Telangiectasias, often known as “spider veins” or “broken blood vessels,” are areas of our skin that look like a patch of blood vessels close to the surface. These spots can be a minor annoyance or a cause of embarrassment. Our board-certified dermatologist at Radiant Skin Dermatology and Laser offers laser treatments to ablate these vessels and restore your skin to its natural look.
KTP is a type of green laser called potassium titanyl phosphate which operates at the 532 nm wavelength. This specific wavelength allows the laser to target hemoglobin in the blood vessels with minimal damage to the surrounding tissues. The laser pulses quickly, heating up the vessels. After some time, the unwanted vessels disappear, restoring your skin’s natural appearance. Due to the targeted treatment, KTP lasers have minimal side effects.
Rosacea
Aging
Hormones
Sun exposure
Prior to your KTP laser treatment, your Board Certified Dermatologist will properly diagnose you to avoid mistreatment of skin, particularly when pigmented lesions are targeted.
The patient should wear eye protection throughout treatment.
Topical anesthetic may be applied to the area, but is not usually necessary.
Treatment with the KTP laser consists of placing a hand piece against the surface of the skin and activating the laser.
Patients describe each pulse to feel like the snapping of a rubber band against the skin.
May require 1-3 treatments 2 to 4 weeks apart based on your needs.
There may be some tenderness during treatment which can be reduced by contact cooling and if necessary, topical anesthetic.
Redness and swelling – in rare instances soreness and redness may occur. Swelling is common especially on the upper cheeks and forehead and usually subsides in a few days. Ice is applied after treatment to limit swelling.
Changes in skin pigmentation may occur. Sometimes the pigment cells (melanocytes) can be damaged leaving darker (hyperpigmentation) or paler (hypopigmentation) patches of skin.
Bruising affects up to 10% of patients. If bruising occurs it usually fades on its own.
If a bacterial infection occurs antibiotics may be prescribed to treat or to prevent wound infection.
Scarring although rare, can occur following any laser procedure.
Blistering may occur during the first three days following the laser procedure and may be an indication of sun exposure.
Immediately following treatment, an ice pack may be applied to soothe the treated area.
In the first few days following treatment avoid scrubbing the area, and/or use of abrasive skin cleansers.
A bandage or patch may help to prevent abrasion of the treated area.
During the course of treatment patients should protect the area from sun exposure to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.
After treatment, loose clothing should be worn to avoid rubbing, the treated area and should not exposed.
Swimming, saunas, hot baths and contact sports should be avoided until the treated area is healed.
Pulsed Dye Laser
KTP laser
Sclerotherapy
- Adrienne
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