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Q&A Vascular Lesions
Q: How does the laser work for treating leg veins?
A: Superficial leg veins that appear red rather than purple or blue respond well to the laser. In larger, blue, red or purple veins we find that sclerotherapy (injection of a soapy solution into the vein) may be more effective and less costly. We will be happy to assess the veins and design a treatment plan that may include laser, sclerotherapy or both treatment modalities to remove unwanted leg veins.
After sclerotherapy, support hosiery (included with the treatment fees) must be worn for 48 hours after treatment. After laser, this is not necessary. Moderate activity is fine, but no jogging, aerobic exercise or other extreme activity for 48 hours.
Q: Will my insurance cover laser treatment of vascular lesions?
A: Most cosmetic laser procedures are considered elective surgery by insurance unless there is some medical necessity for the treatment. Some insurance companies will cover some or all of the fees associated with the laser treatment of rosacea, port wine stains and warts. We will be happy to copy your insurance card and send a letter of preauthorization to the insurance company to help you to determine benefits. Payment of fees is due at the time of each treatment and are the responsibility of the patient. Any insurance payments will be reimbursed directly to you from your insurance company. Many patients use their tax-deductible flex plan benefits for cosmetic laser surgery.
Q: How uncomfortable is the laser treatment?
A: Vascular lesion laser treatments are performed in our laser treatment rooms with no anesthetic cream. Patients describe the treatment as feeling like "pin pricks through ice" or "a snap of a rubber band". There is no discomfort after the treatment at all, although some swelling or redness may persist for 24-48 hours.
Q: Will I be able to drive home after my procedure?
Y: Yes. You will experience mild discomfort, mostly a hot feeling if large areas are treated, but you'll be able to drive immediately. If longer healing times may be involved due to bruising, this will be discussed in the initial consult so that plans may be made to accommodate this down time.
Q: Is this treatment permanent?
A: In most treatments of vascular lesions, the laser is destroying blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin causing redness. Some of these vessels are fed by larger feeder vessels too deep to see or too deep for the laser to reach. In this case, new vessels may appear over time and a touch up appointment down the road may be necessary. In the initial consultation, our staff will give you realistic expectations and fees to achieve your goals.
Q: Does the laser work on stretch marks?
A: We wish that we could say absolutely YES,100% !! However, the laser only improves stretch marks that are red in color. Laser treatment will improve the vascularity or red color of the stretch marks and may flatten them a bit. A realistic expectation is that it will improve stretch marks by 50% after about three treatments with the laser. If the scars are already graying, we will advise not beginning laser treatment. There are no sure fixes for stretch marks other than excising the effected skin on the tummy in a tummy tuck procedure.
Q: Do you treat children and at what age?
A: Yes, we treat children and generally, the younger the better. In children with port wine stain birthmarks, the laser is most effective when the skin is the thinnest and minimal vascularization has occurred. Hemangiomas are sometimes treated medically first, when children are young. Dr. Mixter has wealth of experience in treating young children with unusual vascular lesions. We love seeing children and work very hard at making them and you feel comfortable in our practice. If treatment is started in the preschool years, the children are able to avoid the social stigma associated with these birthmarks. |
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