Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for V-Beam?
V-Beam Perfecta laser is ideal for individuals seeking clearer, smoother, younger looking skin. The V-Beam laser is not recommended for patients with darker skin tones. A complimentary consultation is required prior to treatment to ensure that you are a good candidate.
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What is a V-Beam treatment like?
Your laser technician will consult with you prior to your first appointment to identify your skin care concerns. Each treatment can be customized to address your skin’s individual needs. Most patients are reclining or lying down, depending on the area being treated. The laser will be calibrated and parameters set based on the specific condition being treated. Patients often report a warming or tingling sensation during the treatment. During the treatment, skin receives additional protection through the patented Dynamic Cooling Device™ (DCD™), which delivers a cooling burst of cryogen before the laser pulse is delivered. The DCD increases comfort during treatment and minimizes side effects such as redness.
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What Can I Expect to Experience After My Treatment?
Following V-Beam treatment, it is normal to experience mild redness and swelling. It is also possible to experience bruising which may last one to two weeks.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
For those who are looking to obtain a clearer, smoother complexion, we recommend four treatments, spaced four weeks apart. Patients may opt to do monthly maintenance treatments once their desired results have been achieved. When treating veins and cherry angiomas, most patients will see results in one treatment, but two or more may be necessary to obtain the best results.
How does V-Beam work?
The V-Beam Laser, a pulsed-dye laser developed specifically for the treatment of cutaneous vascular disorders, can completely eliminate most facial ‘spider veins’, usually in two to three treatments (large areas of long-standing spider veins may require more treatments), and can reverse the cutaneous manifestations of rosacea as well. In addition, the laser energy pulse delivered by the V-beam has been modified to limit the development of post-treatment bruising (purpura), a problem associated with older pulsed-dye lasers.
The V-Beam laser uses light energy of a wavelength that is specifically absorbed by structures which are reddish or purple in color, i.e. capillaries and small arteries and veins. The V-beam incorporates a Dynamic Cooling Device which sprays the skin with a cooling agent immediately before every laser pulse. This advanced technology both protects the skin from thermal energy and reduces the discomfort previously associated with pulsed-dye laser treatment. The laser pulses are generally described by patients as feeling like ‘a rubber band snapping against the skin’. No anesthesia (topical or otherwise) is required.
While pulsed-dye laser technology has been available for decades, pulsed-dye laser treatment of rosacea and facial telangiectasia was not frequently performed as the laser energy tended to explode superficial blood vessels, producing facial bruising that may persist for several weeks. The V-Beam Laser modulates both the peak energy and the duration of the laser pulse in order to coagulate rather than explode dermal blood vessels, which allows treatments to be performed that produce little or no bruising. This advanced technology makes it possible to achieve significant clearance and even complete elimination of facial redness and spider veins with no ‘downtime’.
Is the V-beam Laser a ‘cure’ for rosacea?
That really depends upon how one defines ‘cure’. If by this one means “can you eliminate the facial redness, flushing and spider veins that I walk into your office with?”, then the answer is YES – we are able to completely eliminate these findings for many of our patients with a series of V-beam laser treatments. However, any individual who has experienced resolution or significant improvement in rosacea following V-beam laser treatment is at risk for recurrence of facial redness and flushing if they do not take steps to avoid the primary risk factor: ultraviolet light (sunlight) exposure.
We strongly recommend that our patients ‘protect their investment’ by using a high-quality, chemical-free sunblock on a daily basis, rain or shine, summer or winter. Hats are also highly recommended in the summer months. Appropriate protection from damaging UV rays can prevent the recurrence of the facial redness and flushing associated with rosacea for most patients.