TL;DR:
- What it Treats: Vascular laser addresses spider veins, hemangiomas, vascular nevi, erythema, rosacea, melasma, and more.
- How it Works: Uses precise wavelengths to close blood vessels by heating blood pigment, creating permanent results without damaging the skin.
- Procedure: Skin is evaluated, cleaned, and protected (e.g., with glasses). Laser parameters are tailored individually. Cooling minimizes discomfort.
- Post-Care: Healing takes ~2 weeks; avoid sunlight, intense exercise, saunas, and irritating cosmetics. Follow specialist advice.
- Safety: Highly safe when performed by certified doctors with proper equipment. Minimal side effects include redness or mild burning for ~2 days.
- Costs: Begin at PLN 400 (nose) to PLN 1,600 (face + neck). Factors include lesion size/location.
- Contraindications: Includes cancer, pregnancy, photodermatosis, certain medications, and active tanning.
- Air Travel: Allowed, but compression stockings/heparin prophylaxis may be needed for leg lesions.
Cracking blood vessels are a chronic problem for many patients who observe lesions on their face and legs. The Vascular Laser is an excellent option for those who want to reduce the not very aesthetic vascular lesions on the face and body. With this device, you can get rid of not only so-called spider veins, but also hemangiomas and other deviations in skin tone. The properly selected wavelength of the laser makes it possible to close the blood vessels precisely, and the blood pigment absorbs the wave, resulting in the vessel being closed without interfering with the continuity of the skin.
Vascular laser – what exactly is this device?
The vascular laser uses advanced treatment techniques that make the process of closing spider veins extremely efficient and effectively closes the vessels, as well as causing no pain. Usually a single treatment is sufficient, but in the case of extensive blood vessels, specialists recommend performing a series of exposures. In such situations, the laser is used every 3 to 4 weeks or so. The safety of the irradiation is influenced by the fact that the procedure is performed by an experienced dermatologist or surgeon who has up-to-date knowledge of treatment techniques. During the procedure, short pulses of the beam are used, and their frequency is selected individually for each patient. This makes it possible to guarantee greater effectiveness of the therapy while ensuring the comfort of the person undergoing treatment. During the treatment, the laser cools the skin, which further minimizes the risk of possible pain. An additional advantage of this technique is that after laser vascular closure the patient can immediately return to daily functioning. The only side effects that can be observed on the skin are slight redness or mild burning of the skin. However, these symptoms pass on their own after about 2 days.
What does the vascular laser work on?
The vascular laser closes skin lesions by heating the blood in the dilated vessel. The temperature changes to a temperature that will contribute to the shrinking of its walls and close it. The blood vessel is closed permanently, so the procedure produces permanent results. The laser vascular closure technique has been known and perfected for more than 20 years. The parallel beam of light damages the structure of the vascular lesions, which then undergo a gradual degeneration process. The result of such a phenomenon is the disappearance of telangiectasia.
Who should benefit from laser?
Vascular laser treatment is an ideal option for patients struggling with blue varicose veins located on various parts of the body. Indications for the procedure also include dilated blood vessels, spider veins on the body, spider veins on legs, vascular nevi, ruby hemangiomas and star or vascular spots. Vascular laser is also an ideal option for patients with erythema, rosacea or melasma.
What are the contraindications to laser vascular closure?
The procedure is not recommended for patients who suffer from cancer or are on individual hormone therapy. Accompanying photodermatosis and blistering skin diseases, vitiligo, psoriasis, epilepsy or tendency to scarring are also contraindications. The doctor will also refuse to perform the procedure for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Temporary contraindications, on the other hand, include such items as:
- Active tan – the minimum break after exposure to the sun or after tanning beds is 4 – 6 weeks,
- Tan obtained from self-tanners – laser vascular closure is possible after it has subsided,
- Creams and ointments with vitamin A and C must be discontinued 4 weeks before the planned treatment.
- Preparations with substances with an exfoliating effect need to be discontinued a week earlier,
- Medications and photosensitizing herbs such as St. John's wort, chamomile, nettle, field horsetail and dandelion,
- Pain medications should be discontinued 2 days before the procedure,
- Antibiotic treatment – must be completed at least 2 weeks in advance,
How to prepare for a vascular laser procedure?
