Versapulse Laser for Unwanted Blood Vessels
Winston-Salem Dermatology and Surgery Center offers a cost effective means of treating unwanted blood vessels on your face.
The Versapulse laser is well established as an excellent treatment option. Port Wine Stains, cherry hemangiomas (red moles), and facial telangiectasias (dilated blood vessels on the face) are some of the lesions commonly treated. Many patients with acne rosacea also have chronically dilated blood vessels on the face and the Versapulse Laser can help decrease the number of these prominent vessels.
Q. Does insurance pay for laser treatment?
A. Laser treatment is usually considered cosmetic and therefore not covered by insurance.
Q. Will I develop more facial blood vessels in the future?
A. If you have a tendency to develop facial blood vessels, you will probably develop more in time. We can do additional laser therapy in the future if needed. Most patients enjoy several years of decreased facial blood vessels before returning for additional treatment.
Q. Is anesthesia is used during a LASER procedure?
A. No anesthesia is needed for the laser treatments. Most of the discomfort feels like a sting or a pin prick and lasts only momentarily. Most laser treatments take less than 15 minutes.
Q. How do I know if laser would work for me?
A. Each patient is seen in consultation with Debbie Adams Hauser MHS, PA-C (please call 336-774-8636 to schedule a consultation) and your individual needs are discussed. If you appear to be a good candidate, a treatment plan will be presented. Laser treatment will be performed on a separate visit. There is a minimal cost for the consultation visit and this fee is applied toward the cost of your first treatment.
Q. What will I experience in the days following laser treatment?
A. Most patients notice a slight stinging after the treatment and some gradual facial redness. We ask that you wear sunscreen and limit the amount of sun exposure you receive. Occasionally, patients will experience slight swelling of the face, especially under the eye. For most patients, these symptoms are gone the following morning. A mild topical steroid cream may be used on the face for the first day. Also, sleeping with the head elevated along with ice packs or bags of frozen green peas can reduce your chances of facial swelling and redness. Some of the blood vessels go away immediately after treatment.
Others may initially become darker due to clotting of the small superficial blood vessels, and then fade after a few days. Rarely, there is slight crusting of a treated area. No dressings are needed. You can resume all normal activities immediately. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for 2-3 days. Touch-up treatments are sometimes required.
Q. When can I go back to work?
A. Most patients who have laser treatment for facial blood vessels can go immediately back to work. You will have some slight swelling, tingling and redness of the face, similar to a windburn. You may bring your makeup with you to the office for reapplication after the procedure.
Q. How should I prepare for the laser treatment?
A. Do not wear any makeup the day of laser treatment. You make take some Tylenol before the treatment if you desire. Also, please bring any facial products you are using, either prescription or over-the-counter. Some products may sting and burn after laser treatment and you may desire to avoid these products for a few days.
Q. What facial products may I use after laser treatment for facial blood vessels?
A. Winston-Salem Dermatology and Surgery Center recommends that you use a gentle cleanser such and Cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer immediately after the laser treatment. Continue to use facial sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
VersaPulse is a registered trademark of Lumenis Inc.