Whether you're a man or a woman, you may have noticed fine, little red veins on the nose, chin, or cheeks that didn't use to be there. These are telangiectasias or facial spider veins, and they appear on both men and women as a normal part of aging. They can also result from pregnancy, childbirth, birth control pills, estrogen-replacement therapy, sun damage, the skin condition called rosacea, and even corticosteroids. Although not usually a medical problem, telangiectasias can be an aesthetic one that make-up usually doesn't cover adequately.

In the past, there was little you could do about spider veins. But now laser technology has revolutionized treatment so that many telangiectasias can be virtually erased.

Facial telangiectasias are very fine, superficial veins that have become permanently dilated and visible. Standard treatment has included el ectrodessication, which involves zapping the vein shut with electric current, but it can leave pitted white scarring.

Now there's the new VersaPulse Aesthetic Laser, a state-of-the-art system specially designed to treat spider veins and other vascular lesions.

A laser produces a beam of highly concentrated light. Different types of lasers produce different colors of light. The color of light produced by a particular laser is the key to the laser's effect on telangiectasias.

Different colors of light are absorbed by specific colors or pigments in the skin; for example, hemoglobin, found in blood, absorbs yellow-green light. The laser's light energy seals the vein shut, and the now diminished telangiectasia is reabsorbed by the body.

The VersaPulse Aesthetic Laser produces short, adjustable pulses of green light to treat these fine veins. The adjustable pulses minimize the risk of purplish bruising (purpura). Purpura is a side effect of many other lasers. Although it may fade in 7-10 days, it is an unattractive side effect. With little or no purpura, as with the VersaPulse laser, you are able to resume your normal schedule right away.

The special VersaSpot Chilled Tip"' cools the skin during treatment, enhancing patient comfort. The entire treatment involves no incisions.

Laser treatments for facial telangiectasias depend on the quantity, size, and depth of the veins. Sessions are usually spaced 6-12 weeks apart and are performed in the doctor' office without the costs and risks of hospitalization o general anesthesia..

Before

After

The laser treatment itself feels like numerous little pinpricks. Most patients do not require anesthesia during the procedure. Topical or local anesthesia is provided for those who do.

The appearance of the treated area immediately after a laser session will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of treatment. Immediate after-effects, if any, are minor. They may include redness, light crusting, or tenderness, all of which disappear in a short time. Your physician will be happy to tell you more about your treatment and what you can expect.

Ask us about the VersaPulse laser and how your physician can use it to treat your facial telangiectasias.

VersaPulse Aesthetic Laser - the world's most advanced and versatile laser for tattoos and a wide range of pigmented and vascular lesions. A state-of-the-art laser with multiple capabilities - giving your physician the power and flexibility to select the best treatment option for you.