Vascular lasers are used to reduce skin redness and the appearance of blood vessels within the skin. They are also used for a number of other conditions including scars. They work by causing selective damage to surface blood vessels in the skin which, over time, can cause them to become less visible.
What are vascular lasers?
Vascular lasers are used to reduce the appearance of blood vessels in the skin. I will most commonly use Pulsed-Dye Lasers. These emit a yellow light, which is absorbed by the haemoglobin in blood vessels. This light energy causes the blood vessels to coagulate and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. PDLs are particularly effective for treating rosacea, facial redness, spider veins, and port-wine stains.
NdYAG lasers have a longer wavelength, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin. This makes them suitable for treating larger blood vessels, such as those found in varicose veins and deeper vascular lesions, however as they target larger blood vessels, they are associated with a slightly higher risk of complications such as scarring.
Facial redness and blood vessels can also be treated with intense pulsed light. This is generally less effective than lasers but is simpler to perform and can address other concerns such as pigmentation at the same time.
What to expect during treatment
When you come for treatment I will discuss again the procedure with you in order to understand any concerns that you may have. If you have makeup or sunscreen on this will be removed and laser eye shields will be applied to your eyes to protect them from damage caused by the laser.
During the treatment itself you will feel mild discomfort as the laser is fired. You may also feel a cold spray or cold air that is cooling the skin to minimize damage. For the pulsed dye laser you will often see flashes as the light is so intense. t
What are the risks?
Most patient will tolerate treatment well and not experience side effects, however vascular laser treatments do carry some risks. You can read more about these below and I will also discuss with you during the consultation prior to treatment.
Common risks are as follows:-
Pain or discomfort: Some patients may experience mild pain or discomfort during the treatment.
Redness and swelling: Temporary redness and swelling may occur after treatment but typically resolve within a few days.
Pigmentary change: In rare cases, vascular laser treatments may cause temporary or permanent changes in skin pigmentation, particularly in individuals with darker skin types.
Scarring: Although rare, scarring is a potential risk of vascular laser treatment.
Incomplete response to treatment or recurrence of the condition.
Because of the potential risks of treatment a small test patch with the laser on a separate visit is recommended if we are treating larger areas.
When you attend for treatment you will be asked to sign a consent form. It is essential that you read this before attending so that you are aware of the potential risks and have had the opportunity to ask any questions:-
How much does treatment cost?
Laser treatment is charged per session of treatment. You may also be advised to have a test patch. You can see a guide to pricing at the following links:-
Vascular lasers are used to treat the following conditions:-
Rosacea and facial redness
Spider veins (telangiectasias)
Port-wine stains
Spider naevus
Cherry angiomas
Venous lakes
Poikiloderma of Civatte
Scars including keloid scars
How does pulsed dye laser treatment work?
The pulsed dye laser emits light at a specific wavelength that is absorbed by the blood vessels in the targeted area. The absorbed energy heats the blood vessels, causing them to shrink or collapse. Over time, the body naturally reabsorbs the damaged vessels, reducing the appearance of redness or prominent blood vessels.
Is pulsed dye laser treatment painful?
Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the treatment, often described as a sensation similar to a rubber band being snapped against the skin. Anaesthetic is not required, however cooling is used during the procedure.
How many treatments are needed?
For redness and prominent blood vessels, most patients require 4-6 sessions, spaced 6 weeks apart. For isolated vascular lesions such as a spider naevus, venous lake or cherry angioma 1-2 treatments is often sufficient.
What should I expect during the recovery period?
After a pulsed dye laser treatment, patients may experience temporary redness, swelling, and mild bruising in the treated area. These side effects usually resolve within a few days to a week. It is essential to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen, to minimize the risk of complications such as pigmentation.
How long do the results of pulsed dye laser treatment last?
Results are generally long-lasting, however for conditions such as rosacea, top up treatments may be required.
Is pulsed dye laser treatment suitable for all skin types?
Pulsed dye laser treatment is generally safe for most skin types but more caution is required in darker skin types.
Can pulsed dye laser treatment be combined with other treatments?
Yes, pulsed dye laser treatment can be combined with other treatments such as steroid injection for scars, Q-switched laser for pigmentation and non-ablative fractional laser for scarring and fine lines.
About Dr Magnus Lynch
MA(Cantab) DPhil(Oxon) MRCS FRCP
I am a London-based Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon. I am highly experienced in skin cancer diagnosis, Mohs micrographic surgery, acne, rosacea, acne scarring and laser treatments. I studied at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, and completed my dermatology training and Mohs fellowship at the prestigious St John's Institute of Dermatology. I graduated from medical school in 2003 and have worked exclusively in Dermatology since 2012.
I lead a research team at King's College London investigating the molecular biology of skin cancer. In recent years I have been involved in Media Appearances, including the Channel 5 series 'Skin A&E', where I perform skin surgeries and treat various skin conditions.
My NHS practice is at Guy's Hospital. I consult with private patients at OneWelbeck (near to Bond Street station) and on Harley Street. Book A Consultation.
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