Dilated blood vessels on the face or legs are the result of pathology in their wall. In dilated vessels, blood flow slows down and metabolism is impaired, which can contribute to further problems such as rosacea or the deposition of haemosiderin deposits.
FACE
In each case, the subsequent stages of rosacea arise from the underlying vascular skin. Therefore, vascular lasers and IPLs have been included in rosacea treatment recommendations. Of the various treatment methods, they provide the most lasting improvement. Clinically proven treatments for rosacea include:
- skin ointments and gels (Soolantra, azelaic acid, metronidazole)
- oral medications
- chemical peelings with anti-inflammatory effect
- vascular lasers (577 nm, 532 nm), IPLs
For unsightly facial vessels (spider veins, telangiectasias) as well as erythema, the German Quadrostar Pro Yellow laser with a wavelength of 577 nm has become the new gold standard of treatment. This wavelength has the highest affinity for haemoglobin (application of laser energy causes the walls of pathologically dilated vessels to stick together), while having the lowest affinity for water among lasers of this type. This affinity to water causes a thermal effect and non-selective damage to the skin, risking burns at high energies and reducing the selectivity of the laser. For the patient, the high selectivity of the Quadrostar Pro Yellow laser means: less pain during the treatment, no recovery period, greater
effectiveness of the treatment. This laser is more selective for vessels compared to Nd:Yag lasers or IPL devices that were used previously.
In most cases, 2-4 treatments are sufficient to achieve significant improvement. Due to the safety of the laser, it is possible to perform a scanner and pen treatment in 1 session (i.e. treatment of erythema or photorejuvenation and simultaneous closure of larger vessels).
LEGS
Due to numerous questions from patients regarding the closure of blood vessels on the legs, I remind you of the recommendations for diagnosis and treatment:
- The first step is an ultrasound examination of the veins of the lower limbs (preferably with a vascular surgeon who will plan further treatment – in Krakow, recommended centres are the offices at the Bonifraters Hospital or the Medical Centre for Vascular Surgery on Kapelanka Street). You may need surgery, laser removal of varicose veins (which may not be visible to the naked eye).
- Step two is minimally invasive procedures such as sclerotherapy, performed by a vascular surgeon. When performed correctly, the aesthetic results can be better and longer-lasting than with laser therapy, especially performed with older types of devices.
- Once venous insufficiency has been ruled out and larger pathological vessels have been closed, closure of smaller vessels on the legs (telangiectasias) with laser can be undertaken. Let’s tell an inconvenient truth here – in the absence of treatment and prophylaxis for venous insufficiency, and in the absence of vascular treatment, vascular closure on the legs may end in failure and patient dissatisfaction!
For this reason, if you are considering laser vascular closure on the legs, start with an ultrasound examination.
Treatments:
(click on the links below to go to selected treatments)