Vbeam (Pulsed-Dye) Laser

How does Vbeam work?

Vbeam uses a specific wavelength of laser light that is strongly absorbed by hemoglobin, the red pigment found within blood vessels.

When the laser energy reaches the targeted vessel, it is converted into heat. This controlled heat causes the vessel to coagulate and gradually close. The body then breaks down and absorbs the treated vessel through its natural healing processes.

Because the laser is attracted to the color within the blood vessel, the surrounding skin receives less energy. An integrated cooling system helps protect the skin’s surface and improve comfort during treatment.

What concerns can Vbeam treat?

Vbeam may be used to improve a wide range of vascular and dermatologic concerns, including:

• Facial redness
• Rosacea
• Broken capillaries
• Spider veins
• Telangiectasia
• Port-wine stains
• Strawberry hemangiomas
• Venous lakes
• Poikiloderma
• Red or raised scars
• Acne scar redness
• Surgical scar redness
• Stretch marks
• Persistent redness after acne
• Certain warts and psoriasis plaques
• Bruising following cosmetic or surgical procedures

Vbeam may also improve selected areas of superficial pigmentation, sun damage and uneven skin tone. Your provider will examine the concern before treatment to determine whether Vbeam or another laser technology is the most appropriate option.

What areas can be treated?

Vbeam may be used on many areas of the face and body, including the:

• Face
• Nose and cheeks
• Chin and jawline
• Ears
• Neck
• Chest
• Arms
• Hands
• Legs
• Areas affected by scars or vascular birthmarks

The treatment may be used for a single visible vessel or a larger area of diffuse redness.

What happens during treatment?

Before treatment, your provider will evaluate the skin and select settings based on the condition being treated, your skin tone, the size and depth of the vessels and your desired results.

The treatment area will be cleansed and protective eyewear will be provided. The Vbeam handpiece is then positioned over the skin and used to deliver a series of controlled laser pulses.

You may see a bright flash and feel a brief sensation of warmth or snapping as each pulse is delivered. The device releases a cooling spray immediately before the laser pulse to protect the skin and improve comfort.

Treatment time varies depending on the size of the area. A small vessel or isolated spot may require only a few minutes, while a larger area of redness may take longer.

Is Vbeam uncomfortable?

Most patients tolerate Vbeam treatment well. Each pulse may feel like a brief sting, warm snap or rubber-band sensation against the skin.

The built-in cooling system helps reduce heat at the skin’s surface. Comfort levels vary according to the treatment area, laser settings and individual sensitivity.

Topical numbing medication is not always necessary, although your provider may discuss additional comfort measures when treating a sensitive or larger area.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments required depends on the type, size, color and depth of the condition being addressed.

Some small vessels or isolated red spots may improve after one treatment. Diffuse redness, rosacea, port-wine stains, vascular birthmarks, scars and more persistent concerns commonly require a series of sessions.

Treatments are usually spaced several weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and the body to absorb the targeted vessels. Your provider will recommend a personalized schedule after evaluating your skin.

When will I see results?

Some patients notice improvement shortly after treatment, but the full response develops as the body gradually clears the targeted vessels.

Small facial vessels and areas of redness may begin fading within several days or weeks. Larger or deeper vessels may take longer to improve.

When treating scars, vascular birthmarks, rosacea or widespread redness, results usually become more noticeable as the treatment series progresses.

Is there any downtime?

Downtime varies depending on the laser settings and the condition being treated. Many treatments cause only temporary redness and swelling, allowing patients to return to most regular activities shortly after the appointment.

Temporary effects may include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Warmth or tenderness
• Mild itching
• Bruising or purplish discoloration
• Temporary darkening of the treated area
• Mild dryness or sensitivity

Swelling can be more noticeable when treating the cheeks or areas close to the eyes. It commonly improves within several days.

Will Vbeam cause bruising?

Vbeam can be performed using settings that produce little or no visible bruising. However, some conditions respond best to settings that intentionally create temporary purpura, which appears as purple or bruise-like spots.

Purpura develops when targeted blood vessels absorb enough energy to rupture beneath the skin. It does not necessarily indicate a complication and commonly fades over one to two weeks.

