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Laser Treatment of Facial Veins
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 Before, After |
 Before, After |
Pulsed dye laser treatment of veins on nose
Comment: The pulsed dye laser selectively treats vascular lesions such as facial spider veins
R.K.,
age 63
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Pulsed dye laser treatment of birthmark
Comment: The pulsed dye laser is used to treat port wine stains, such as this birthmark in this 50 year-old physician. The mark fades with each treatment. About six treatments are usually needed for this type of vascular lesion.
K.S., age 50
How It Works
To treat "vascular" lesions, a laser is used which
produces light energy at a wavelength which is selectively absorbed by
hemoglobin, the red pigment in blood cells. The red cells absorb
the energy and "explode" on a microscopic scale. These little
exploding red cells irritate the lining of the veins, so they aren't
slippery anymore. Red cells can no longer slide through and the
tiny veins collapse. Of course, if there are no red cells in the
veins, they can no longer be seen. The treatment is selective
because, unlike old treatments that burned the veins along with the skin
(nonselective techniques such as cautery or older lasers), the laser
light travels through the skin without burning it. The skin is
bruised a purple color from the red cell pigment in the tissues which
will go away as the body gradually absorbs it over the next few weeks.
Makeup can be used to help camouflage the bruises and can be worn
immediately.
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