Intense Pulsed Light offers a breakthrough for thread veins and permanent red flushing as it can effectively and quickly remove veins that are too small for other removal techniques.
How does the treatment work?
The intense pulsed light releases precisely controlled short pulses of filtered light that are absorbed by the blood vessel, heating it to a point where it is destroyed. Following treatment the vessels quickly clear and are reabsorbed by the body, leaving little or no trace of the original lesion.
Diag vessels being treated and before and after shots
a) Veins lying too close to the skin surface cause red lesions
b) The vessel absorbs the light and is heated
c) The vessel is destroyed and quickly clears
Which types of veins can be treated?
Most red skin lesions including facial thread veins, rosacea and spider naevi can be treated. For deeper, thicker veins that can appear around the nose or on the legs, laser treatment should be used.
Am I suitable for treatment?
The fairer the skin, the easier the treatment. The best response is seen with small tread veins, spider naevi and rosacea. If there are any areas of broken skin, treatment has to be delayed until the area has completely healed.
How is the treatment carried out?
You will be asked to put on goggles to protect your eyes. In Intense Light treatments, a layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to guide light into the skin. The area may be cooled to increase comfort during treatment. The light applicator is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area cooled.
Treatments typically take from 15 – 45 minutes, depending on the type and size of lesion.
 |
 |
| Before Treatment | After Treatment |
How does the treatment feel?
No anaesthesia is required and most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable. Sensations vary but most describe it as a very quick hot pin prick.
What will I see after the treatment?
After treatment the area may feel warm for a few hours. Rarely some delicate skin areas such as on the cheeks or décolleté could be red and slightly swollen for up to 48 hours. The vessels should fade quickly and you may notice that some have disappeared immediately. Very rarely the skin may become lighter or darker, or a small blister may form.
Aftercare
Aloe Vera gel is recommended to soothe any treated area.
Sun avoidance is essential. Do not expose the skin to UV (sun exposure or tanning beds) for at least 4 weeks following treatment. Daily use of a high factor, broad spectrum sun block SPF 30+ is strongly advised.
Don’t use bleaching creams or perfumed products for 24 hours.
Avoid hot baths, showers, saunas or steam rooms for 24 hours.
How many treatments are necessary?
The number of treatments will depend on the type and size of the vascular lesion, but typically 1 – 3 treatments will be needed. Treatments should take place approximately every 4 – 6 weeks.
 |
 |
| Before Treatment | After Treatment |
 |
 |
| Before Treatment | After Treatment |
Daily use of a high factor, broad spectrum sun block SPF30+ is strongly recommended.
