LASER TREATMENT OF COUPEROSE AND SMALL VESSELS
Caused by the combination of several factors, both biological, environmental (lifestyle, alcohol, smoking, sun exposure) and genetic, including poor blood circulation leading to hair fragility, couperose and small dilated vessels can appear and settle on our face, neckline and legs.
This unsightly phenomenon can fortunately be treated with vascular laser sessions.
The laser used in Dr. HAVET’s office is a top-of-the-line laser of the latest generation that allows for the gentle and effective treatment of superficial vascular lesions but also more deep vascular anomalies such as stellate angiomas, flat angiomas or ruby spots.
WHEN SHOULD A VASCULAR LASER TREATMENT BE CONSIDERED?
Our vascular laser can eliminate several types of vascular lesions, both superficial and deep, and more specifically :
- Small dilated and unsightly vessels on the face (couperose) and erythrosis (diffuse redness)
- Small vessels on the legs and neckline called telangiectasias
- Stellate angiomas, varicosities of the legs (deeper than small vessels)
- Other benign vascular anomalies such as venous lakes on the lips, flat angiomas (wine stains)
VASCULAR LASER : HOW DOES IT WORK ?
Our vascular laser is a laser with a specific wavelength called Nd-YAG. As with laser hair removal, which targets the colored pigment of the hair, the vascular laser light beam selects the hemoglobin in blood vessels and small capillaries, without damaging the surrounding tissue. The principle of the vascular laser is heat generation that induces a “closing” of the vessels, by venous thermo-coagulation.
HOW DOES THE TREATMENT AT DR HAVET’S OFFICE WORK?
An initial consultation is conducted with Dr. HAVET in order to propose a treatment plan and an estimate, both personalized, and to give you a complete information sheet on the treatment. A consent form will also be signed.
Vascular laser treatment is performed on cleansed, untanned skin.
Dr. HAVET will fit you with protective glasses () for a safe face and body treatment.
The treatment can be a little uncomfortable at the time of the laser shot, but the state-of-the-art device we use is extremely accurate and fast, and has a cooling system for even more patient comfort.
The duration of the session depends on the number of vascular lesions to be treated and their size.
COUPEROSE, SMALL VESSELS: WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF A LASER SESSION?
After the session, it is normal for the area to be red and swollen with a sensation similar to “sunburn”. Dr. HAVET will apply a repairing and soothing cream to the treated area. Afterwards, it will be necessary to apply it yourself for a week.
If fine scabs appear in the days following the session, do not remove them and continue to apply the moisturizer. They will disappear naturally without leaving any marks.
The treatment sometimes leads to the formation of what is called a purpura, a kind of hematoma, especially when large vessels are treated. It gradually disappears on its own, within a few weeks. It is due to the pigments released by the hemoglobin; it is advisable to protect the patient from the sun while the hemoglobin is absorbed.
VASCULAR LASER: BEWARE OF THE SUN AFTER THE SESSION
Caution! Precautions must be taken regarding sun exposure: it is absolutely forbidden for at least two weeks after a vascular laser session. In all cases, it is imperative to protect the treated area with a sunblock (index 50).
VASCULAR LASER : HOW MANY SESSIONS ?
On average, 1 to 3 sessions are needed for the vascular lesions to disappear completely, each one spaced 2 months apart. Small capillaries sometimes require only one session. Dr. HAVET will take care to propose an adapted treatment plan.
On the other hand, as the phenomenon of couperose and telangiectasias is genetic and physiological, new lesions may appear, especially in cases of proven venous insufficiency. It will then be necessary to carry out one or more maintenance sessions, according to the Doctor’s recommendations.
ARE THE RESULTS IMMEDIATE?
For some of the small vessels: yes! The deepest ones fade away between two weeks and one month.
The deeper and more important the lesion, the longer it takes for the result to appear. In some cases, several weeks are necessary.
The vascular laser treatment allows a more homogeneous skin, whether it is on the face, the neckline or the legs.
WHAT ARE THE CONTRAINDICATIONS TO VASCULAR LASER?
The contraindications to vascular laser are, in particular:
- Pregnant women, breastfeeding
- Known hypersensitivity to light
- Taking an anticoagulant
- History of skin cancer or suspicious lesions
- Area to be treated with tattooing
In all cases, Dr. HAVET will take note of any contraindication during the preliminary consultation.
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Are you interested in a treatment against couperose and spider veins? You wish to have a consultation with Doctor Pierre-Michel HAVET in the West Indies? Make an appointment now.
