(Leg and face veins and broken capillaries)

Vascular Lesions

How does the treatment work?

The Candela Gentlemax produces a wavelength of 1064nm. The laser energy is delivered through a hand-held device with a specific distance gauge. While the rest of the skin is almost completely transparent for this wavelength, it is highly absorbed in blood. 

Thus, the laser beam passes through the skin and penetrates the targeted vessel. The laser energy heats up and coagulates blood inside the vessel. Unsupported, vessel walls collapse and seal. These vessels later dissolve within the body.

What can I expect during the treatment?

You may experience a stinging sensation during the treatment, which resolves immediately after the treatment is over. In some cases, you may be offered topical anesthetic cream, which may eliminate much of the discomfort associated with the treatment. Cold packs may be applied after the procedure for any discomfort.

What should I expect after the procedure?

The appearance of the treated vessels will dramatically change over time, turning from blue and purple into light red. Some of the vessels may bulge, however, any inflammation should disappear within a few hours. Patience is essential as the redness of the treated vessels gradually disappear. As the healing process occurs, your body will break down and reabsorb the vessel, which may take anywhere between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on the size of the veins.

The post-operative treatment regime may include wearing pressure hose, avoiding medication containing aspirin and wearing sunscreen. 
Make sure to discuss these options with your laser practitioner prior to the treatment. Excessive heat and vasodilation should be avoided for 48 hours after the treatment (no hot tubs or exercise)

How many treatments will I need?

Depending on the severity of the veins, you may require anywhere between one and three treatments six to eight weeks apart. The treatment is performed on the existing vessels, diminishing or completely eliminating their appearance. However, the development of new veins cannot be prevented. If your body tends to develop vascular problems you will most likely come back for additional treatments.

Treatment of leg and facial veins

How does the laser treatment work?

The laser creates a beam of high-intensity light that penetrates deep into skin tissue where it delivers a controlled amount of therapeutic heat to the targeted blood vessels. Candela’s patented Dynamic Cooling Device™ (DCD™) technology protects the upper layers of your skin with a cooling burst of cryogen. Together, the long-pulse laser and DCD cooling offer optimal treatment with minimal side effects.

What can I expect during the treatment?

Treatment will take place in your practitioner’s office. You will wear safety eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser light. Your practitioner will guide the laser to the treatment areas with a small handpiece. Each laser pulse may be preceded and followed by a short pulse of cooling spray. A treatment could take as little as a few minutes to as long as an hour, depending on the area and condition being treated.

Does it hurt?

Some patients may feel a slight discomfort with each laser pulse, sometimes described as the snapping of a rubber band on the skin. 
This discomfort resolves in several seconds and is minimized by Candela’s DCD cooling. For some patients, a topical anesthetic may be used prior to treatment. Be sure to discuss this with your practitioner.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on the treatment you require and the condition of your skin. Many factors impact the efficacy of individual laser treatments, including the severity of the condition being treated.

How do I prepare for the treatment?

If you have had a history of perioral herpes prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed. Your skin should be thoroughly cleaned and dried, removing any makeup, creams, oils, topical anesthetics or self tanning products before laser treatment. The intended treatment area should not be exposed to sunlight or tanning booth light for 14 days prior to treatment.

What should I expect after treatment?

A cool compress or gel pack may be applied for comfort following your treatment. Any redness or swelling should resolve within a few hours.

What precautions should I take after treatment?
After laser treatment, prevent sun exposure by applying sunblock (SPF 30 or above). In the first few days after treatment, don’t scrub or subject the treated areas to abrasive skin cleansers. Your practitioner may advise additional precautions.

Are there side effects?

Your risks are minimal. Side effects may include redness, swelling, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, blistering, and purpura (a laser bruise), in the treated area—these usually do not last more than a few days. Permanent side effects are rare. Be sure to discuss potential side effects with your provider

Are these treatments covered by insurance Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures. Consult your insurance carrier for conclusive information.