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LASER
FOR FACIAL REDNESS & BROKEN BLOOD VESSELS |
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WHAT CAUSES BROKEN BLOOD VESSELS OF THE FACE? |
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Unsightly
pink and red vessels on the face typically occur due
to sun damage, aging, acne rosacea ("flushers and
blushers"), birthmarks (spider angiomas, portwine
stains) and frequent rubbing. |
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| HOW
DO LASERS WORK? |
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| Lasers
are intense pulsed focused beams of light of a certain
wavelength. The Diolite 532 laser (Iriderm, Mountain
View, CA) generates a wavelength of 532 nanometers,
ideal for targeting hemoglobin in the blood vessels.
Laser beams eradicate and narrow vessels by intense,
but superfast, heating and shattering of their target. |
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| DOES
IT HURT? |
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| Yes,
lasers hurt a bit. The laser beams come out in fast pulses and
feel like quick flashes of heat. Anesthetics are not used because
they hide the vessels. A cooling gel is applied and most patient
tolerate the procedure very well. Treatment takes about 10 -
30 minutes. |
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| HOW
MANY TREATMENTS ARE NECESSARY? |
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| Response
to the laser treatment varies, and depends on the extent, quantity,
size, and location of the vessels. Most patient find that the
majority of their vessels disappear after 1 treatment, but some
vessels may need 2 or more treatments. Follow-up visits are
scheduled 4-6 weeks after the first treatment. The 1st touch-up
is included in the initial fee. Further touch-ups, if needed,
will be at a reduced cost. |
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| HOW
LONG DO RESULTS LAST? |
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| Results
are often permanent, but vary. Due to continued aging, chronic
effects of sun damage, acne rosacea, and trauma or inflammation,
new vessels may later appear in previously treated areas, but
generally this takes many months to years. Immediately after
the first treatment, some vessels which have collapsed may slowly
reopen before the follow-up visit. These stubborn vessels are
often eradicated or narrowed during subsequent touch-up visits. |
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| WILL
I BE ABLE TO GO BACK TO A PARTY, GO BACK TO WORK, OR APPLY MAKEUP
AFTERWARDS? |
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| Yes,
Unlike "pulse-dye" and "long-pulsed pulsed-dye"
lasers, the Diolite 532 laser does not cause unsightly brusing.
Slight redness and swelling, if they occur, typically last several
minutes to hours. You should use sun protection. |
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| WHAT
ARE POSSIBLE RISKS? |
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| Aside
from the previously mentioned side-effects, risks are rare -
including crusting, hypo- and hyperpigmentation. Scarring is
extremely rare. Some vessels may not respond to the laser. Damage
to the eyes is avoided by eyeshield protection during treatment.
It is OK to undergo treatment during pregnancy. |
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Photos
courtesy of Iridex Corp., Drs. Berger + Vasily: |
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