V-Beam Laser for Vascular Lesions

The vascular lesion laser was specifically designed to treat blood vessel disorders including hemangiomas, port wine stains, telangiectasias and angiomas. The laser destroys blood vessels while leaving the top layer of the skin intact. Blood vessels on the lower legs take a longer time to respond to treatment and dark blue vessels do not respond at all. This laser is also used to treat warts, which are very vascular.

The skin immediately turns gray to purple and resembles a bruise. This color disappears over a 1 to 2 week period. Most patients do not require any post-treatment wound care and can wear make-up a few days following the procedure if desired. It is important that the make-up be removed gently.

If you develop a crust following the treatment, do not wear make-up. Cleanse the wound twice daily with mild soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin or Bacitracin 1 to 2 times daily.

The laser surgery is performed in the New Milford office.

The most common side effect is a temporary discoloration of the skin which is a result of inflammation caused by destroying the blood vessels. This resolves within several months after treatment. A risk of scarring also exists, but is very small.

This procedure is almost always cosmetic in nature and therefore, not covered by insurance. In rare instances if a lesion is growing rapidly or bleeding, your insurance may cover the procedure. However, patients are ultimately responsible for paying for this treatment.

Avoid taking medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve, Motrin, etc.) for 1 week prior to the laser treatment. If you are taking anticoagulants such as Coumadin or have a blood clotting disorder, please tell the physician. You should also avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks before the treatment.

Once the discoloration from the treatment has disappeared, wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher over the treated area for a period of 1 to 2 month.