The Vbeam laser system can treat vascular lesions and other reddened scars including rosacea, stretchmarks, and acne scarring. It is also known as pulsed dye laser treatment.
How Vbeam Laser Treatments Work
The Vbeam laser uses an intense burst of light to target the blood vessels that turn scars pink or red. The laser pulses last only a fraction of a second each, so the heat is not transferred to the surrounding skin. This laser energy passes through your skin, where it is absorbed by the pigment in the dense blood vessels of your scar. Vbeam laser treatments also stimulate collagen growth, plumping the skin and making it appear younger and healthier. It may also be effective against acne-causing bacteria, leading to reduced acne breakouts.
Each treatment takes about 15 minutes. During the procedure, you can request a topical anesthetic. However, the procedure itself is not particularly painful; most patients liken it to the snapping of a rubber band against the skin.
Who Can Benefit From the VBeam Laser?
Whether or not Vbeam laser treatments are right for you depends on the type of scar you wish to treat, because the amount of improvement in your scar after Vbeam laser treatments depends on the type and severity of it. Mild or moderate scars may become nearly unnoticeable, while severe scars will be reduced but may still be present. Vbeam laser treatments are used on scars that are red or pink; they are usually not effective on indented scars or those that are light in color. The darker the color of your scar, the more effectively the Vbeam laser will be able to target it.
Before undergoing Vbeam laser treatments, you should avoid sun exposure; a tan will make the procedure less effective. It is not recommended for patients with very dark skin tones, because it is more drawn to the skin pigment than to the blood vessels, and can cause discoloration. It is most effective on those with very pale skin, because there will be more contrast between the dark blood vessels and the light skin.
Do not take medication containing aspirin for 3 days before, and 2 weeks after, your laser treatment. Do not use Retin A for several days after each Vbeam laser treatment.
Cost of VBeam Laser Treatments
The cost of Vbeam laser treatments varies widely based on the number of treatments you undergo. It usually costs about $200 per session. Many patients find that one treatment using the Vbeam laser is enough to create a substantial difference in the size and appearance of scarring. However, additional treatments are not uncommon. They should be scheduled between one and three months apart
Vbeam Laser Recovery Period
The Vbeam laser is a non-ablative laser. Because it does not remove a layer of skin, the recovery time is shorter than with other (ablative) laser treatments. Afterwards, the treated skin will be red for up to a day. The skin may also be tender, similar to a mild sunburn. You may not see results for several weeks after your laser treatment session.
Other lasers, including the Ruby Laser, Argon Laser, and CO2 laser have also been used to treat red scars. However, many patients experience fewer side effects with the Vbeam laser. The Vbeam pulsed dye laser system uses a wavelength that is less likely to cause side effects.
Please visit the links to learn more about Acne Lasers for scars and blemishes:
C02 CARBON DIOXIDE LASER TREATMENT
