Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment of Vascular and Pigmented Lesions

How does the laser work?
The VBeam is a pulsed dye laser used for treatment of virtually all vascular lesions. The laser delivers an intense but gentle burst of yellow light to the skin. The light is specifically absorbed by the blood vessels in the dermis. These blood vessels are coagulated and then reabsorbed by the body during the natural healing process.

What can the VBeam Treat?

Rosacea

Facial Veins

Some small, red leg veins

Redness of scars

Periorbital wrinkles

Red birthmarks such as hemangiomas

port wine stains

Angiomas

Venous lakes

Solar Lentigos (Age Spots)

Melissa Toucet-Morales
Registered Nurse

Melissa Toucet-Morales is the laser nurse at Portland Dermatology Clinic, working with the Vbeam Perfecta which is a new service added over the last few months. Melissa has 6 years of experience with lasers. Melissa trained in a cosmetic surgeon's office and then worked in a laser center in Southern California. Her experience includes hair removal, tattoo removal, photorejuvenation, treatment of rosacea, pigmented lesions, vascular lesions, acne, and acne scarring.

Melissa is excited to be able to offer her knowledge in assisting patients with questions about the Vbeam to see if it would be an appropriate treatment. For a complimentary consultation please call 503-223-3104.

What are the treatments like?
Prior to the laser treatment, a consultation will be conducted to evaluate the area of concern and discuss pre and post care instructions. Consultations are available to established patients and are complimentary. Consultations can last up to 30 minutes. Some patients feel a slight discomfort associated with the laser pulse. This feeling has been described by patients as the snapping of a rubber band on the skin.

More information: VBeam Patient Pamphlet (pdf, 248kb)

What will I look like immediately after treatment?
Side effects may include purpura (a laser bruise), redness and swelling in the treated area. These are transient and usually do not last more than a few days. Most patients return to work or attend to their daily activities directly afterwards. We are always happy to do a two week check to evaluate the results with you.

What is the payment policy for laser treatments?
Insurance companies do not reimburse for cosmetic procedures; therefore your insurance will not be billed for treatment. Payment is due at the time of service.

Please call the office for an appointment at 503-223-3104.

Consultations and Treatments:
Prior to the laser treatment, a consultation will be conducted to evaluate the area of concern, discuss pre and post care instructions and possibly have a treatment that day. Consultations are complimentary and usually can last up to 30 minutes. It is recommended to avoid sun exposure before and throughout the course of treatment. A sunblock (SPF 30 or above) should be used. The post treatment care needed epends on what lesion was treated. Some patients feel a slight discomfort associated with the laser pulse. This feeling has been described by patients as the snapping of a rubber band on the skin. Side effects may include purpura (a laser bruise), redness, and swelling in the treated area.

These are transient and usually do not last more than a few days. Permanent side effects such as scarring are rare. Insurance companies do not reimburse for cosmetic procedures; therefore, your insurance will not be billed for treatment.

Website: www.candelalaser.com

Before and After care instructions for laser treatment

Before your treatment:

Notify the office if you develop a cold, fever, open sores or blisters, or have a history of cold sores prior to appointments.

It is important to inform the technician of all your medications. There are certain medications that can cause photosensitivity and prolong redness or sensitivity after the treatment. You may have to stop the medications for one week prior to the treatment.

Avoid products containing aspirin (unless prescribed by your physician), ibuprofen, Vitamin E, or St. John's Wort 10 days prior to and after the treatment. This will help to minimize bruising.

Avoid direct sun exposure. A sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater should be used before, during, and after your treatment. Sun exposure may lead to pigmentation changes. No tanning beds or tanning products before, during, or after your treatment for up to 3 months.

Discontinue the use of Retinoids (Differin, Retin A, Tazorac) and skin care products containing Glycolic or Alpha Hydroxy Acid 24 hours prior to the treatment. Avoid their use until treated area has healed.

Come to the office with a clean face. Remove makeup and moisturizers prior to the treatment

After your treatment:

Avoid vigorous activity (exercise or heavy lifting) after treatment. Also avoid hot showers, baths, hot tubs, or saunas for 24-48 hours following the procedure. They may cause flushing.

It helps to avoid alcohol for one week prior to treatment. Additional things that may cause the skin to flush 2-3 days following the procedure include: delete avoiding spicy foods and extreme temperature changes.

Immediately following the procedure, you may wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser (e.g. from i.e. Cetaphil). Avoid any harsh rubbing or scrubbing of the skin.

Apply sunscreen before leaving the office.

In the days following the procedure, continue to wash your face gently. Make up may be applied a few hours following the procedure. If the area treated feels sensitive or stings don't apply make up until it subsides. Gentle moisturizers may be used after the sensitivity subsides.

In the first hours after the procedure, it is normal to feel a stinging sensation, tightness, and increased sensitivity. Redness, swelling, and bruising are also common side effects. You may experience any of these symptoms for 24-48 hours. Bruising can last for 5-7 days. To help minimize swelling following a treatment to the face, sleep with your head elevated at a 45 degree angle at night. Gel packs or cold compresses may be used to alleviate discomfort. If any of these side effects last for more than 48 hours please call the office.

Keep in mind it is difficult to predict outcomes. Laser treatments don't have permanent results but help to lighten and enhance bothersome skin conditions. It may take 1-6 weeks to note improvement following a treatment, depending on what was treated. It may take 3-5 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart to see optimal results.

If you should have any questions or concerns, please call the office immediately 503-223-3104.