Thread Veins & Rosacea
How does the treatment work?
Intense light is emitted in a series of short pulses. The wavelength of the light is specially selected so that when it is directed into the skin, it is predominantly absorbed by blood vessels within the epidermis and dermis. In areas of vascular lesion, the blood vessels are overgrown or in high concentration. These blood vessels will absorb the light, which causes them to heat up and undergo a process called thermo-coagulation. This destroys the entire vessel while causing minimal damage to the surrounding skin. Following treatment, the damaged vessels are absorbed by the body and little or no trace of the initial lesion remains.
How is the treatment carried out?
It is necessary to apply a thin layer of gel to the skin prior to treatment. This helps to cool the skin, as well as ensuring optimal transmission of light from the applicator to the skin.
A test patch will be carried out 24 hours prior to treatment. The quartz applicator is placed in contact with the skin surface over the vascular lesion. The light is pulsed through the quartz and onto the skin. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area and the process is repeated until the entire area is covered.
Which patients can be treated?
The more melanin in the skin, the more heat will be produced so it is therefore not possible to treat dark-skinned and tanned individuals. The lesions that will respond best are thought to be those consisting of blood vessels of a small diameter that lie close to the surface of the skin, such as those seen in rosacea or thread veins. If there are any areas of broken skin, the treatment should be delayed until the area has completely healed. There are other contraindications which would prevent a patient from being treated, this is checked and discussed during the consultation.
Does it hurt?
As the light energy is absorbed by the skin, it heats it up, and creates a sharp pinprick, burning sensation. Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable. No anaesthetic is required.
A mild warm throbbing may be experienced for up to 12 hours after the treatment. Paracetamol and cool compresses may be used to help ease any side effects.
What should I expect after the treatment?
Redness and a slight burning sensation are normal after treatment. A cooling pack can be applied to the skin to ease these symptoms. You may see a temporary ‘grayness’ in the vessels, which will pass, and you might notice that some vessels have disappeared immediately.
What are the side effects?
The visible light is completely safe so no special precautions are needed apart from safety eyewear for the brightness. The skin of some patients becomes quite red immediately after treatment and in rare cases some swelling and bruising may be seen. However, most patients experience no side effects and the described skin reactions usually disappear within hours to a couple of days. Very rarely pigmentation changes or blistering may occur but are not usually permanent.
How do I prepare for treatment?
Patients should avoid tanning and must not use any fake tan for 4-6 weeks prior and during the entire treatment period to avoid excessive discomfort and adverse damage to the epidermis. Immediately after the treatment, the skin is particularly sensitive to UV light, and strong sunlight should be avoided for 2-4 weeks.
How long does treatment take?
The length of each treatment will depend on the type and size of lesion present, but a typical session for thread veins will take in the region of 15-30 minutes.
How many treatments are necessary?
The number of treatments will depend on the type and size of lesion present, but typically 2-6 treatments will be recommended. Treatments should take place approximately every 4 weeks.
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