There are a number of reasons why skin tends to appear reddish. It could be due to a medical condition called rosacea or it could be diet, burst blood vessels, sensitivity or nervousness. Reddish skin can look unsightly and many people try to cover it with makeup which is a temporary solution.
According to the Home of the National Rosacea Society, rosacea can cause significant occupational, psychological and social problems if not treated at the right time.
VBeam treatment is the best and longest lasting solution for rosacea and birthmarks, also known as port wine stains, which are common occurrences on the skin. It can also be used to treat stubborn warts, acne scars, and small red clumps of blood vessels, leg veins, pigmented and non-pigmented lesions, and angiomas.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the redness caused by rosacea can slowly spread beyond the nose to the cheeks, forehead, chin, and sometimes the ears, chest, and back.
VBeam treatment can be done at any time as long as one is not pregnant, has not been using Accutane for the past six months, does not have a history of herpes simplex virus or cold sores, and he or she has not been pre-treated for such conditions.
How VBeam Treatment Works
VBeam treatment does not require anesthesia. The treatment is effective, comfortable, fast, and safe thanks to its large spot size and a patented Dynamic Cooling Device. The VBeam uses an intense beam of light that is delivered in pulses and a dye is used to generate laser beams of different colors.
The target of the laser is hemoglobin, an essential pigment in the red blood cells, which means that the skin cells surrounding the dilated blood vessels will not be damaged. This kind of treatment is very complex so it has to be performed by qualified dermatologists.
During treatment, most patients are required to recline or lie down depending on the area of treatment. Both the patient and the doctor have to wear protective eyewear because of the danger that the laser light may pose to the eyes.
Throughout the treatment session, a patient will hear beeping sounds while the laser is calibrated and the parameters of treatment set depending on the condition being treated. Each condition and individual is different so the settings have to be individualized for maximum results.
In most cases, the dermatologist or medical practitioner performing the procedure may experiment with a small area of your skin otherwise known as test patches to determine the power settings and monitor the responses that are most suitable for the type of condition being treated.
Treatment lasts for a duration of 15-20 minutes and can be performed every 5-8 weeks. The number of treatments varies from one individual to another depending on the skin type and the condition that is being treated and can be performed every four weeks.
VBeam Results
After treatment, there are some patients whose skin appearance will improve dramatically while others will take time before they begin to see any changes. Some patients may require more sessions than others. The treated area will look red and swollen immediately after the treatment, which may last up to a few hours for some patients while for others it can go up to several days. Application of ice packs and cold compresses for 24-48 hours on the area of treatment before the procedure can help minimize discomfort, bruising, and swelling.
Scarring, blistering, and infection are rare occurrences after this treatment. Bruising has, however, been determined to be the most common side effect because of the clumping of many vessels. Patients are advised not to pick the scabbing off. They should clean the areas and apply a thin layer of Vaseline twice a day until it heals.
VBeam treatment can be combined with other treatments such as injectable fillers and botulinum toxin. The dermatologist who performs the procedure will determine which process to start with so as to ensure complete effectiveness of both.
In most cases, VBeam results are permanent. However, conditions like rosacea, spider veins, new broken blood vessels, redness, and broken capillaries can occur or reoccur at any time hence the need for repeated treatment.
Precautions to be taken Before and After Treatment
Patients are advised to stay away from direct sunlight after treatment because the skin may still be sensitive and can be susceptible to burns, which may in turn delay the healing process and be painful at the same time.
If it is necessary to go out, ensure that you use broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen at all times. If there is too much exposure to the sun, there is a risk of brown pigmentation forming on the skin though it is only for a temporary period.
For quick VBeam recovery, patients also need to be gentle with their skin for the first week. Use of scrubs or any other abrasive material on the affected skin is not advised as it can disrupt the healing process and aggravate swelling. It is advisable to use gentle cleansers and moisturizers during the healing process.
Who Should Not Use VBeam?
Patients with dark skin are not advised to use VBeam treatment as it is not suited for them. There are many other methods they can use to treat the conditions they may be suffering from. Additionally, VBeam should not be used to treat vessels, which appear to be 1.5mm below the skin because the pulse light cannot reach that far.
How Much Does the Treatment Cost?
The cost of treatment is dependent on the size of the area being treated and the particular condition. Most medical practitioners will give you the estimate during the consultation meeting.
According to the Better Health Channel, redness of the skin is common between the ages of 30-50 years and may become worse with advancement in age. If not treated at the right time, permanent redness known as erythema may develop.
If you have noted a persistent redness on your skin, contact Ava MD today by calling 310.828.2282 for more information and to schedule an appointment.