Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the YAG laser?

A: It is a laser which is uniquely combined with our Intense Pulse light of patented technologies, offers an ideal solution for all types of vascular conditions including deeper leg veins. Our 1064nm Intense Pulse Laser is well suited to address both the dynamics of hydrostatic pressure and the complexity of the vessels that are resistant to conventional laser or injection therapy. This high energy laser light penetrates tissues to the level where these hard to find veins are located. This energy is specific enough to treat these vessels without affecting the melanin (the pigment affecting skin color) or surrounding tissues. This technology therefore can treat, successfully, both light and dark skinned individuals.

Q: What conditions can the YAG laser treat?

A: The YAG laser is used to eliminate, alleviate or soften the appearance of the redness in acquired or congenital vascular lesions. Acquired vascular lesions are caused by increased pressure in the venous vascular system causing dilated or malformed vessels, often with a genetic predisposition. Congenital vascular lesions are those patients are usually born with. Congenital lesions tend to grow and change with time, 60% are on the head and neck, 25% occur on the trunk and 14% on the extremities.

Conditions treated by the YAG laser include telengectasias, leg veins, red scars, Port Wine Stains, dilated vessels and hemangiomas.

Q: What does the procedure feel like?

A: A pulse of laser may feel like a small pinch, similar to a rubber band snap. The entire course is brief, well tolerated and non-invasive-no needles used at any time. On a scale of 1-10 the discomfort of the procedure is rated a 3 or 4.

Q: What should I do to prepare for the procedure?

A: Patients must stop smoking for 2 to 3 weeks prior to the procedure. Prolonged sun exposure must be avoided for 4 weeks prior to procedure.

Q: What can I expect during the treatment?

A: The smooth surface of the YAG IPL hand piece will be applied gently to your skin as pulses of the laser light are administered. The non-invasive laser light will travel to your skin and is absorbed by the blood in the vein. The light energy is concerted to thermal heat and this coagulates blood and therefore destroys the function of the vein. Over time the vein is reabsorbed into the body and is no longer visible.

Q: What can I expect after the procedure?

A:Patients can return to daily activities immediately after the procedure. Side effects and complications include swelling, bruising, pigment changes (skin color dependant), blistering or superficial erosions and very rare scarring. Rare occurrences of scarring are usually associate with delayed healing due to infections or inadequate blood supply for this reason these patients should delay treatment until recovery from these ailments.

Q: How long will it take for the unwanted vessels to be effectively treated?

A: It can take as long as 4 to 8 weeks for vessels to reabsorb. Many leg veins may need multiple treatments over a few months before the effect is complete. It may take from 2 to 5 treatments for complete resolution of unwanted vessels. Darker skinned individuals may require more treatments.

Q: What are the alternative treatment for vascular therapy?

A: Sclerotherapy has been used in the past but commonly results in hyperpigmentation, skin necrosis and hemosiderin stains (red dots). Side effects of vascular therapy using our laser and light treatments are rare. In fact, our laser and light treatments can be used to treat the adverse effects of sclerotherapy.