The laser light is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin (bright red blood cells carrying oxygen) and melanin (black or brown pigment found in the skin) causing decomposition or destruction by heat of unwanted cells while leaving healthy cells intact.
What are the benefits of surgery?
The benefits of laser treatment over alternative therapies may include improved therapeutic results precisely controlled surgery which limits injury to normal skin, fewer complications and a safe and effective outpatient, same day surgery for vascular and pigmented lesions.
What is a vascular lesion?
A vascular lesion is formed by abnormally large or numerous blood vessels located directly under the surface of the skin. These vessels may be visible through the skin and may result in a red appearance of the skin.
What is a benign pigmented lesion?
Melanin is the dark pigment present in skin and is produced by melanocytes. Benign pigmented lesions occur when an abundance of melanocytes are found in the skin. Lesions may be flat or slightly raised.
What conditions are treated with the VariLite laser?
Vascular Lesions:
• Facial Telangiectasia – surface veins caused by dilation of capillary vessels or arterioles
• Cherry Angiomas – slightly raised, red lesions
• Spider Angiomas – slightly raised, red spider-like lesions
• Scar Neovascularization – redness that may appear in or around a scar
• Rosacea – red facial lesions around the nose and cheeks causing a sunburn look
• Spider Veins – small, superficial purple or red veins stretching like a web under the skin, often appearing on legs
Benign Pigmented Lesions:
• Lentigines – flat, brown spots on the skin: present on skin with frequent sun exposure
• Freckles – brown spots on the skin; common on people with fair skin
• Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra – small black raised benign lesions seen primarily on people of Asian or African descent
Cutaneous Lesions:
• Keratoses – slightly elevated benign pigmented lesions often found on the back and hands
• Warts – skin-colored growths caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin.
What should a patient expect during treatment?
Treatment may vary depending upon patient characteristics and the area being treated. An individual treatment program will be developed by your physician. Treatment sessions typically take 10-15 minutes. Patients are advised to remove make-up in the treatment area and to avoid tanning prior to scheduling a treatment.
You will be asked to wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the intense beam of laser light. The doctor will use a pen-like handpiece to direct a beam of laser light to the lesion. Some patients report feeling a slight stinging sensation during treatment so a cooling gel or system may be used to help alleviate any discomfort.
What should a patient expect after treatment?
Some redness may occur in the treatment area immediately following treatment; however, it should subside within several hours. Some swelling may also be experienced and will go away in 1-2 days. Unlike older technologies, VariLite treatment will not cause any purple skin discoloration or bruised appearance to the treated skin.
Postoperative care is minimal. Your doctor may ask you to use anti-bacterial ointment on the treated area for a short period of time and will suggest that you stay out of the sun during the healing process.
Final treatment results should be evident 10-14 days after treatment for vascular lesions and within 2-3 weeks after treatment for benign pigmented lesions. In the meantime, normal activities can be resumed with only a slight redness evident at the treatment area.
How will I know if laser treatment is right for me?
Ask your doctor. After a brief examination, your doctor will determine if laser treatment is appropriate for you.
Do I need to schedule an appointment?
Since treatment only takes a few minutes, your physician may be able to perform the procedure today. Ask your doctor for details.
Call today for a free consultation (770) 972-4845. www.gwinnettdermatology.com
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