Unsightly
veins, blood vessels and other benign vascular lesions are a problem
for millions of men and women. For some people, the issues are
primarily cosmetic, however for others, they sometimes pose
a health risk that needs to be addressed.
It is estimated that over 60% of
the population suffers from varicose veins and spider veins and
they become more common with age. Over 40% of middle-aged women
(age 40 to 50) report problems with unsightly leg veins and that
percentage increases to 72% in women age 60 to 70.
Dr.
Paull uses the VersaPulse® C Aesthetic Laser, a
versatile, state-of-the-art laser to treat
unsightly veins and blood vessels as well as other conditions
such as birthmarks, pigmented lesions, age spots, scars and tattoos.
What are Vericose
Veins and Spider Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels
that have widened due to a weakness in the vein wall or a problem
with the valves that control the flow of blood. Spider veins
are the small, superficial purple or red veins stretching like
a web under the skin. Overexposure to the sun is believed to
contribute to the dilation of spider veins, especially those
found on the face.
Until recently, treatment for varicose
and spider veins was a long and painful process that involved needles
and other invasive procedures, sometimes even surgery. New light-based
therapies are allowing physicians to successfully treat many types
of unsightly veins, simply and non-invasively.
About Laser Treatment
The VersaPulse® C
Aesthetic Laser is capable of
treatment of blood vessels in the skin, the laser light
causes heating of the inside of the vessel with clotting
of the blood within the vessel. This results in destruction
of the unwanted blood vessel. The laser tip continuously
cools the site during the treatment, which reduces the heat damage
to the skin.
Patient Expectations
The sensation experienced with laser treatment is similar to the
sensation of repetitive snaps of a rubber band. Most patients do
not require numbing medication, but topical or local anesthesia
can be provided if necessary.
All persons in the laser treatment area wear eye protection. Eye
shields or goggles will be provided for you during the treatment.
Sessions last about 15 minutes and are usually spaced 4-8 weeks
apart. The number of sessions depends on the size, pigmentation
and other factors of the treatment area. For example, most facial
veins and brown spots can be eliminated in one or two
sessions, whereas most tattoos require 5 to 10 sessions. All tattoos
require more than one treatment session.
After treatment you may experience some swelling, redness, crusting
or tenderness of the affected area. These will disappear in a short
time and vary from patient to patient.
Limitations
Patients have been satisfied with VersaPulse laser
treatment, however there are limitations on what can be achieved.
For example, when treating small vessels on the face, not every
vessel will be eliminated, the idea is to decrease the overall
number of vessels. The preprocedure consultation with the doctor
will give the you an idea of what to expect and also provide a
discussion of the risks of treatment. Exactly how your particular
treatment area will respond can only be determined during the course
of treatment.
For more information or to set up an appointment, contact Columbus
Dermatology.
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