Vascular, or blood-vessel, lesions include a wide range of conditions that may appear at birth or develop later in life. These may include port-wine stains, hemangiomas, telangiectasias (“broken blood vessels”), often associated with sun exposure or rosacea, leg spider veins, cherry angiomas, venous lakes, and many others.
Regardless of the cause, vascular lesions can be quite noticeable and are a common reason patients seek treatment. Luckily, modern technology, including lasers, are able to target such lesions precisely and effectively.
How Laser Treatment Works
Lasers have long been used in dermatology, and vascular lasers were among the first to be introduced into medical practice. These devices produce concentrated beams of light that can selectively target specific structures in the skin.
Vascular lasers are designed to target hemoglobin, the component of blood responsible for its red color. When sufficient energy is delivered, the targeted blood vessel is destroyed and gradually disappears.
Types of Vascular Lesions Treated
A variety of vascular conditions can be treated with laser technology. These include:
- Telangiectasias (broken capillaries), commonly seen on the face
- Port-wine stains
- Hemangiomas
- Venous lakes, often appearing as bluish lesions on the lips
- Diffuse redness associated with rosacea or sun damage
- Leg spider veins
The choice of device depends on multiple factors, including size, depth, and location of the lesion.
Laser and Light-Based Devices
Multiple laser and light-based devices are available for the treatment of vascular lesions. Some are designed to precisely target small superficial vessels, while others are more effective for larger or deeper lesions.
KTP lasers are very effective at tracing out tiny facial capillaries, while others, like pulsed dye lasers are better at treating larger lesions, such as port-wine stains, hemangiomas, and venous lakes. Intense pulsed light (IPL) devices are particularly useful for treating diffuse redness over larger areas, such as that seen in rosacea or sun-damaged skin. Nd:YAG lasers may be more appropriate for deeper lesions, such as spider veins on legs, or for darker skin tones.
At DFW Skin Surgery Center, we utilize a range of technologies and tailor treatment to each patient’s specific condition.
Treatment Expectations
Laser treatment of vascular lesions is generally well tolerated, and most patients are able to return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Mild redness may occur and typically resolves within several hours to a day. Some devices, such as the pulsed dye laser, may produce temporary purple discoloration around the treated area, which can be covered with makeup if needed.
Depending on the type and extent of the lesion, multiple treatment sessions may be recommended to achieve optimal results. If this is the case, it will be discussed prior to treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of vascular lesions can be treated with lasers?
Laser treatments can address a variety of vascular lesions, including broken capillaries, rosacea-related redness, hemangiomas, and port-wine stains.
Do the treated blood vessels come back?
Once treated, the targeted vessels are typically eliminated. However, new vessels may develop over time, especially in conditions such as rosacea.
Is there downtime after treatment?
Most treatments require little to no downtime. Mild redness is common, and some treatments may cause temporary purple discoloration.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on the type and severity of the lesion. Multiple sessions are often recommended for optimal results.
Laser treatment of vascular lesions can significantly improve the appearance of redness and visible blood vessels. Schedule a consultation to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.