Vbeam® Perfecta Laser
The Vbeam® Perfecta Laser (Vbeam®) is a pulsed dye laser that produces an intense, but gentle burst of light that selectively destroys vascular lesions in the skin while leaving the surrounding tissue intact.
What is a vascular lesion?
Any growth in the skin containing a collection of blood vessels which appears red or purple/blue in color.
What types of lesions can the Vbeam® treat?
- Angiomas (Cherry Red Dots)
- Facial veins
- Raised or red scars
- Sun damaged skin with broken capillaries
- Red birthmarks
- Port Wine Stain birthmarks
- Active acne & rosacea
- Red acne scars
- Warts
- Psoriasis
- Red Stretch Marks
Are there other skin problems the Vbeam® can treat?
Yes, by using different settings the Vbeam can also safely treat brown spots, superficial scars, dilated pores and fine lines.
How many treatments should I expect?
The color, location, size and depth of the vascular lesion will all determine the number of treatments needed. Cherry red angiomas often clear with 1 treatment while broken capillaries on the face may require 1–3 treatment sessions. Darker or deeper birth marks, diffuse redness and rosacea often require more treatments. After each treatment, gradual improvement is to be expected, because the body needs 4 – 6 weeks to breakdown and remove injured vessels. Red veins respond better than blue veins. Port wine stains have more vessels to be treated and require multiple treatments, the number of which is unknown in advance.
Will my results be permanent?
Once the vascular lesions are gone, they usually do not return. However, this treatment does not prevent new blood vessels from forming or “cure” rosacea. If hormonal status changes (ex. birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause) or sun exposure continues, new blood vessels may appear.
Is it Safe?
Lasers can be used safely and effectively if used in the right hands. As a board certified dermatologist with over 15 years’ experience in the use of lasers, Dr. Roberts personally performs all laser procedures in her office. She carefully evaluates your skin before, during and after all laser treatments to safely and effectively give you the healthy skin you desire.
Are there any special instructions before treatment?
Strict sun avoidance 6 weeks before and between treatments is required to avoid healing with lighter (whiter) or darker (brown) spots. Avoid self-tanning products for 6–8 weeks before treatment. Avoid blood thinners 2 weeks before treatment to prevent bruising -Aspirin, Motrin, Fish Oil, Vitamin E All acne patients must be off Isotretinoin (Accutane, Claravis, Sotret and Amnesteem) for 6 months before starting treatment. If not, the skin may heal abnormally and be at increased risk of scarring.
Are Vbeam laser treatments painful?
Most patients describe the sensation as a mild hot snapping feel. Depending on the sensitivity of the area treated, some patients opt to use topical numbing cream before treatment.
What can I expect immediately after my treatment?
Your skin will look pink and swollen like a mild sunburn. Sometimes a purple bruise may occur especially if more aggressive treatment is desired. You will be given detailed after care instructions in our office. You may apply makeup after treatment. Patients resume their normal lifestyle immediately after treatment.
Can I do Vbeam® laser treatments while pregnant or breast feeding?
Although probably safe, Dr. Roberts recommends waiting to do Vbeam® treatments until no longer pregnant or breast feeding due to the effects of hormones on vascular growths and darkening of brown spots.
What should I do before my treatment?
Avoid heavy exercise 2 – 3 hours before treatment.
Avoid sun exposure and blood thinners as above. If you have a history of cold sores, please inform Dr. Roberts or her staff before your appointment so an antiviral medication can be prescribed and a cold sore flare can be prevented. Laser treatments cannot be performed in the presence of active cold sores.
What special instructions will I have after treatment?
Following Vbeam® laser, avoid anything that will dilate blood vessels for 3 – 5 days including heart pounding aerobic exercise, hot beverages, Jacuzzis, saunas, alcohol and spicy food.
Are there any reasons that would not make me a candidate for Vbeam therapy?
The Vbeam Perfecta is not recommended for patients who are darkly pigmented, due to the increased risk of skin discoloration with treatment.
The depth of penetration of the Vbeam Perfecta is limited to vessels about 1.5mm in depth.
Therefore, vessels deeper than this may not respond to treatment. Additionally, blue vessels may not respond as well as red.
Please call our office to schedule your consultation.