Dear Ellena, Varicose veins are enlarged vessels, commonly found on the legs and face, which have become weakened and appear as bulges under the skin. Another common problem found on the legs and face are spider veins, which are small, superficial vessels. The exact causes of varicose and spider veins are not known, although heredity plays a large role, as does lifestyle and personal habits, such as standing on your feet for long periods of time.
Today, unsightly veins easily can be treated with new types of lasers using intense pulses of light. PhotoDerm and Vasculight are non-invasive, laser-like systems that safely reduce unsightly blood vessels without injections or surgery. Treatment can be done right in the doctor’s office and can take as little as 15 minutes.
Treatments are customized to your skin type and the size and depth of your veins. The treatment starts with an intense light flash, similar to the flash of a camera, followed by a slight pinch. After treatment, your skin may appear slightly red, which will dissipate after several days. There is no down time and patients usually go right back to work.
Several treatments are required in order to produce the desired results. The treatment is also good for port wine stains, birthmarks and other irregular pigmentations. Side effects may include temporary changes in skin color or blistering.
Dear Dr. Man, I have red birthmarks on my shoulders and my chest. I’d really like to get them removed. Can you tell me more about these marks and what’s involved in removing them? Signed, Betty in Boca Raton
Dear Betty, Red birthmarks, also called "port wine stains", appear at birth and are exhibited by reddish marks caused by an over-abundance of blood vessels. The coloring ranges from pale pink to dark purple. They are most often found on the face, neck and top of the shoulder or chest, although they can appear anywhere on the body.
New treatments using the YAG laser provides relief for most patients. The Vasculight YAG laser is able to penetrate deep into the skin, targeting the red pigment and blood vessels. The laser works by vaporizing the tissues without harming the surrounding area.
Several laser treatments are usually required and a maintenance program may be needed, as these type of birthmarks can reappear.
Email Questions and Comments
Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.
Transporting blood against the force of gravity exerts a greater amount of stress on the veins of the legs than any other part of the body and this is why varicose veins commonly occur in the lower extremities.
ReplyDeleteWobenzym Wobenzym