the body. Similar vessels are found on
the legs nicknamed spider veins. The vessels are not necessary for any essential body function.
Removing them gives a more pleasing cosmetic appearance.
What Causes Telangiectasia?
Telangiectasia is created by anything that causes the face to flush or blush. Heredity, accumulated sun
damage, acne rosacea (an adult form of acne), hot and spicy food, exercise, emotions, “hormones”,
cortisone medications and some rare skin diseases can cause or contribute to the formation of
telangiectasia.
How is Telangiectasia treated?
Vascular lasers provide the best treatment for telangiectasia. Because telangiectasia is red, pink or
purple, they will absorb more of the laser light than the surrounding normal skin. When the laser light
is absorbed, the vessels will shrivel up without damaging the normal skin.
How is the treatment performed?
When large patches of telangiectasia are treated, sometimes a test patch is done on a small area of
telangiectasia to determine safe and effective settings for your skin type. If the test patch is
successful, a more extensive treatment can be done. The pulse of light seals the unwanted vessels.
Does the treatment hurt?
The laser treatment causes a brief snapping sensation on the skin with temporary stinging. Most
patients can tolerate the treatments with no medication.
What does the treatment area look like afterwards and are there any side effects?
The treated areas may have temporary redness, or purple discoloration. Blisters may rarely occur
following treatment. In rare cases, the treated areas may heal with increased or decreased
pigmentation (white or brown skin). Scars are possible but occur very rarely.
Are there any restrictions after you’ve had a treatment?
Normal activities can be resumed after treatment. The treated areas should be protected from sunlight
or tanning until the skin color has returned to normal. Gentle cleansing of the skin and application of
an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin Ointment (available without a prescription) should be used if
any blistering, crusting or scabbing is seen.
Will my Telangiectasia come back after being treated?
People who have an underlying condition which causes telangiectasia will gradually develop new
vessels throughout life especially if they frequently flush or blush. Some causes of telangiectasia are
not correctable (inherited fair skin). Sun protection will prevent telangiectasia which result from
repeated sun exposure. Periodic touch-up treatments every year or so will likely be required to get rid
of new telangiectasia. Telangiectasia at the corners of the nose is the most likely to recur because of
high-pressure vessels feeding this area of the face. Treatment of an underlying condition such as acne
rosacea may prevent new telangiectasia from forming.
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THE LOCKWOOD MEDICAL CORPORATION