Treatment of Thread Veins and Vascular Blemishes by Laser
Laser (Light Amplification with Simulated Emission of Radiation) is a method of transmitting energy to structures within or just below the skin by means of a light beam, which specifically targets a particular type of tissue. The light energy is absorbed by the target tissue and gets converted into heat giving rise to the desired result.
How is laser effective in treating threading veins and vascular blemishes?
Thread veins or vascular blemishes consist of fine blood vessels underneath the skin which are present in greater than normal quantities resulting in a red or blue discoloration of the skin. Lasers are dependent upon the pigment in the red blood cells in the blood vessels for absorption of light energy, which is then converted into heat. This seals off the blood vessels, which are responsible for the colour of the blemish.
If the blood vessels are very large in size the energy transmitted by the laser is insufficient to seal off the blood vessel and therefore does not give a good result.
What does the treatment involve?
Laser treatment is done as an outpatient procedure and does not require any specific preparation except in young children who sometimes require a general anaesthetic. The laser treatment is conducted in a special laser room. Eye protection is worn and the site of the blemish is cooled with an icebag to minimise discomfort. It is then treated with a laser of a particular frequency, which is only absorbed by the red blood cells and does not damage the surrounding skin. Patients commonly describe the sensation of being treated with a laser as being similar to an elastic band being flicked against the skin.
What is the normal postoperative course?
Some patients may experience bruising or minor irritation of the skin at the site of laser treatment, which is adequately treated by the use of a topical application such as aloe vera gel. This bruising or skin irritation subsides within a few days.
What precautions should I take after laser treatment?
Extremes of temperature such as a very hot bath and shower or very cold water should be avoided, as this can be slightly uncomfortable. Patients are also instructed to avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
What can I realistically expect from laser treatment?
The first treatment is usually a test patch to see if the vascular blemish will respond well to the laser. If this treatment is successful than most patients require between three and six and sometimes up to ten treatment sessions to see a significant change. These changes brought about by a reduction in the total number of blood vessels through which blood can flow in the area of the blemish.
Are there any complications from laser treatment?
Patients of Asian or Afro-Caribbean extraction may see long-standing changes in the pigmentation of the skin around the hair follicles. The skin may become permanently hypopigmented or hyperpigmented although this is unusual.
The vascular blemish or thread veins can recur especially in the legs due to the pressure of the column of blood in the veins when standing although this is uncommon.