Minimally Invasive Anti-Aging Procedure
Pulse Dye Vascular Laser –
For Scars/ Acne Scars
The Pulse Dye Vascular Laser has allowed treatment of scars in their early “bulking up” phase, reducing the length of time a scar is red, raised and thickened, and accelerating the transition to the maturation phase of wound healing. This treatment actually modifies scar growth by interfering with some of the blood vessel ingrowth into the scar, and the way collagen makes up the characteristics of a prominent scar on the face or body. Blood vessel overgrowth in scar tissue usually leads to collagen overgrowth that then leads to scar prominence. With active red, raised acne scars, control of skin bacteria and shrinking of oil glands with the pulse dye laser, is another reason for the effectiveness of the treatment.
We are able to make early scars better and less visible sooner in the healing process, and treat older poor scars and some acne scars as well. This is a very exciting breakthrough in the treatment of a sometimes difficult problem using presently available techniques.
Laser treatment of scars is quick and very tolerable with no downtime. The treatments are usually started 3 weeks following surgery, at 2 to 3 week intervals, depending on the response. A minimum of 4 treatments are required, but more may be needed depending upon the response.
“The redder the better” is a basic premise for scar treatment with the Pulse Dye Vascular Laser. With stretch mark scars, for example, we combine Particle Skin Resurfacing (PSR) prior to the Laser Treatment, to redden the scar for a more effective laser treatment and response.
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Acne:
While estimated that more than 80% of the worlds population at some time has been affected by acne, there is still no cure.
Inflammatory acne is the result of a mixture of debris, sebum and bacteria that multiplies in the pore. Laser technology damages the sebaceous glands by thermal or heat energy, reducing oil production. The laser also has an antibacterial effect and reduces the red inflammation in and around the pustule.
Active acne scars that are red and raised respond well to Pulse Dye Vascular Laser Treatment, but inflammation and pustules must first be controlled. This is one of the few treatments for acne that can have a significant, positive emotional impact, especially on teenagers, when improvement does occur.
Patients considering laser treatment for acne at IV Seasons Skin Care must consult with a paramedical esthetician. Patients will be placed on an appropriate product and peel protocol and laser treatments will then be incorporated at three to six week intervals.
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Testimonials
I wanted to thank you for the care you have given me over the years. You have never made me feel uncomfortable. Your work is fabulous! GS
Thank you for all that you have done for me. I admire you work ethic and how much your practice has grown. You are a credit to your profession, and a man with tremendous charisma! I feel very lucky to have you as a surgeon. DM
Recovery Tips
- Inform our office if you should develop a cold, fever, or develop open sores or blisters prior to your appointment. Vascular laser will not be done on tanned skin.
- Discontinue the use of Retin-A, Glycolic or Alpha Hydroxy Acid skin care products 3 days after your laser treatment or as long as there is bruising/red discoloration.
- Applying ice packs to treated areas can alleviate any discomfort experienced following the procedure.
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun. A sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater should be used for several months before and after your treatment, or as long as you plan to continue treatment. Sun exposure may result in undesired changes in pigmentation or make the treatment less effective.
- Avoid activity that causes skin to flush for 5 days. This includes alcohol, spicy foods, vasodilators, and vigorous exercise.
- No hot tub, sauna or soaking until any bruising/ red discoloration is no longer present.
- Multiple treatments will be needed to achieve optimal results, and will be determined by the type of skin lesion, area, or condition to be treated.
Care of the Treated Area
The treated area may show a reddish/bruised discoloration. This will last 3-5 days, but with more aggressive treatments or more numerous pulses of laser light, discoloration can be longer. The treated area is very delicate and should be treated with care. Please read and follow these instructions.
Discomfort or stinging may be evident, but usually lasts no more than a few hours. Tylenol or
Ibuprofen may be taken or ice applied during this period.
If swelling occurs, ice water compresses may be applied. To decrease facial swelling, sleep with your head elevated. To decrease leg swelling, sleep with legs elevated.
Apply Bacitracin or Polysporin Antibiotic ointment, or a moisturizer to the treated area 3-4 times a day as long as the bruising/red discoloration is present. It is important to keep the area moist until healed.
You may apply makeup to your face as soon after the treatment as you desire, unless your skin is too irritated or sensitive. In that case, allow the skin to settle for a few days using only moisturizer and sunscreen. Please use hypoallergenic / non-comedogenic make-up as recommended by your aesthetician.
If a crust or scab develops, allow it to fall off on its own. Do not pick at the area. Keep the area moist with antibiotic ointment until the crust falls off. Do not apply make-up as long as crusting is present.
Do not scratch or rub the treated area until any bruising or crusting disappears.
Showers are permitted, but gently pat the area dry. Do not rub with a towel or washcloth as the area is extremely delicate while the bruising/red discoloration is present. If the legs are treated, do not take a tub bath the first 48 hours as the intense heat may cause additional discomfort. Showers are recommended.
Avoid swimming to reduce skin irritation and infection risk until fully healed.
Avoid exposure to the sun. Apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher to prevent pigmentation changes until the treated area is healed. If the treated area has a scab or tissue changes, cover the area with a dressing while exposed to the sun.
After the red discoloration disappears, hyperpigmentation (brown coloring) or hypopigmentation (white) may be present for up to 3-6 months. This is rare, but if it occurs, use a sunscreen (SPF 15) on the area until the normal color returns.
Do not use Retin A, Glycolic or Alpha Hydroxy Acid skin products 24 hours before, and avoid their use on the treated facial areas while bruising/red discoloration or crusting is present. You may use your topical products around the treated areas.
When any discoloration/bruising clears, there may be very little initial change in the cutaneous vascular lesion or facial wrinkle. Improvement will take place slowly over a period of several months.
For vascular lesions, 3-5 treatment sessions 4-6 weeks apart, are needed for maximum improvement. For facial wrinkles, 4 treatment sessions are required, 4-6 weeks apart. Final results are expected at 3-4 months following the last treatment. This time line is due to the gradual formation of collagen in the treated areas that is the basis of wound healing.
If you have any have questions or concerns regarding your laser treatment, please contact IV Seasons Skin Care. Even if there are no problems, call in for a progress report one week after your treatment.
If the area becomes tender, reddened or shows signs of infection, please call the office (303) 443-2277 or IV Seasons Skin Care (303) 938-1666.
Estimated Costs
PULSE DYE VASCULAR LASER (595 nano m)
For “red” face For Vascular/Rosacea treatment on the face:
EACH……………………………………………………………………..…..$350.00
PACKAGE OF 4……………………………………………………….…. $1,225.00
Laser for scar reduction:
The scar must be red in appearance in order to be a viable candidate for this treatment. Three to six treatments are usually recommended.
EACH………………………………………………………………………..$140.00
PACKAGE OF 4……………………………………………………………$490.00
Laser for acne treatment to enhance clearance of active acne breakouts:
We recommend receiving regular peels and using consistent home care for acne.
SINGLE (localized lesion)…….………………………………………….$100.00
PACKAGE OF 4…………………………………………………...……….$350.00
EACH (multiple lesions)…………………….…………………………….$275.00
PACKAGE OF 4……………………………………………………………$962.50
Ask us about Care Credit Financing.
Forms & Documents
Please ask your physician for the required documents for this procedure.