The results obtained after vascular laser treatment depend on the proper preparation of the skin during the time that precedes the procedure. During this period, the skin cannot be subjected to sunlight, and a few days before radiation, it is recommended not to use cosmetics with exfoliating and skin-brightening properties. Patients who use oral agents containing substances such as retinoids, steroids or photosensitizers must postpone the treatment. In addition, the skin being treated should not have any irritation or wounds.
What does the laser vascular closure procedure look like?
Before the procedure, the specialist evaluates the discoloration, which is visible through the epidermal layer. He analyzes their diameter, color, distribution and quantity. Based on these, the doctor can choose the right length of the laser light beam and the amount of energy, type of filter or time interval between pulses. Before irradiation begins, a laser test is also performed to check whether the parameters used are sufficient for the patient. Once the Patient is positively qualified for the procedure, the specialist directs the laser beam into the area to be irradiated. Hemoglobin absorbs the yellow light, which contributes to shrinking and closing the blood vessels. The skin is not damaged, as the laser is completely safe and does not interrupt its continuity. The treatment process itself can be divided into several stages, the initial one being the cleansing of the skin in the area to be treated. This includes washing off makeup (in the case of the face), as well as a scrub to get rid of layers of dead skin. In the next stage, special glasses are placed over the patient's eyes to protect them from laser radiation. The specialist, applying the laser head to the skin, releases the radiation.
Laser vascular closure – what are the recommendations after the procedure?
The laser vascular closure procedure requires about 2 weeks for the skin to heal completely. During this period, use gentle cleansers, regenerating creams and moisturizers. Do not use irritating cosmetics containing alcohol on the skin. It is also important to protect the skin from sunlight. Intense exercise and sauna use are also discouraged for about a week. Precise guidelines related to post-procedure management are given to the patient by the specialist who performs the procedure. Their observance is very important, as it reduces the risk of complications.
What are the advantages of laser vascular removal?
Vascular laser is a relatively safe technique for removing blood vessels. It is distinguished by its non-invasive nature, high efficiency, comfort and the possibility of immediate return to daily activities. Laser therapy can be a stand-alone method of vascular removal or an additional means of comprehensive management of extensive lesions, where the use of laser light alone would not produce satisfactory cosmetic results.
What are the effects after using a vascular laser?
It is important to remember that the effects of the procedure depend on the individual patient and his genetic conditions. Thus, they may differ for each person. The result is particularly influenced by factors such as age, health, the Patient's lifestyle and adherence to post-surgery instructions. Possible results are always discussed during a visit to the specialist. Results can be seen after just one treatment in the form of closure of dilated blood vessels, reduction of erythema, rosacea and removal of hemangiomas.
How much does laser vascular removal cost?
The price of vascular laser treatment depends primarily on the severity of the lesions, their location and size.
Is vascular laser safe?
The laser vascular closure procedure is distinguished by a high level of safety. The radiation parameters of the device are selected individually for each patient, his complexion and the type and severity of the lesions. As a result, any risk of burns is reduced to a minimum. In addition, the low painfulness of the procedure means that it does not require general anesthesia and anesthesiologist care.
Where to perform the procedure?
From a theoretical point of view, laser vascular closure can be performed in a cosmetic surgery. However, it should be remembered that in such a case the risk of possible complications increases significantly. A safe procedure can only be performed by an experienced, certified doctor, in an aesthetic medicine office setting and using approved equipment. It should also be remembered that extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology and vascular diseases is necessary for the safety of the procedure, so that the symptoms of other conditions are not exacerbated during the treatment. In addition, the doctor should have full knowledge of possible complications and how to treat them. Therefore, although it is possible to perform vascular laser treatment in a cosmetic surgery setting, such a solution is not recommended, as it significantly reduces the safety of treatment.
Is it possible to fly in an airplane after vascular laser treatments?
To date, no medical contraindications to air travel after vascular closure treatment have been noted. However, if the lesions are on the lower extremities, especially with coexisting varicose veins or conditions that increase the risk of thrombosis, it is advisable to use special compression stockings. With severely severe symptoms, even prophylaxis with preparations that contain heparin is recommended.
Conclusion
Vascular laser treatment offers a practical and effective solution for removing unsightly blood vessels. It works safely and without pain, addressing issues such as spider veins, hemangiomas, and more. Proper preparation and adherence to post-treatment care ensure the best results with minimal downtime. Always rely on experienced professionals to perform the procedure for optimal safety and outcomes. This proven treatment combines precision, comfort, and lasting results, making it an excellent choice for improving vascular skin concerns.
