Vascular Laser - Excel V Laser
Vascular laser is effective in treatment of rosacea/broken blood vessels, cherry angiomas, venous lakes, port wine stains, and decreasing redness in scars.
Spider, Red Spots, and Cherry Angiomas
These are small reddish lesions on the skin that may or may not blanch with pressure and are cosmetically upsetting but totally benign. They can easily be treated with a vascular laser that emits a specific wavelength which is absorbed by the blood in the angioma and over a period of 4-6 weeks results in resolution of these lesions. Cost of treating these is generally in the range of $300-$600 per treatment depending upon the number of lesions.
Broken Blood Vessels
A common location to see broken blood vessels is on the sides of the nose but they may also be seen on the cheeks and chin regions and virtually anywhere on the face. They serve no specific purpose and are simply a sign of increasing age, sun damage and quite often a sign of rosacea. The vascular laser targets the blood vessels resulting in the gradual elimination of veins and decrease in overall redness. Typically 3-4 treatments are required to bring about 50%improvement. In more moderate to severe cases, you may require 5-6 treatments. Unfortunately, there is no cure for rosacea but we can improve it significantly. Maintenance treatment is required typically once/year to keep rosacea under control. Cost varies according to the area treated, but for the face it is $450 per treatment.
Venous Lakes
These are typically seen on the lip regions and occur as one ages. They are completely benign and with time will gradually increase in size. Treatment with a vascular laser will target the “broken” vein and cause its disappearance over a period of 4-6 weeks. Small venous lakes typically require 1 treatment, whereas some larger lesions may require 2-3 treatments. Treatment with laser is the simplest, easiest, and least painful way to eliminate these lesions. Cost is usually $300 per treatment.
Leg Veins
The Excel V Vascular laser is an easy effective and non-invasive way to treat the small purplish spider veins on the legs. The laser is a focused beam of light that heats up and destroys the affected veins. This does not damage the skin or surrounding tissue. After laser therapy it generally takes 2-6 weeks for total healing from the treatment. May require 3-5 sessions to achieve optimal results.Cost is $450 per treatment.
Port Wine Stains
Currently the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI cover the costs of laser treatments of Port Wine Stains if they involve the face, neck or exposed aspects of the hand. If seeking treatment for this problem, ask your family doctor to send a consultation letter to our office. (Fax number: 902-425-8527)
How It Works
The laser spot removal procedure varies depending on what is being treated and which laser or light system is being used. The Erbium laser is used to precisely remove protruding moles. The Gemini Laser is useful in the treatment of blood vessels and also to treat red and blue spots, including cherry spots and venous lakes. The Lumenis system utilizes IPL technology to treat a combination of red and brown discoloration simultaneously.
Red Scars
The vascular laser can also be used to decrease the redness that is seen in many scars whether they be from acne, trauma, or surgery.