VBeam Frequently Asked Questions

Close This Window


Why should I have a vascular lesion treated?

Many people are uncomfortable with unsightly vascular lesions. With a means of treatment as safe and effective as the Candela laser, there is simply no reason to live with this problem. Furthermore, young children or infants can be treated before they are subjected to the psychological as well as physical trauma that may be associated with a vascular lesion.
Back to top

What conditions are treated with the laser?

  • Telangiectasias or facial spider veins.
  • Rosacea (red facial lesions) -- affecting the skin of the face around the nose and cheeks causing a blush or sunburned look.
  • Angiomas - Small red "spots" which may be slightly raised or just beneath the surface of the skin.
  • Port Wine Stain / red birthmarks, and strawberry hemangiomas -- red lesions that grow rapidly after birth and may impair the function of another organ.
  • Warts -- small benign growths in the skin that usually appear on the hands, feet or female genitalia, within the vagina, or on the cervix.
  • Scars -- Red raised scars that are often caused by surgery, trauma, or burns.
  • Stretch Marks -- frequently appearing after pregnancy over the stomach, thighs, buttocks, breasts, shoulders, and lower back.

Back to top

 

Can the laser help me with my leg veins?

The majority of patients seeking treatment for removal of leg veins are for cosmetic reasons. Most are uncomfortable with the appearance of these veins during the warmer months when shorts and skirts are worn.
The laser treats telangiectasia (or "spider veins"), usually less than 1 millimeter and commonly seen on the legs. The exact origin of the disorder is unknown but reports have shown that pregnancy, hormonal changes, weight gain, leg injury or prolonged standing may influence the occurrence.
Back to top

 

Are there other methods used to treat leg veins?

The most common therapy used to treat leg veins is sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves needle injections of sclerosing agents -- such as saline -- into the vessels to be removed. Side effects may include hyperpigmentation and telangiectatic matting.
Back to top

 


What does the laser treatment include?

Treatment with the laser will vary from patient to patient, depending on the age, size and type of lesion, the color of the patient's skin and depth to which the lesion extends beneath the skin's surface, but here are some general facts about the treatment:

  • Safety eyewear to protect the patient's eyes from the intense laser light during the procedure.
  • A small hand piece or "wand" will be used by the physician to deliver the laser energy to the skin.

The patient will experience some discomfort at the treated site. It is often described as a rubber band snapping against the skin. The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending upon his/her pain threshold. Most patients do not require anesthesia, though in some cases, depending on the location and nature of the lesion, the physician may elect to use some form of anesthesia.
Back to top

 

What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?

Immediately following treatment, the area may be slightly swollen, sensitive or may feel warm. Recommended post-operative care includes:

  • avoiding sun exposure or tanning
  • applying ice for discomfort
  • applying topical antibiotic cream or ointment.

Back to top

 


How does the laser work and why is it a safe treatment?

The laser produces an intense but gentle burst of laser light that passes harmlessly through the skin and is selectively absorbed by the vessel. The light produced by the laser generates heat within the vessel, destroying it without causing thermal injury to any of the surrounding tissue.
Back to top

 

Are there any side effects with the laser treatment?

Patients will experience some temporary discoloration or reddening of the skin around the treatment site. Some patients may experience hypo- or hyperpigmentation response or increase of pigment color. The skin will typically return to normal pigmentation over time.
Back to top

 

What does treatment involve?

Treatment with the laser will vary from patient to patient, but here are some general facts about the treatment:

  • Safety eyewear to protect the patient's eyes from the intense laser light during the procedure.
  • A small handpiece or "wand" will be used by the physician to deliver the laser energy to the skin.

The patient will experience some discomfort at the treated site. It is often described as a rubber band snapping against the skin.
Back to top

 


Will my insurance cover treatment?

Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures; however, consult your insurance carrier for more information.
Back to top