Laser Vein and Pigment Removal London

Laser Vein and Pigmentation Removal London

Lasers and microdermabrasion have been effectively used in the treatment of a variety of skin problems and for hair removal. It is also very helpful in eliminating pigmentation caused due to a variety of vascular lesions (arising out of the blood vessels) by employing use of appropriate laser treatment on the veins or blood vessels that are causing the problem.

Please read my previous posts on laser hair removal in Sheffield, Cellulite Removal and Hirsutism and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, if you want to read about some background information.

Some of the pigmentation and vein problems that it has helped overcome include port wine stains, scars, birthmarks, spider veins, rosacea (rashes), stretch marks, freckles, tattoos, etc.

Let us now understand more about how laser treatment is employed for the elimination or reduction of problems arising from skin pigmentation or vascular problems.

Mechanism of Action of Lasers

Different laser light sources work at different wavelengths. Depending on the wavelength, the penetration of the laser light sources will differ. So, based on the type of lesion that the laser has to treat or the depth to which the beam has to penetrate to reach the area of treatment, the appropriate laser light source is selected by the treating physician.

The light source is applied against the skin surface and the beam penetrates the area of the skin to reach the area to be treated. The basic mechanism of action of lasers is based on absorption of the laser light source by the destination target known as chromophores. In the treatment of skin and hair problems, the destination chromophore is a pigment found in the skin called as melanin and in treating vein disorders and other blood vessel problems, the destination chromophore is oxyhemoglobin (that portion of hemoglobin that carries oxygen to the various parts of the body).

When the light source reaches the destination chromophore it gets absorbed by it and the light energy gets converted into heat energy. This heat energy causes the necessary destruction of the target areas and thus brings about the desired effect.

Different Types of Lasers Used for Treatment of Vein and Pigmentation

A variety of lasers are used for treating vein and pigmentation problems. Depending on the penetration required, different laser light sources are used. The laser light sources used in the past utilized continuous wave to perform its functions. This continuous wave light source had the potential to cause increased trauma to the target blood vessels causing a higher degree of side effects.

But, these days pulsed lasers are used along with other improved mechanisms like cooling and longer duration of pulses resulting in better degree of results achieved as well as helping in reducing the number of side effects that are seen following the procedure.

One of the first type of lasers used to treat vein and pigmentation treatment was the argon laser with a wavelength of 488-514nm. This utilizes a continuous wave and has some amount of untoward effects on the skin as it has a short wavelength, especially in people with dark skin. The results obtained too were not of the quality that can be achieved by other lasers and is now not preferred for use in treating vein and pigmentations.

Apart from this, we have the argon pump dye laser that operates at a wavelength between 488 to 638nm and uses pulsed waves rather than continuous waves and can target hemoglobin in blood vessels. Then there are other laser systems like the copper vapor, copper bromide lasers, krypton lasers, etc which are pulsed lasers that are very effective when used against bigger blood vessels.

The Nd:YAG laser operates at a wavelength of 1064 nm and is very effective against vein and blood vessel problems that occur in small or medium sized blood vessels. Due to the longer wavelength of these lasers, they have better penetration into the deeper areas and reach the target destinations better. So, the occurrence of untoward side effects is totally minimized when this laser system is used.

The Laser Treatment Procedure

The area to be treated with the laser system will be anesthetized by using topical anesthetic creams or by use of a spray. It is mandatory for everyone in the treatment room to wear protective eye glasses as the laser light can cause damage to the eyes as there is a high concentration of melanin in the eyes that can absorb the laser light.

The operating physician will direct the laser light source onto the area that is necessary to be treated using a light source that has the optimal wavelength to treat that particular kind of vein or pigmentation. Even though the area has been numbed by the anesthetic solution, it is still likely that the person can feel some amount of mild sensations like a bee sting or a burning sensation when the treatment procedure is being undertaken.

Following the treatment provided for a particular period of time, a compress or an ice pack could be provided to the treated area to minimize swelling and redness and to prevent other side effects from occurring. Some topical applicants might be prescribed for the person to apply to the treated area to promote healing.

A single session of treatment is not enough usually to treat and reduce the condition for which laser treatment is being provided completely. So, a number of follow up visits might be planned and schedules should be followed correctly to obtain optimal results out of the procedure.

Side Effects of Laser vein and Pigment Removal in London

It is possible that some side effects might be seen following the procedure. Most of these side effects seen are temporary and will disappear after some time after the treatment is completed. But, in some people permanent side effects might occur and the most common of these are hypopigmentation or the occurrence of scars.

Though the results seen out of the procedure is quite good, there is always the possibility of occurrence of fresh lesions that might need fresh treatment with lasers.

As we have seen, lasers have been widely used and are quite effective in correction of vein and pigmentation problems. The technology advancements and operator experience has vastly reduced the occurrence of side effects and has made them minimal thus improving the benefits that one gains from undertaking the procedure.

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