IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Treatment of Facial Veins/Lesions

As one ages a variety of pigmented or vascular abnormalities can accumulate on the face. These unsightly lesions include broken capillaries on the nose and cheeks, medium and smaller vessels on other facial areas, hemangiomas, port wine stains, rosacea and poikiloderma. All of these can be treated with pulsed light, which can be applied to small facial areas or the entire face.

At Vivesse we use the HarmonyXL system from Alma Lasers, utilizing Advanced Fluorescence Technology (AFT^TM). It employs an advanced algorithm that stabilizes each pulse to ensure predictable, reproducible treatments that are safe and effective. An intense light is produced that is applied in a series of gentle pulses over the treatment area. The light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by and heats the pigmentation and/or abnormally dilated vessels, causing remarkably little or no skin damage.

In the case of vascular lesions the heat causes the vessel to close off. With pigmented lesions, the light energy heats the melanin in the lesion and causes it to fragment. The melanin fragments are then absorbed by the body and eliminated. Clinical trials conducted by leading authorities on pulsed light document its safety and effectiveness. Though there may be some discomfort, generally described as a rubber band snap, a cooling device is used to minimize the soreness.

A full-face treatment typically lasts anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes. Smaller areas, such as the nose, can be treated in 15 minutes. For best results repeated treatments are often required. Before treatment a cold gel is usually applied to the area to be treated. Then precise pulses of light are applied to the target area. Patients report little or no pain with AFT treatment and can return to their normal activities immediately.