Decrease Skin Redness From Vascular Conditions With VBeam® Laser Treatment: How It Works, Benefits, and FAQs
You’ve struggled with rosacea for years and have managed the flare-ups that come and go. But now you’re ready for lasting relief.
You’ve heard about VBeam® laser treatment, but you’re not sure how it works or if it would be the best treatment option for your condition.
If redness from rosacea, scars, or spider veins makes you embarrassed or self-conscious, VBeam® laser treatments can help.
Found to be successful in reducing redness, VBeam® treatments can help restore an even skin tone that results in confidence and a positive self-image.
To help you decide if VBeam® laser treatment is the right choice for you, we’ve included information about what VBeam® laser treatment is, how it works, the benefits of VBeam® laser treatment, and the potential results you can expect.
What Is VBeam® Laser Treatment?
VBeam® laser treatment uses a pulse dye laser (PDL) to treat vascular lesions and other pigmented and non-pigmented lesions. The PDL sends controlled pulses of energy to targeted areas of the skin to reduce redness and leave the skin looking healthy and clear.
How VBeam® Laser Treatment Works
VBeam® laser treatments work by emitting gentle but potent bursts of light into areas of the skin to remove or reduce coloring imperfections.
The wavelength of the laser is carefully measured at either 595nm or 1064nm and passes through the epidermis and dermis, where it is absorbed in the oxyhemoglobin in the blood vessels. This essentially destroys the blood vessels without damaging the surrounding tissue and stimulates natural healing in the skin.
Please note that treatments may vary depending on the condition and individual patient. Always consult with your healthcare provider to see which treatment is recommended.
Areas Where VBeam® Laser Treatment Can Be Used
VBeam® laser treatments are appropriate and effective on some delicate areas and other parts of the body, including the following:
- Face
- Neck
- Hands
- Arms
- Chest
- Legs
Ideal Candidates for VBeam® Laser Treatment
VBeam® laser treatments can be used to improve many skin conditions. If you have any of the following vascular skin conditions, you may be an ideal candidate for this type of laser treatment:
- Rosacea
- Scars
- Facial veins (telangiectasias)
- Red birthmarks
- Spider veins
- Angiomas
- Venous lakes
- Warts
- Poikiloderma of Civatte
- Stretch marks
- Certain types of psoriasis
- Sunspots
- Bruising
However, VBeam® laser treatment may not be recommended for patients with darker skin because the laser may be less effective due to the higher skin pigmentation.
It’s important to note that the penetration of the laser is meant for blood vessels near the surface of the skin (1.5 mm in depth). For this reason, VBeam® laser treatment may not be effective for treating deeper blood vessels or those in the leg that are very large.
If you are an overall healthy person with a positive outlook, VBeam® laser treatment may provide results that you are pleased with.
What to Expect During Your VBeam® Laser Treatment
Depending on the area being treated, your provider will make sure you are either seated or lying comfortably. You’ll be provided special protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the bright light.
After carefully calibrating the laser for your specific needs, the technician will gently place a small handheld instrument directly on your skin. This instrument will deliver short bursts of energy followed by a cooling spray with each pulse of the laser.
Goodskin Dermatology provides VBeam® laser treatment services in our Clackamas and Troutdale locations, where patient-based care and patient comfort are our top priorities.
How Long Does VBeam® Laser Treatment Take?
Depending on the size of the area being treated, VBeam® laser treatment can last anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. Most treatments generally take 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
How Long Do VBeam® Laser Treatment Results Last?
Though most patients see results immediately, how long the results last may depend on how many treatment sessions you receive. The condition being treated and how severe the issue is are also factors that determine the efficacy of the VBeam® laser treatment.
The vascular lesions usually lighten gradually, and it may take several months to experience the full effect.
Results may be permanent, or some conditions may recur.
FAQs About VBeam® Laser Treatment
Does VBeam® Laser Treatment Hurt?
