CDC Clinics

Red Vein Removal

Red veins on the face can also present a troublesome cosmetic problem. Although there is a common belief these veins are caused by excessive alcohol intake, this is rarely the case. Red veins are usually inherited, but may also occur in cigarette smokers, women on the oral contraceptive pill, and also as a consequence of sun damage.

Pulsed Light Therapy  - <i>Note: the treatment is the only change that has occurred between these images.</i>
Note: the treatment is the only change that has occurred between these images.

How can red veins be treated

Red facial veins can readily be treated with lasers, no matter what the cause. The early lasers used for this purpose, were slow, painful, and produced only partial improvement. Some early lasers produced so much bruising, that it was difficult to cover with makeup for at least 2 weeks after treatment.

New technology has revolutionized the treatment of facial veins, with the introduction of the PHOTODERM. This light source can treat veins relatively painlessly, thoroughly, and quickly. Unlike the older laser systems there is usually little bruising and scabbing.

How do the Lasers work in removing Facial Veins?

Pulsed Light Therapy  - <i>Note: the treatment is the only change that has occurred between these images.</i>
Note: the treatment is the only change that has occurred between these images.

Lasers produce a yellow light, which is selectively absorbed by the red colour in the veins. The light then destroys the veins selectively, without damaging the normal surrounding skin.

How successful is Laser Treatment of Facial Veins?

Lasers are extremely successful in treating facial veins. Some people may develop new veins after laser treatment, especially smokers.

How many treatments are needed?

Because the PHOTODERM is very thorough, most veins may be treated in the one session. Some people, with many or large veins may require 2-3 treatment sessions.

What preparation is needed before treatment?

Pulsed Light Therapy  - <i>Note: the treatment is the only change that has occurred between these images.</i>
Note: the treatment is the only change that has occurred between these images.

There are no special preparations necessary prior to treatment.

What special precautions are required after treatment?

There are no special requirements after treatment, other than sunscreen, to avoid excessive sun exposure. Makeup may be worn immediately after treatment.

What should I expect after Laser Treatment?

Pulsed Light Therapy - Brown Spot Removal   - <i>Note: the treatment is the only change that has occurred between these images.</i>
Note: the treatment is the only change that has occurred between these images.

After laser treatment, the skin treated will be redder for 1-2 days. Some people will experience mild bruising, which may last for 2-5 days. Occasionally, blistering may occur, but this will resolve spontaneously. The veins will continue to fade for 6-8 weeks after treatment.

Is there much pain associated with Laser Treatment?

There is little pain associated with the PHOTODERM, however it does cause minor discomfort, like a flick of a rubber band.

What are the risks associated with Laser Treatment?

With the improved technology there are very few risks associated with treatment of facial veins, but the following complications may rarely occur:

Pigmentation

This is rare, but may occur if excessive sun exposure occurs after laser treatment.

Scarring

This is very rare, except on the neck.

Infection

Rare.

Recurrence of Facial Veins

This may occur in smokers, and in people taking the oral contraceptive pill. New veins may occur, in those people who have a genetic predisposition to facial veins.

Generally treatment of facial veins is usually a straight forward and a highly successful procedure.

Birth Mark Removal

Birth Mark Removal  - <i>Note: the treatment is the only change that has occurred between these images.</i>
Note: the treatment is the only change that has occurred between these images.

Prior to laser treatment, red birth marks could not be treated, and were a major cosmetic defect for children who were born with these obvious birth marks. Because red birth marks are made up of many small veins, they are treated in the same way as facial veins. Greatly improved laser technology, has revolutionized treatment of these birth marks.

F.A.Q.

How are red birth marks treated?
The PHOTODERM is one of the most successful treatments for birth marks, with a post operative healing time of 5-7 days. Fewer skin treatments are needed compared to the older laser technologies.

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When is the best time to treat red birth marks?
Red birth marks usually become darker and more raised as time progresses, if treatment is not undertaken. Therefore, it is best to treat these birth marks as soon as possible. Babies may be treated safely.

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How many treatments are needed?
The number of skin treatments will depend on the darkness of the birth mark, the darker lesions requiring more treatments. Most people need at least 5 treatments for optimal results. The first 2 or 3 treatments will produce the most dramatic improvements.

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How much lightening of the birth mark may be expected?
Most birth marks will lighten at least 75%, some may lighten by 95%.

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What are the side effects and risks of treatment?
Since birth marks and red veins are treated with the same machine, the side effects and risks are the same as facial veins.

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Red Scars

Lasers are also used for treating red scars that occur after surgery, or following injury. As the yellow light lasers are attracted to the colour red, red scars will absorb the laser beam in the same way as red veins and red birth marks. The result is that red scars may be significantly modified, both in colour and texture.

Red stretch marks

Red stretch marks will also respond to yellow light laser treatment, as the red colour selectively absorbs the laser beam, destroying the small veins, which are responsible for the red colour of the stretch marks. The colour and texture of the stretch marks can be greatly modified. On the other hand white stretch marks will not respond to laser treatment, because there is no colour to absorb the laser beam.