CAPILLARY LASER

Our office offers the Diolite 532 laser for treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions. This laser allows for non-traumatic treatment of vascular and pigmented skin lesions that is comfortable, safe and effective. The mild and precise treatment characteristics of the laser provide consistent results and, in most cases, treatments are performed without any anesthesia or pain.

Q. How does the laser work?
A. The laser generates an intense beam of light. This beam brings energy to a specific site, through a small hand piece connected to the laser. The laser light is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin (bright red blood cells carrying oxygen) and melanin/pigment (black or brown pigment found in the skin) causing decomposition or destruction by heat of unwanted cells while leaving the healthy cells intact.

Q. What is a vascular lesion?
A. A vascular lesion is formed by abnormally large or numerous blood vessels located directly under the surface of the skin. These vessels may be visible through the skin or result in a red appearance of the skin. Spider veins (telangiectasia) are the most common vascular lesions.

Q. What is a pigmented lesion?
A. Melanin is the dark pigment present in skin and is produced by melanocytes. Pigmented lesions occur when an abundance of melanocytes are found in the skin. When dark pigment multiplies, it forms freckles, brown age spots and moles.

Q. What should a patient expect during and after treatment?
A. Treatment may vary, depending upon the patient characteristics and the areas being treated. You will be placed in a reclining position and asked to wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the intense beam of laser light. Dr. Hand will use a "pencil thin" hand piece to direct a beam of laser light to the specific area of treatment. In most cases, anesthesia is not required.

Some patients report feeling a slight stinging sensation during the treatment followed by some redness that usually goes away in 2-4 hours. Some swelling may be experienced and may last 1-2 days. There will not be any purple skin discoloration or bruised appearance to the treated skin.

Postoperative care is minimal. Dr. Hand may ask you to use an anti-bacterial ointment on the treated area for a short period of time and will suggest that you stay out of the sun during the healing process.

Final treatment results should be evident within 10-14 days after treatment for vascular lesions and within 2-3 weeks after treatment for pigmented lesions. In the meantime, normal daily activities can be resumed with only a slight redness evident at the treatment area.