V-beam

What is light-based therapy (intense pulsed light) and how does it work?   
The pulsed dye laser was designed to rid patients of benign vascular lesions.  The laser delivers an intense but gentle burst of yellow light to the skin.  The light is specifically absorbed by the blood vessels in the dermis.  These blood vessels are coagulated and then reabsorbed by the body during the natural healing process.

Are laser and light-based treatments safe? 
Yes.  In fact, pulsed dye laser treatment is so safe that is has been used successfully for the treatment of port wine stains in infants and young children.  The epidermis is protected during the treatment by a dynamic cooling method which sprays a cooling mist onto the skin before each laser pulse, increasing the patient's comfort.


What will my treatment be like?
You and your practitioner will wear safety glasses to protect your eyes during the procedure. The doctor will use a small handpiece that touches your skin to deliver the light. You may feel a light spray of coolant on your skin before each laser pulse.      

Is the treatment painful?
Some patients may feel a slight discomfort associated with the laser pulse.  This feeling has been described by patients as the snapping of a rubber band on the skin.  This discomfort is minimized by the cooling device.  In addition, for some patients, a topical anesthetic may be used prior to treatment.  Be sure to discuss this with your physician.

What precautions should I take before or after my treatment? 
It is recommended to avoid sun exposure before and throughout the course of treatment.  A sunblock (SFP 30 or above) should be used.  The post-treatment care needed depends on what lesion was treated.  Be sure to discuss this with your physician before treatment.

Are there any adverse side-effects to laser or light-based treatments? 
Side effects may include purpura (a laser bruise), redness, and swelling in the treated area.  These are transient and usually do not last more than a few days.  Permanent side effects such as scarring are rare.

Is my laser or light-based treatment covered by my medical insurance?
Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures. However, consult your practitioner for more information.