Your provider will discuss whether bruising is likely based on the condition being treated, the desired results and the laser settings selected.

Can Vbeam treat post-procedure bruising?

Vbeam may be used to help certain bruises clear more quickly after injectable, cosmetic or surgical procedures. The laser targets the blood-related pigments responsible for the visible discoloration.

The appropriate timing depends on the procedure, the age and appearance of the bruise and the condition of the surrounding skin. Your provider will determine whether laser treatment is suitable.

How should I prepare for treatment?

Before your Vbeam appointment:

• Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every day
• Avoid spray tans and self-tanning products on the treatment area
• Follow instructions regarding retinoids, acids, exfoliants and other active skin care products
• Tell your provider about all medications and supplements you take
• Report medications that increase sensitivity to light
• Tell your provider about medications or supplements that increase bruising
• Report any active rash, infection, open wound or cold sore
• Tell your provider about previous laser treatments or cosmetic procedures
• Arrive with clean skin and no makeup when possible

Treatment may need to be postponed if the skin is sunburned, actively tanned, infected or significantly irritated.

Do not stop a prescribed medication unless the healthcare professional who prescribed it tells you to do so.

How should I care for my skin afterward?

The treated skin may be sensitive for several days. Follow the personalized instructions provided by your treatment team.

After treatment:

• Apply a cool compress if recommended
• Cleanse the area gently
• Use an approved fragrance-free moisturizer
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
• Avoid tanning and unnecessary sun exposure
• Do not pick, scratch or scrub the treated area
• Avoid retinoids, acids and harsh exfoliants until the skin has recovered
• Avoid very hot showers, saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs temporarily
• Limit strenuous exercise if heat or sweating worsens redness
• Wait to apply makeup until the skin is intact or your provider approves it

Contact the office if you experience blistering, increasing pain, drainage, significant swelling or another unexpected reaction.

Who is a good candidate for Vbeam?

Vbeam may be appropriate for children and adults with vascular redness, visible blood vessels, red scars, rosacea, vascular birthmarks or other concerns that contain red or purple pigment.

The treatment may be particularly helpful for patients who experience:

• Persistent facial redness
• Visible capillaries around the nose or cheeks
• Rosacea that does not improve enough with skin care or medication
• Redness within a scar
• A vascular birthmark
• Bruising after another procedure
• Red marks that remain after acne lesions heal

An individual consultation is necessary because the safest device and settings depend on your skin tone and the type of discoloration being treated.

Who may need to postpone treatment?

Vbeam treatment may need to be delayed or modified if you:

• Have actively tanned or sunburned skin
• Have an active infection, rash or open wound
• Take a medication that significantly increases sensitivity to light
• Have a medical condition that affects normal healing
• Have recently undergone another procedure in the treatment area
• Are pregnant
• Have an untreated or suspicious skin growth in the area
• Have experienced an unusual reaction to a previous laser treatment

Provide a complete medical and medication history so your provider can determine whether treatment can be performed safely.

Can Vbeam be used on all skin tones?

Vbeam treatment can be customized for different patients, but the amount of pigment naturally present in the skin affects how laser energy is absorbed.

Patients with deeper skin tones may have a greater risk of burns or temporary changes in skin color with certain settings. Careful evaluation, conservative treatment parameters, cooling and appropriate test spots may help reduce these risks.

In some cases, a different vascular laser may be recommended instead.

Can Vbeam be combined with other treatments?

Vbeam may be combined with prescription skin care, rosacea treatments, injectables, scar treatments, IPL or other laser and aesthetic services.

Some procedures may be performed during the same appointment, while others should be separated to reduce inflammation and allow adequate healing. Your provider will recommend the safest order and timing based on your treatment goals.

Schedule a Vbeam consultation

Vbeam pulsed-dye laser therapy offers a targeted way to improve facial redness, visible blood vessels, vascular birthmarks, red scars and other vascular concerns. The Dermatology Clinic can evaluate your skin and create a personalized treatment plan based on your condition, natural skin tone and desired results. Contact us today to get scheduled.