Manhattan Beach Dermatology

VBeam Laser
Manhattan Beach Dermatology uses the Vbeam, a pulsed dye laser, to safely and effectively treat a variety of skin lesions that contain a vascular (blood vessel) component, including rosacea, dilated facial veins, diffuse facial redness, cherry angiomas, leg veins, scars, stretch marks, and warts. The VBeam delivers an intense pulse of laser light which is absorbed by the blood vessels in the skin. The heat of the laser destroys these blood vessels, which are then reabsorbed by the body's natural healing process. The skin surface is protected by the Dynamic Cooling Device, which spays a cool mist onto the skin surface just before each pulse, providing increased comfort. The laser is so safe it is often used on infants who are born with red vascular birthmarks.

In addition to vascular lesions, the VBeam can also be used during the same treatment session to lighten pigmented spots on the face such as age spots and sun freckles. A different hand piece is used, and there will be some temporary darkening of brown spots for about a week after treatment.

What can I expect during treatment?
You will wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from the bright laser light during treatment. Each laser pulse will be followed by a short pulse of cooling spray. Treatment will usually take as little as a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the areas and condition being treated. There is some discomfort during each laser pulse, but this is minimized by the cool spray. Topical anesthesia is not usually necessary.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of sessions depends on the severity of your condition and how rapidly it responds to treatment. Generally, three to six monthly treatments performed on a monthly basis are recommended. Fewer treatments are needed when higher settings are used, but this can cause significant bruising, and the treatment no longer would be considered a "no downtime" treatment.

Am I a good candidate for the Vbeam?
Anyone who wishes to rejuvenate the appearance of their skin can undergo Vbeam treatments, especially those with facial redness, dilated facial veins, rosacea, broken capillaries and brown spots like age spots and sun freckles. The laser is also used to diminish acne and acne scars.

What are the side effects of treatment?
Most patients experience redness and/or mild swelling in the treated areas immediately following treatment, but this usually resolves in a few hours. Occasionally bruising may occur, but this is also transient and disappears in about a week.

How long will the benefits of Vbeam last?
The recurrence of blood vessels and facial redness after treatment with the Vbeam is highly individual and depends on genetics, severity of rosacea, and past and present sun exposure. Some patients may wish to undergo touch up treatments every 6 - 12 months to keep their symptoms suppressed.

Vbeam Aftercare Instructions

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