 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
| Vascular Lesion Lasers |
When we speak of vascular lesions we refer mainly to the following conditions:
Port Wine Stain
Hemangioma
Spider Angioma
Facial Telangectasias
Rosacea
Venous Lakes
Poikiloderma of Civatte
Warts
Erythematous Scars
Pyogenic Granuloma
Some Leg Veins
Stetch Marks |
| |
| Port Wine Stain |
| |
 |  |
|
| Before | After |
| |
| Rosacea |
| |
 |  |
|
| Before | After |
| |
Vascular Lesion Treatment Considerations
At Laser Centers of Wisconsin, two vascular lasers and one light source is used to erase unwanted vessels. The VersaPulse Aesthetic Laser is used to erase unwanted vessels such as: facial veins, some leg veins, spider angiomas, rosacea, stretch marks and warts. Our doctor has chosen VersaPulse laser because it is effective in destroying red blood cells without causing bruising post operatively. A gentle chill tip makes the treatment less uncomfortable and improves side effects. After a laser treatment, some redness and swelling may persist for 24-48 hours. Generally a series of 1-3 treatments is recommended to remove unwanted blood vessels. There is no after treatment bruising and patients can resume normal daily activities immediately.
Dr. Mixter prefers to use the Sclerolaser by Candela to treat young children with port wine stain birthmarks. The Sclerolaser offers a choice of three different wavelengths and uses a cool spray after each pulse. Most laser procedures on young children are performed under general sedation at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee. Dr. Mixter begins laser treatment on babies beginning at the age of one month old and achieves the best results in reducing the color in port wine stains long term. Older children and adult patients being treated for port wine stain birthmarks may be treated in our office laser suite.
We use the Este Lux Intense Pulsed Light source for treatment of angiomas, rosacea, photorejuvenation facial vessels and acne.
Vascular Lesions
Lasers Used: VersaPulse Asthetic Laser-532nm, Pulsed Dye Laser-585nm, Sclerolaser-585nm, 590nm,595nm, Este Lux Instense Pulsed Light Source.
Treatments: Red vessels may require 1-3 treatments if it a superficial vascular lesion (facial veins, rosacea, leg veins, spider angioma ) or 4-12 treatments in a port wine stain birthmark.
Post operative treatment: Most of the above lasers cause some purpura or bruising. The 532nm or 510nm VersaPulse C Aesthetic laser does not cause bruising post operatively and is used whenever possible. Typically an antibiotic ointment or aloe vera gel is applied twice daily until healing 7-10 days. Caution with sun exposure post operatively.
Side Effects: Temporary hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation (lightening or darkening of the skin), incomplete clearing, and infection, slight chance of scarring if not treated. These side effects are less than 5% in most fair skinned patients. Some mild irregularity in skin tone may result if large areas of vascularity are treated.
Realistic Expectations: A lightening or clearing of the vessels or reddened area. May expect incomplete clearing if lesion is deeper, as in port wine stain. Excellent results in facial veins, rosacea, spider angiomas, warts.
Fees: Fees are based upon the time involved in laser treatments. A total fee is quoted at the time of the free consultation and includes all pre and post operative physician visits, laser procedures and post op kit.
Generally, a test spot will be recommended in-patients with darker skin tones. Test spots will be performed in inconspicuous locations near the vascular lesion itself. Two to three fluences will be tested and marked. A photograph of the test areas will help to interpret clinical results on the postoperative visit. This information is necessary in planning treatment parameters and to ensure effective treatment without unnecessary side effects.
Some other considerations and precautions in treating with vascular lesion lasers are:
1. Photosensitivity (patients with recent sun exposure)
2. Taking photosensitive medications such as Minocycline or Tetracycline
3. Taking anticoagulants (aspirin, Vitamin E, ginko, coumadin)
4. Seizure disorders triggered by light
5. History of herpes (antiviral meds can be given pre operatively to prevent outbreak)
Upon initial consultation, a treatment plan will be given with complete costs of physician visit, laser treatments and post operative laser care kit. |
|
|
