Vascular Laser

Vascular laser is an aesthetic medicine technique designed to treat small superficial blood vessel lesions (telangiectasias, rosacea, spider naevi, small varicosities) visible on the face or body. The principle is to act selectively on the haemoglobin contained within the vessels to trigger their closure and progressive resorption by the body.

This treatment is suited to individuals wishing to attenuate the appearance of visible vessels for a more even skin tone, while preserving a natural result. Care is personalised according to the type of lesion, its location, and the patient's skin phototype. This text is intended for general guidance.

Principles of Treatment

• Physical principle: vascular laser uses polarised light at a wavelength preferentially absorbed by haemoglobin. The light energy converts to heat within the vessel, causing its coagulation and subsequent resorption.
• Types of devices: several technologies exist (e.g. pulsed dye, Nd:YAG, or 532 nm lasers depending on indications). The choice of device depends on vessel size, depth, colour, and skin phototype.
• Personalisation: the protocol (wavelength, fluence, pulse duration, number of sessions) is adapted to the patient's morphology and expectations to optimise efficacy while limiting risks.

Session Process

• Prior consultation: medical and dermatological assessment. The physician evaluates the nature of the lesions (telangiectasias, rosacea, angioma, etc.), phototype, current treatments, and history. A personalised treatment plan and informed consent are established.
• Before the session: the skin must be clean and non-tanned. Certain photosensitising medications may need to be discontinued. Local anaesthesia is generally not required; depending on sensitivity, a topical anaesthetic cream may be offered.
• Process: the session generally lasts 15 to 45 minutes depending on the area. The practitioner performs localised laser shots. Protective glasses are worn. Tingling, warmth, or an elastic snapping sensation may occur, attenuated by skin cooling systems.
• Comfort and immediate precautions: the area may be cooled and protected after treatment. Procedures are explained and follow-up is scheduled.

Post-treatment Course and Results

• Immediate post-treatment effects: redness, mild swelling, sometimes a more marked erythema or small crusts. For some lasers (e.g. pulsed dye), a purpura (punctiform bruise) may appear and disappear within a few days to two weeks.
• Onset of results: improvement is often observed progressively over several weeks, with progressive disappearance of the treated vessel. Several sessions (typically spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart) may be necessary to achieve a satisfactory result.
• Duration and variability: the response depends on vessel size, depth, phototype, and individual factors. Some lesions may recur or require maintenance sessions.
• Resumption of activities: most daily activities can be resumed quickly, while avoiding sun exposure and intense heat sources for several days.

Contraindications and Precautions

• Common contraindications: pregnancy and breastfeeding, active skin infections in the area to be treated, history of untested pathological scarring, significant recent tanning.
• Precautions: recent isotretinoin use (inform the physician), photosensitising treatments, history of hyperpigmentation or healing disorders, very dark phototypes (higher risk of complications).
• Other precautions: for deep varicosities or signs of venous insufficiency, evaluation by an angiology or vascular surgery specialist is necessary — cutaneous laser is not indicated for major varicose veins.

Risks and Possible Side Effects

• Common and transient effects: redness, swelling, mild pain, bruising, superficial crusting.
• Less frequent effects: temporary hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, persistence of purpura for several days, infection if post-treatment care is not followed.
• Rare complications: permanent scar, skin necrosis from inappropriate laser use, aggravation of a pigmentary disorder. These risks are explained and assessed during the consultation.
• Importance of safety: the choice of the correct device, parameters, and the practitioner's expertise reduce risks. Any unusual effect must be reported to the physician.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is the treatment painful? The experience varies: some patients describe tingling or a punctual warm sensation. Skin cooling or a topical anaesthetic cream may be offered if necessary.

How many sessions are needed? The number of sessions depends on the size, number, and depth of the vessels. Generally, several sessions spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart are required for an optimal result.

Can leg varicosities be treated with a laser? Small superficial varicosities can be treated with vascular laser or sclerotherapy. Significant varicose veins require a vascular assessment and appropriate treatment by a specialist.

When can I return to work after the session? Resumption of activities is often possible immediately. Avoid sun exposure, saunas, and intense physical effort for 48 hours or as per the physician's recommendations.