Laser for Redness

Skin redness is a common concern that can have a serious effect on your quality of life and well-being. Depending on the source of your redness, a series of treatments with a vascular laser can offer significant improvement to areas of redness safely, effectively and with little downtime.

What Is a Vascular Laser?

Vascular lasers target abnormal or unwanted blood vessels in the skin. At Northside Dermatology, we use the Cutera Excel V laser system. Excel V incorporates two proven wavelengths – 532 nm and 1064 nm – to target vascular structures at different depths of the skin. The 532 nm wavelength treats superficial vascular lesions and is especially effective on conditions such as rosacea, telangiectasias and diffuse redness. The 1064 nm wavelength treats deeper vascular lesions, such as larger/deeper vessels on the face, leg veins, venous lakes and venous malformations. The versatility of the Excel V system allows us to treat a wide range of vascular conditions on all skin types.

How Does the Vascular Laser Work?

Vascular lasers treat conditions associated with broken or abnormal blood vessels by targeting haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. The Excel V emits a unique, high-power laser beam that is absorbed by blood vessels in the treatment area without affecting the surrounding tissues. As the laser delivers pulses of light energy to the vessels, the heat generated by the treatment destroys the vessel. This reduces blood flow to the area and consequently diminishes the visual impact of redness.

What Concerns Does the Vascular Laser Treat?

Our vascular laser can improve a variety of unwanted vascular concerns:

• Redness associated with rosacea, sun damage, scars and acne
• Telangiectasias (small broken blood vessels)
• Leg veins
• Port-wine stains (a type of red birthmark)
• Cherry angiomas
• Spider naevi

How Should I Prepare My Skin Before Treatment?

Before a vascular laser treatment, please:

• Avoid sun tanning and self-tanning products for four weeks
• Do not have any treatments, such as waxing, that could irritate your skin for one to two weeks
• Cease use of skincare products with active ingredients such as vitamin A and AHA for two days
• Notify your treating clinician if you have a history of cold sores, as you may require an anti-viral prescription before treatment with the vascular laser

We recommend seeing our dermal clinicians to learn how you can optimise your skin care prior to having laser treatment to ensure optimal, longer-lasting results.

What Can I Expect During Treatment With the Vascular Laser?

You will put on protective eyewear and your clinician will apply a gliding gel to the treatment area to maximise the contact between the laser plate and your skin. No topical or local anaesthesia is required during the procedure. Instead, the Excel V uses a skin contact cooling mechanism to minimise discomfort and protect your skin during treatment. Your clinician will pass the handpiece over the affected areas in sections, using the laser’s two wavelengths to treat the skin at different levels until the abnormal vessels diminish. Treatment with the vascular laser typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes.

Is the Treatment Painful?

Treatment with the Excel V involves minimal discomfort. Patients often liken the feeling of the laser to the sensation of a rubber band flicking against the skin.

Is There Any Downtime?

There may be an initial period of redness and swelling, but for a majority of patients it does not interfere with their comfort resuming daily activities. Post-treatment redness can be camouflaged with makeup and swelling can be reduced with prescription tablets.

Are There Any Side Effects?

As with any treatment, there is the possibility of developing side effects after use of the vascular laser.

• Redness and swelling are the most common side effects; these generally resolve within one to four days
• Bruising may occur and typically resolves within five days
• In rare cases, patients can experience blistering or pigmentary changes

We will discuss all side effects associated with the vascular laser and ways to minimise them before treatment. Side effects are substantially reduced in the hands of an experienced laser practitioner.

How Should I Care for My Skin After Treatment?

After treatment with the vascular laser, we advise you to:

• Avoid sun exposure and apply a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen to prevent further sun damage
• Avoid hot environments, such as saunas or hot tubs, for one to two days
• Avoid products containing irritants (e.g. vitamin A, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid) for one week after treatment
• Sleep with your head on a couple of pillows to reduce facial swelling if treated on the face
• See your dermatologist for a short-term prescription to alleviate swelling if your swelling is significant

How Much Does Treatment With the Vascular Laser Cost?

The cost depends on the size of the area being treated. Please see our price guide for more information and contact our office on 03 8582 8688 to schedule a consultation.