Most patients tolerate the treatment well and compare the sensation of the laser to a stinging feeling like that of a rubber band snapping on the skin. Discomfort is further minimized due to the cooling device used after each laser pulse.
Though not always necessary, a topical anesthetic may be applied to the skin to reduce any mild discomfort.
After the treatment, patients may feel a tingling sensation similar to a sunburn, experience bruising, and/or have some swelling. The burning sensation usually subsides within a few hours, but the swelling may last for several days.
Is There Any Downtime for VBeam® Laser Treatment?
Recovery may range from very minimal recovery time to two weeks depending on:
- The level of energy used
- The condition being treated
- Unique characteristics of the individual, like skin type
How Do I Know If VBeam® Laser Treatment Is Right for Me?
If you are in general good health and have vascular conditions like rosacea, spider veins, red birthmarks, stretch marks, and more, VBeam® laser treatment may be right for you.
Of course, you’ll want to discuss treatment options with your provider. They will complete a full evaluation, including medical and family history and a physical examination to help determine the appropriate treatment.
How Many Sessions Does VBeam® Laser Treatment Take?
Though results vary from person to person, many patients receive the best results with three to five treatments at one-month intervals.
Are VBeam® Laser Treatment Results Permanent?
Yes, in many cases, results may be permanent, but some conditions may return.
How long a treatment lasts may depend on factors like:
- The patient’s lifestyle
- The area being treated
- The condition treated
- Genetic predispositions
For example, sun spots may return if a patient continues to spend time in the sun without proper protection, or treated spider veins may disappear in one location but develop on another part of the skin.
Individual results for treatments may vary and are not guaranteed.
What Is the Cost of VBeam® Laser Treatment?
VBeam® laser treatment cost can vary depending on the type of treatment, the severity of the condition, the number of sessions necessary, and more.
When you call the Clackamas or Troutdale Goodskin locations, we’ll schedule a consultation. We’ll perform a full examination and discuss treatment options and costs with you at that visit. Make an appointment online today to get started.
What Are the Benefits of VBeam® Laser Treatment?
With VBeam® laser treatments, you can experience the following benefits:
- Reduced redness
- Improved skin tone and texture
- Reduced appearance of vascular issues
- Restored even complexion
- Quick treatment session
- Non-invasive treatment
- Minimal discomfort
- Quick results in many cases
Are There Any Aftercare Instructions I Need to Follow?
Your practitioner will provide specific aftercare instructions according to the type of treatment received and the area of treatment. Despite those factors, most patients who receive VBeam® laser treatment should also follow these recommendations after treatment:
- Applying ice packs can help relieve discomfort after treatment.
- Avoid saunas, hot tubs, and jacuzzis for at least two days.
- Use skincare products that are non-irritating and non-clogging for several weeks.
- Avoid scrubs, glycolic acid, toners, retinoids, etc.
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every time you are in the sun for at least three months.
Are There Any VBeam® Laser Treatment Side Effects?
VBeam® treatments are considered safe and effective with minimal side effects. The cooling feature of the VBeam® laser treatment helps to lessen discomfort and protect the skin from the heating effects.
The most common side effects are:
- Mild pain
- Mild redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
These are common side effects of many types of cosmetic procedures and usually last for only a few days.
Contact Goodskin Dermatology for Your VBeam® Laser Treatment Needs
At Goodskin Dermatology, we strive to provide high-quality, relationship-based care to each one of our patients.
Knowing how important healthy skin is, we combine the latest dermatological technologies with personalized care to ensure quality and effective treatments with exceptional results.
You can trust our caring and experienced staff to provide extraordinary customer service. Our doctors and PAs come with years of expertise to ensure you receive the care you need.
We provide an array of services and make treatment convenient by offering services in four locations. VBeam® laser treatments and other cosmetic, surgical, and general dermatology services are available at our Clackamas and Troutdale locations.
Schedule an appointment online today.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.