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Removal of Birthmarks, Vascular Lesions, Warts and Stretch Marks
with the Pulsed Dye Laser (V-BeamTM)
The Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) is a revolutionary cutaneous laser system that is designed to permanently remove or greatly reduce the appearance of embarrassing blemishes. The laser emits powerful pulses of light which are absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood. When this light energy is absorbed, it is converted into heat. This heat coagulates the
abnormal vessels and the blemish gradually fades away. Many patients remark that the laser treatment feels like a series of rubber band snaps to the skin. Therefore, treatment usually requires little or no anesthesia.
Following treatment, you may notice a darkening of the treated area similar to a bruise. This is normal and is called
purpura. It is an indication that the laser energy was effective in removing the blemish. Clearing of this purpuric response will begin within 48 hours after treatment and usually disappears within two weeks.
Outstanding results have been reported on a wide range of blemishes including: port-wine hemangiomas, warts,
telangiectasia, and stretch marks. It also greatly improves the appearance of traumatic or post-surgical scars and stretch marks. With the Pulsed Dye Laser there is no need to suffer from the embarrassment of nature’s unsightly blemishes anymore.
Designed for Port-Wine Birthmark Removal
The PDL was originally designed for the removal of benign vascular lesions like port-wine birthmarks. These lesions are present at birth and usually occur on the face and neck. If untreated, the port-wine birthmarks can deepen in color and increase in size and depth with age. There are two phases to laser treatment. The first appointment determines the proper laser energy to clear the lesion. This involves a test consisting of several laser pulses with different energy densities. At your next appointment, the test sites will be evaluated to determine the proper energy setting for your skin type. The first of several treatment sessions will then begin. It is important to note that lasers do not always eliminate port-wine birthmarks completely. In about 25% of patients, laser therapy will completely clear the lesion, while 70% will result in a dramatic improvement. For reasons that are not well understood, a small number of patients will not respond to laser treatment at all.
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Outstanding Results with Hemangiomas
Hemangiomas are vascular malformations which are similar in appearance to port-wine birthmarks. The majority occur in infants and young children with most lesions disappearing completely by age 7. While most of these lesions are
superficial, hemangiomas often spread rapidly, causing considerable mental anguish to patients and their families. On occasion, hemangiomas can be present internally and can promote life-threatening results if they interfere with the function of vital organs. Therefore, it is important that the nature of the lesion be determined immediately. Laser treatment should be given as early as possible to arrest the progression of superficial hemangiomas.
EffectiveTreatment for Warts
Treatment works by the selective absorption of the laser energy by the blood vessels that feed the wart. The treatment area then separates from the deeper skin and the wart gradually falls off.
New Treatment for Telangiectasia
The IPL or V-BeamTM laser is a new treatment for facial spider veins located on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.
Dramatic Treatment for Traumatic or Post-Surgical Scars
Raised or hypertrophic scars which are the result of traumatic injury, surgery or radiation therapy are often associated with numerous unpleasant side effects. These include pain, burning, tingling, and intense itching within the scar itself. Not only does laser treatment significantly reduce the height and redness of scars, it actually improves the pliability of the scar and alleviates painful symptoms. While results vary with the age and severity of the scar, prompt treatment returns the skin to its normal color and texture in about one month.
A Successful Treatment for Stretch Marks
The options available for the repair of stretch marks were limited until physicians began using the IPL or V-BeamTM and
observing remarkable results. Like other forms of dermal scarring, stretch marks originating from pregnancy, rapid weight gain, or mechanical stress, respond well to laser treatment. The result is a dramatically improved revision and softening of the skin.
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