Treating varicosities with vascular laser
Some areas of our body can become a real rainbow…! Red, blue or green, the superficial capillaries in the skin commonly referred to as telangiectasias clutter our beauty capital! This is even more pronounced when the skin is very fair or even transparent. It then becomes difficult to conceal them unless opting for vascular laser treatment. Let’s take a closer look!
What is a telangiectasia?
Telangiectasias are small, unsightly superficial capillaries that are red, blue, or green. They can appear anywhere on the body and often pose a significant aesthetic concern. They may stem from vascular insufficiency, contraceptive use, sun exposure, age, or even heredity. Telangiectasias can sometimes appear on the face, neck, or lower back. They are common and even more so in women than in men before the age of 50.
Telangiectasias can develop in isolation or in clusters, and in such cases, they are often fed by a more dilated vein. To no longer suffer from daily complexes and finally dare to wear skirts, vascular laser treatment may be your ideal solution.
How to treat telangiectasias?
Telangiectasias are treated using vascular laser. It emits a beam of light that targets the telangiectasias to be treated without damaging the surrounding tissues. This is referred to as selective photo-coagulation. The blood contained in the telangiectasias is coagulated. The vessel gets blocked and ceases to function, hence its darker hue. It will naturally disappear after being digested by the immune system over a few weeks.
The initial consultation allows the doctor to answer all your questions and to check for any potential contraindications to vascular treatments. A clinical examination will be performed, and sometimes even a laser test to familiarise you with the treatment and assess the reaction on your skin. A reflection period will allow you to make your decision regarding the treatment.
How does a session unfold?
To start the session, your makeup will be removed, and your skin will be disinfected using an antiseptic solution. The sensation of the laser varies from one patient to another and differs depending on the treated areas. At the end of each session, a healing and hydrating cream will be applied to the skin. It will be necessary to keep yourself hydrated for a few days and to avoid sun exposure for about ten days.
Generally, 2 to 3 treatments will be required, and the results will be visible after 4 to 6 weeks. The duration of the treatment ranges from 10 to 40 minutes depending on the area being treated. The number of sessions will be specified by the doctor based on the area that needs treatment, as well as the characteristics of the skin and vessels.
Are there any contraindications to anticipate?
Vascular laser treatment is not recommended in various cases: when the skin is tanned or following recent sun exposure. Likewise, it is not advisable during pregnancy or if you are taking photosensitising medications.
After the session, it is imperative to avoid the sun for at least 15 days to prevent brown spots from appearing. Sunscreen is recommended during the month following the session.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself and eliminate all those little imperfections that hinder your daily life!