Vascular Treatments
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Tualatin and Portland, Oregon
A vascular treatment is a minimally invasive approach to eliminating small, inflamed blood vessels that create redness and other cosmetic imperfections in the skin. Light-based therapies are most effective at helping patients achieve clearer skin. The Candela Nordlys system emits long, near-infrared rays of light that penetrate deep into the dermis, the layer of skin just under the surface. Vascular lesions can be difficult to treat, but the system’s Nd:YAG laser specifically targets red pigment while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. Upon absorbing the light pulses, broken blood vessels swell and burst, removing redness. Because the laser utilizes longer wavelengths of 1064 nm, patients of all skin types can benefit from this treatment.
To find a lasting solution for the redness that obscures your skin’s natural beauty and radiance, contact Gorin Plastic Surgery & Medspa at (503) 692-7222 or online. At our office location near Portland, OR, you can expect a thorough and informative consultation that addresses your skin concerns. A qualified and experienced laser technician will provide you with all of the necessary instructions regarding how you should prepare and maintain your results post-procedure. We strive to provide the highest quality personalized care for patients seeking to feel confident in their skin again.
Contents
What Are Vascular Lesions?
Vascular lesions are irregularities in the skin caused by an abnormal formation of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Although they are harmless, the redness they cause may be embarrassing and impact one’s self-esteem. Vascular lesions come in various shapes and forms; some are acquired with age and sun exposure, while others are present from birth. The common forms that the Nd:YAG can treat are:
- Spider Veins and Spider Angiomas – Spider veins are tiny, bluish capillaries that show through the skin. Factors such as sun exposure, age, hormones, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity can contribute to their development. They occur as a result of built-up pressure from larger veins breaking off into smaller vessels. Spider angiomas are often mistaken for spider veins, but they are red and derive from a reddened center. Regardless of the lesion, the Nd:YAG laser can dissolve capillaries between 0.1 to 3 mm in width.
- Cherry Angiomas – These can resemble moles, but they are red growths on the skin composed of blood vessels. They are usually tiny and can be found in several areas of the body.
- Rosacea – This is a complex condition that can develop for several different reasons, including sun exposure, genetics, immune reactions, and even microorganisms. Patients often experience a permanent flushing on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. It is extremely common as well; studies have shown that around 22% of light-skinned people experience some form of rosacea. (2) Although laser sessions can treat rosacea, patients must first find out the root cause. Research demonstrates that the laser can effectively help reduce the appearance of the erythematotelangiectatic and papulopustular rosacea- specific subtypes of the condition. (3)
Benefits of the Nd:YAG Laser
The Nordlys system’s Nd:YAG is a versatile laser equipped with the latest technology to ensure a safe procedure and recovery for patients. Many practices choose this laser for a wide range of reasons:
- It administers precise damage to capillaries, leaving the rest of the skin unharmed.
- Treatment sessions do not stop patients from participating in their normal activities.
- The side effects such as scabbing, swelling, and itchiness are minor and temporary.
- Sessions only require the use of topical numbing cream to desensitize the treatment area.
- Nd:YAG lasers are equipped with a picosecond mode in which light pulses are distributed at a faster rate, making for a safer and more effective procedure for patients with darker skin. Picosecond mode also helps prevent the onset of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a condition characterized by abnormal darkening of the skin in certain areas.
Personal Consultation
At the time of the consultation, we will diagnose your specific vascular condition and prescribe a treatment plan that aligns with your desired expectations. We will properly evaluate any symptoms that may accompany your redness, your history with the condition, and any treatments that you have tried before. After determining if the laser vascular treatment is appropriate for your needs, we will go over the necessary steps for preparation, how the procedure itself will go, and how to maximize your results during your recovery.
Your journey toward attaining glowing, blemish-free skin is just a phone call away- call (503) 692-7222 or fill out our online form to request your consultation today.
Preparation
To properly prepare your skin for laser treatment, you should just be mindful of keeping your skin well-moisturized and protected from the sun in the days leading up to your appointment. You should only use gentle skincare products and apply daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. You should avoid the use of harsher exfoliants, chemical peels, and retinoids. To prevent further redness from the procedure, you should speak with us about stopping the use of blood-thinning medications and supplements.
Procedure Steps
To begin the procedure, your laser specialist will first adjust the setting of the laser to accommodate your skin type. Both you and your specialist will wear protective eyewear. They will then cleanse your skin and apply the laser’s window directly to your skin. Patients are free to request topical numbing cream, but this is often not necessary. Your laser technician can customizable the spot size of the laser to adapt to your specific treatment area. For targeting thin vessels, they can use a precise tip that will eliminate the smallest veins. The laser penetrates about 5 to 6 millimeters into the skin, providing comprehensive results from deep within the lower depths of the dermis layer. Depending on the location of the lesion, your technician will adjust the device to the appropriate power level and alter the pulse duration for a highly specified treatment. Depending on the size of the treatment area, the treatment is completed in just a few minutes.
Recovery and Results
The immediate effects of laser vascular treatment include mild swelling, a temporary increase in redness, itchiness, and scabbing at the site. Though you will be able to return to your daily activities as usual, these side effects could take around 5 to 7 days to resolve. Some patients may have residual bruising, but they can easily conceal this with makeup. Just like in the preparation phase, you should continue to avoid sun exposure and apply your daily sunscreen when permitted.
UV rays from the sun can make rosacea and vascular lesions worse, so it is important to keep this in mind for your next treatment session. Most patients will require at least 2 to 5 sessions to see significant results, but it also depends on the severity of your condition. Since the laser pulses immediately break down unwanted vessels, you should notice improvements as soon as your side effects wear off after about 1 week.
Cost of Laser Vascular Treatments in Portland
The cost of your vascular treatment with the Nordlys Nd:YAG will be determined by the number of sessions you undergo, the size of the area being treated, and any other follow-up appointments you may require to get the best results possible. We will provide you with an estimate after conducting a thorough physical examination of your skin. If interested, please consider applying for one of our available financing options that will allow you to make affordable payments to cover the cost.
To get started with laser vein treatment, call our Portland office at (503) 692-7222 or reach out via our contact form. Our specialists have the expertise to provide you with an exceptional experience at Gorin Plastic Surgery & Medspa.
FAQ
Why are laser treatments good for redness?
A significant advantage of laser treatment is its ability to precisely target the problematic blood vessels while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue unharmed. It is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure that offers long-lasting results. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal outcomes depending on the severity of the condition.
How can I treat rosacea?
Laser treatments are one of the most efficient ways of reducing rosacea- particularly pigment-targeting lasers such as the Nd:YAG. The customizable features of the laser make it appropriate for patients of all skin types who experience this type of redness.
What causes spider veins?
Spider veins develop when larger veins weaken and branch off into smaller veins. As you get older, spider veins are more likely to develop due to increased sun exposure over the years and the aging process itself. Other factors include hormonal changes, obesity, and a genetic predisposition.
References
- Sandean DP, Winters R. Spider Veins. PubMed. Published 2024. Accessed February 14, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563218/#:~:text=Spider%20angiomas%20can%20also%20masquerade
- Marchitto MC, Chien AL. Rosacea and Associated Comorbidities: A Google Search Trends Analysis. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. 2020;13(7):36-40. Accessed January 2, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7492017/
- Say EM, Gokhan O, Gökdemir G. Treatment Outcomes of Long-Pulsed Nd: YAG Laser for Two Different Subtypes of Rosacea. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2015;8(9):16-20. Accessed February 14, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4587890/#:~:text=Long%2Dpulsed%20Nd%3AYAG%20laser%20seems%20to%20be%20effective%20and