Vascular Laser Treatment

What Is Vascular Laser Treatment?

Vascular laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that uses focused light energy to treat visible blood vessels beneath the skin. These lasers target hemoglobin—the pigment in red blood cells—causing the vessel walls to gently heat, collapse, and gradually fade from view as they’re naturally absorbed by the body.

At Metropolis Dermatology, we use two leading laser platforms for vascular concerns:

• DermaV®
  Utilizes a 595nm pulsed-dye laser with integrated cooling, ideal for treating superficial vessels and redness with minimal discomfort.
  
• Clarity II
  Features dual wavelengths (755nm and 1064nm) and customizable settings, making it highly versatile for targeting both superficial and deeper vessels, including leg veins.

Both devices offer precise, customizable treatment options that allow us to safely address a wide range of vascular concerns across various skin types.

What Vascular Conditions Can Be Treated?

Our laser treatments can help reduce or eliminate the appearance of common vascular lesions, including:

• Spider veins (telangiectasias)
  Small red or purple veins near the skin’s surface, often seen on the face and legs.
  
• Facial redness and rosacea
  Chronic redness and visible capillaries commonly found on the cheeks and nose.
  
• Cherry angiomas
  Bright red or burgundy bumps formed by clusters of tiny blood vessels.
  
• Port wine stains
  Vascular birthmarks that appear as deep red or purple patches.
  
• Hemangiomas
  Benign growths made up of excess blood vessels.
  
• Venous lakes
  Dark blue or purple lesions typically found on the lips or ears.

Whether your concern is cosmetic or tied to skin sensitivity, vascular laser treatment offers a safe, effective path toward improvement.

What Conditions Does DermaV® Treat?

DermaV® is highly effective in treating a variety of vascular and pigmented lesions, including:

• Spider veins (telangiectasias)
  Small, visible veins typically found on the face or legs.
  
• Facial redness and rosacea
  Chronic redness and broken blood vessels caused by inflammation.
  
• Cherry angiomas
  Bright red spots formed by clusters of dilated capillaries.
  
• Port wine stains
  Vascular birthmarks that appear as red or purple patches.
  
• Hemangiomas
  Benign growths made up of blood vessels.
  
• Venous lakes
  Dark blue or purple bumps, typically found on the lips or ears.

Because DermaV® can be calibrated for both superficial and deeper vessels, it’s an excellent solution for patients with mild to moderate vascular conditions seeking visible improvement.

How the Treatment Works

Vascular lasers use selective photothermolysis—a method of targeting heat to specific structures in the skin without damaging surrounding tissue. Here’s how the process typically works:

Step 1: Consultation & Assessment

We begin with a detailed skin evaluation to determine which laser system—DermaV® or Clarity II—is best suited for your skin type and vascular concern.

Step 2: Laser Application

Your provider will direct pulses of laser energy onto the targeted vessels. You may feel a slight warmth or snapping sensation, but most patients find the treatment very tolerable thanks to integrated cooling technology.

Step 3: Post-Care Guidance

After your session, some redness or mild swelling is normal and usually resolves within a day or two. You’ll receive instructions for proper aftercare, including sun protection. Each session lasts 30–45 minutes, depending on the area treated, and there is no downtime, so you can return to your day as usual.

What to Expect During Treatment

Step 1: Skin Assessment

Your provider will examine your skin, determine the severity and depth of the vascular lesions, and customize your treatment plan accordingly.

Step 2: Laser Session

During the procedure, the DermaV® laser is passed over the affected area. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild snap or heat on the skin, similar to a rubber band.

Step 3: Post-Care Instructions

Following treatment, you may notice slight redness or swelling in the area. This usually subsides within a day. You’ll be advised to avoid sun exposure and to follow simple at-home care instructions to protect your skin. Each treatment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size and location of the area being treated.

Benefits of Vascular Laser Treatment

Whether using DermaV® or Clarity II, both systems offer a range of shared benefits:

• Non-invasive, no needles or incisions
  
• Quick treatments with minimal discomfort
  
• Precise targeting of problem areas
  
• Safe for most skin tones with customizable settings
  
• Little to no downtime
  
• Progressive results with each session

Our experienced providers will select the device and settings that best match your skin and treatment goals for optimal results.

What to Expect After Treatment

Following vascular laser treatment, it’s common to experience:

• Mild redness or swelling
  Typically resolves within 24–48 hours.
  
• Gradual fading of blood vessels
  Results appear progressively over 1–3 weeks as vessels are reabsorbed.
  
• Minimal disruption to your routine
  Most clients return to regular activities the same day.

We recommend avoiding sun exposure and using broad-spectrum sunscreen post-treatment to protect the skin and enhance your results.

FAQs

What is the best laser for vascular lesions?

Both DermaV® and Clarity II are excellent options for treating vascular concerns. Your provider will determine the best device based on your skin type and the depth of the blood vessels.

Is vascular laser treatment safe for rosacea?

Yes. Vascular lasers can effectively reduce facial redness, broken capillaries, and flushing associated with rosacea, offering long-term relief with minimal downtime.

How long do results last from vascular laser treatment?

Treated vessels are permanently eliminated and won’t return. However, if you’re prone to vascular conditions, new vessels may form over time, and occasional maintenance treatments may be needed.

Does the treatment hurt?

Most patients describe the sensation as a mild snap or heat on the skin. Both DermaV® and Clarity II include built-in cooling to enhance comfort.

Can vascular laser treatments be done on legs?

Yes. Clarity II is particularly effective for targeting deeper leg veins thanks to its 1064nm wavelength, which penetrates more deeply into the skin.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects are typically mild and may include redness, swelling, or slight bruising. These usually resolve within a few days.