Laser and IPL treatments for thread veins
Many of us suffer from those unsightly purply/red thread veins
on our legs, but now Laser/IPL provides a very effective treatment
for this problem. It has largely replaced sclerotherapy, where
needles are inserted into the veins, and an irritant liquid is
injected. This can be painful, slow, and can leave staining of the
skin. The Laser/IPL system uses no needles, is fast, and has the
added advantage of treating the deeper blue veins often visible on
pale skin, up to a diameter of 4 millimetres in size.
What is Laser/IPL?
The Laser/IPL system that we currently use has two different
light technologies, and is called Quantum, by Lumenis. The IPL
(Intense Pulsed Light) is often used to treat more superficial
smaller cluster of thread veins, on the legs, face and chest, and
the Laser arm is used to treat the larger blue veins. However, both
types of treatment are often combined, to achieve the best result.
The light produced by both sources is concentrated in the target
veins, and converted to heat energy, which coagulates the contents
of the veins, which causes the temporary darker appearance. This is
then absorbed by the body's natural processes, causing the veins to
fade, which takes between
2-3 weeks.
What should I expect after treatment?
The veins will darken after treatment, which is normal, and
resolves over 2-3 weeks, when an improvement should be seen.
Occasionally, when dense areas of veins are treated, there can be
some temporary bruising, which resolves in a week or two. In our
experience, there is little or no discomfort after treatment, but
we always provide clients with an ice pack, to cool any treated
areas that may feel warm for an hour or two. We advise clients to
avoid very hot conditions, such as saunas/ hot showers/baths for
the rest of the day after treatment. It is important to avoid
suntan/sunbeds on the treatment area before, during, and for 3-4
weeks after treatments have finished, and to use high SPF factor
suncream daily on those areas, if exposed to the sun.
How often do the treatments take place?
Treatments take place at 4 weekly intervals, and usually more
than one treatment is necessary to achieve optimum results.
However, treatments are priced individually, so clients can stop
when they feel happy with the results. We provide the fourth
treatment free of charge, if needed.
Is there anything before treatment that I can do?
Yes! It is very important that the area to be treated is not
tanned, and to avoid artificial suntanning cream, unless it can be
completely wiped off prior to treatment. This includes avoidance of
sunbeds, and preferably using high SPF factor suncream daily and/or
covering the area with clothing if possible. If tanned skin is
treated with Laser/IPL, the light is absorbed excessively by the
surrounding tanned skin, and can lead to complications such as
burning/increased/decreased pigmentation. We are very careful not
to treat tanned skin for this reason.
What are the advantages of Laser; Nd:YAG technology?
The Laser technology provides multiple synchronized pulsing to
selectively heat blood vessels of different sizes and depths. The
wavelength of light and pulsing characteristics of the system allow
the energy to be virtually invisible to the epidermal melanin, thus
protecting the skin and allowing treatment of all skin types and
tanned skin. Normally only a few pulses of the laser are required
to achieve complete closure and sealing of the vessels. The
sapphire cooled Nd: YAG treatment head, available in the IPL
Quantum DL increases patient comfort. The spot size of the Nd: YAG
head allows accurate targeting of broken vessels, thread veins
anywhere on the body including larger telangiectasia, (broken
veins) on the face.
How do I find the right Practitioner?
Always ensure that the clinic is registered and approved by the
Healthcare Commission. Clinic inspection reports are available to
view at www.healthcarecommission.org.uk. Ensure that
only experienced qualified Doctors and Nurses carry out the
treatment.
Read Frequently Asked Questions
about Laser Treatments
Testimonials
I would like to say how happy I am with my hands now that you
have got rid of all the dark 'old lady' spots. Thank you so
much.
I was very nervous about embarking on laser treatments and
researched which clinic to go to very thoroughly. After I read your
Healthcare Commission report I booked in with you. I have to say
that I have not been disappointed. Your professionalism and
personal approach put me at ease and I am thrilled with the results
- no more unsightly veins or hair. Thank you.
|
Miss O, St Osaphs, Essex