All of us have blood vessels on the surface of our face. They are very small and cannot be seen by the naked eye. As time passes, certain genetic and environmental factors cause these veins to enlarge. These include skin type, hormonal factors, sun damaged and the existence of other conditions such as rosacea. Once enlarged these facial veins no longer function normally so there elimination is not just of cosmetic benefit.
Benign Vascular lesions are usually a type of inherited birthmark made up of abnormally enlarged blood vessels. They can appear in many shapes and colors. Red birthmarks, Port Wine Stains and Hemangiomas are all examples of Benign Vascular lesions.
For many years, facial blood vessels and Vascular Lesions were not treatable. Indeed, many people who suffer with these conditions are still not aware that their condition is treatable with Laser or Intense Pulse Light Therapy. Both of these treatments use the principles of “Selective Thermolysis”. Light is emitted from the device, at a frequency that will be selectively absorbed by the blood in the vessels of the lesion. The blood vessel heats up, for only an instant, causing a reaction within the wall of the blood vessel. This causes the blood vessel to close, making it no longer visible.
Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL) is the newest advance in this technology. For men and women, IPL can successfully treat dilated blood vessels and benign vascular lesions without injury to the surrounding skin. More importantly, these results can be achieved with less redness and swelling than with standard Laser technology. Patients leave the office with only a little redness and may return to work the very next day.
Contours MD uses both IPL and Yag laser to treat all facial veins and vascular lesions.
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Questions & Answers
1. How does IPL work?
IPL treats facial veins and vascular lesions by emitting light energy that is absorbed by the blood cells in the veins. In a millisecond the blood in the vein heats up and literally “cooks” the vein from within. This process closes the vein, and the vein is no longer visible. Over the next 3 months the body’s immune system eliminates the vein permanently.
2. How is the 1 PC procedure performed?
A cold gel is usually applied to the areas to be treated and you may be given dark glasses to protect your eyes from the bright light. The smooth glass surface of the IPL handpiece is gently applied to your skin and pulses of light are applied. You may feel a slight sting like the snapping of a small rubber band. An anesthetic cream may be used, but is seldom required. Treatment is generally administered in a series of procedures that provides excellent long-term results, minimal adverse effects and high satisfaction. Each treatment takes about twenty to thirty minutes. A soothing organic masque is applied after the procedure to enhance the experience.
3. Do I have to take time off work?
No. The greatest advantage of IPL over other laser therapy is that there is very little “downtime”. Most patients leave the office with the face a little redder than normal. Similar to the appearance of your face after you exercise. By the next morning the redness is similar to your normal redness. By the end of the week you will start to see some fading of the redness in the veins.
4. How many treatments will I need?
Most patients see good improvement after 2 treatment sessions. Some may require as many as 5 treatment sessions. Sessions are every 4 weeks.
5. Are there any risks associated with IPL?
IPL is very safe. There have been no reported cases of burning or scarring since the introduction of IPL.
6. Can I do anything to prepare for my first treatment?
Yes! Bring any medicine or creams you have been using to your first visit. Your initial consultation at the laser studio is free. If you have a tan on your face you must loose your tan before you can start the treatment. If you have Rosacea , you should already be applying sun screen to your face every morning. If you are not , please start now! Certain medications and vitamins such as ASA, satisfactoriness (Advil®, Motrin®), vitamin E and even red wine may increase the possibility of bruising. Please do not stop important medications on your own without consultation with a physician at Contours MD or your own personal physician.
For more information please arrange a complimentary consultation with
our physician to determine the best recommendation for your particular needs.
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