Vascular Reduction
Long Pulsed Yag (LPY) laser treatment offers effective vascular reduction by targeting unwanted blood vessels and vascular lesions. This non-invasive procedure is widely used to address various vascular conditions, including spider veins, broken capillaries, rosacea, and facial redness.
The laser delivers energy to the skin, absorbed by blood vessels, scars, port wine stains, hemangiomas, and other vascular lesions. This relatively quick, comfortable procedure eliminates blood vessels by precise tissue heating, i.e., directing energy against the vessels alone without altering the surrounding skin. Following treatment sessions with aggressive sun protection practices can produce longer-lasting results and prevent the formation of similar lesions.
Key Features
Precise Targeting:
LPY laser precisely targets hemoglobin in blood vessels without damaging surrounding tissues, ensuring safe and effective treatment.
Versatility:
Suitable for a wide range of vascular lesions and skin types, LPY laser provides customizable treatment options to address individual needs.
Minimal Downtime:
LPY laser treatments typically require minimal downtime, allowing patients to resume their daily activities immediately after the procedure
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Long-lasting Results:
With proper aftercare and multiple treatment sessions as recommended by a qualified practitioner, patients can achieve long-lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The 1064nm Long Pulsed YAG Laser allows precise treatment of visible vessels, broken capillaries, spider veins, and vascular lesions using laser energy. This treatment can be tailored to match various skin conditions and desired results, making all skin areas treatable.
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The Spectrum’s long pulsed Yag laser diminishes the appearance of existing veins on the face and legs effectively. Once the laser light is applied to the skin, it enters the vein, where the energy from the laser is absorbed and the vein walls collapse and seal shut, eliminating the vein’s appearance on the skin. This makes eliminating veins with the long pulsed Yag laser quick and effective.
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It is commonly used for the treatment of vascular lesions such as telangiectasias, spider veins, hemangiomas, and leg veins.
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Discomfort is minimal and usually compared to the “snap of a rubber band,” with multiple treatments possibly needed to achieve desired results.
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The duration of treatment depends on the size of the area, with each area typically taking 15 minutes or less.
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No, there is typically no downtime required after treatment.
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Best results are usually seen after 1-2 treatments, with leg vein resolution taking around 8-12 weeks. Some veins may require a series of treatments, and stubborn veins may take longer to disappear.
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A series of 3 treatments is typically recommended.
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Possible side effects include discomfort, skin irritation, discoloration, a sensation of mild sunburn, and rarely, pigment cell damage leading to darker or paler patches of skin, white patches, or scars.
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Yes, LPY treatments are considered safe for skin types I-III.
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Good candidates for LPY laser treatments include those with cherry angiomas, matted and superficial vessels, or visible spider veins.
Pre-Treatment
Discontinue medications or supplements that may thin your blood one week prior to vein treatments to minimize bruising and improve the success of your treatment. This includes fish oil, flax seed oil, Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve), and red wine. If you are taking aspirin electively and not upon the advice of your physician, then you may stop it for 48 hours before your treatment. Do not stop aspirin if prescribed or recommended by your physician.
You may wish to bring a pair of shorts to wear during your treatment if you are having your legs treated.
If facial veins are being treated, there may be minor bruising and/or swelling following treatment. This can typically be covered using make-up. Plan accordingly since your face may show slight evidence of the laser treatment for a week or more. If leg veins are being treated, there may be minor bruising, discoloration, and welting over treatment sites. Larger leg veins may appear bruised for some time after treatment. Full results can take weeks or months to be realized. Plan and schedule treatments accordingly, allowing for healing time and time for your treatment results to evolve to completion. The best times to treat leg veins are in fall, winter, and spring when you are less inclined to wear shorts or be exposed to the sun.
Plan treatments allowing for a period of no sun exposure, vigorous activity, or use of hot tubs, saunas, or spas for 48 hours after treatment.
Post-Treatment
Post-Treatment Instructions:
Avoid Sun Exposure: Wear SPF 30 sunblock for one month after treatment on all treated areas that may be exposed to the sun.
Cold Compresses: Apply cold compresses to reduce redness and swelling.
Contact Us for Concerns: Call us at the first sign of persistent pain or blistering.
Use Support Hose: Wear support hose (20-30 psi) continuously for three to five days after treatment. These can be purchased at a medical supply store or pharmacy.
Gentle Washing of Treatment Area: Wash the treatment area gently twice per day with tepid water and mild soap.
Post-Treatment Restrictions:
Avoid Exercise: Refrain from exercising for three days after treatment.
Avoid Certain Medications: Do not use alcohol, aspirin, Advil, or any blood thinners for five days after treatment.
Avoid Heat Exposure: Avoid hot showers, baths, hot tubs, or saunas for five days after treatment.
Post-Treatment Expectations:
Redness and Swelling: Expect some redness and swelling after treatment, which may convert to a “cat scratch” scab for 8-12 weeks.
Leg Vein Resolution: Leg vein resolution typically takes about 8-12 weeks. At the end of this process, some vessels may be gone while others may be lighter or not affected.