Facial or Truncal Capillaries and Veins - Laser For Veins
Treatment of Facial Veins with the Aura Laser
The Aura laser represents the latest technology in laser for veins treatment and is designed specifically for the treatment of facial spider veins. These veins can cause red discolouration of the cheeks or localised red spots. Other conditions for which the Aura laser for veins may be effective include:
- Small veins on the chest
- Capillary birthmarks
- Brown sunburn freckles
- Pigmented "sunspots"
How does the Aura laser for veins work?
The Aura laser for veins emits a brief pulse of light which is selectively absorbed by red blood cells within the unwanted veins (wavelength 532 nm). This results in destruction of the unwanted veins with minimal effects on the surrounding tissue.
What should I expect from this laser treatment?
Facial veins are very responsive this laser for veins treatment. A good to excellent response after one or two treatments is seen in over 80% of patients. Larger veins are sometimes less responsive and may require adjunctive treatment with micro-sclerotherapy.
Pigmented lesions including “sunburn” freckles and brown age spots are also treatable with the Aura laser. Not all pigmented lesions are suitable for treatment with the Aura laser. Darker lesions are more responsive to treatment. An initial test treatment may be recommended to assess the response of your skin at different laser settings.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients with a small number of veins require only one or two treatments. However, if you have a large number of veins you may need 3 or 4 treatments. Pigmented lesions usually require 2 or 3 treatments.
Are there any adverse effects?
| Your skin will be red at the treated site after laser therapy. This is temporary and usually resolves within 12 to 24 hours. In rare cases, redness may persist for 2 to 4 days | |
| This is usually mild and settles within 2 to 4 days | |
| When treating freckles and pigmented lesions, small areas of crusting or scabbing may occur if intense treatment is required. This is usually mild and clears within 5 to 7 days | |
| Temporary hyperpigmentation (brownish discolouration) may occur but this is uncommon. Normal skin colour usually appears within 6 months. Whitening of the skin (hypopigmentation) at the treated sites is very uncommon with Aura laser but if this occurs it may be permanent | |
| This is possible from any laser treatment, but is very uncommon with Aura laser. Textural change may return to normal but sometimes may be permanent | |
| Laser light can damage the eyes if a pulse of laser light is inadvertently directed towards an eye. To prevent eye injury you will be fitted with special goggles | |
| Your laser for veins treatment is carried out with all due professional care and responsibility. However in some circumstances the desired cosmetic result may not be achieved |
Will the laser treatment hurt?
The Aura laser delivers very brief pulses of light to the skin which causes a mild burning sensation. More discomfort is felt when blood vessels in certain areas are treated including near the eyes and on the nose. Most patients tolerate the laser for veins treatment without the need for any anaesthesia. A cool gel is applied to the skin just before treatment which reduces any discomfort. If large areas are to be treated an anaesthetic cream can be applied to the skin one hour prior to treatment.
Do veins recur after treatment?
Usually the treated veins do not recur. However, if you have a tendency towards veins you will probably develop new veins and may require touch up treatments at a later time.
Lifestyle modification is very important and this includes avoidance of excessive sun exposure, excessive consumption of alcohol, heat (hot baths and showers), hot food and beverages and the use of vitamin E containing creams on the face.
Vascular Laser Therapy
The Aura (KTP 532 nm) laser represents the latest technology in vascular lasers and is designed specifically for the treatment of facial spider veins. These veins can cause red discolouration of the cheeks or localised red spots. This laser is quite effective with minimal side effects. There will be very little to no bruising and some mild redness after the procedure which may last a day or so.
Medicare rebates are applicable in only a small number of patients where the veins are disfiguring and visible from 4 metres. No Medicare rebates are applicable otherwise.
