Laser Vascular Removal

Pre & Post Treatment Advice

General Information

You can expect to experience the following both during and post treatment. 

  • The procedure may cause swelling or puffiness of the treatment area.
  • During and after the procedure, the following may be experienced; redness, swelling, stinging, itching, warmth, bruising.
  • Some clients may react differently. In severe cases the skin may turn very red, blister, swell and later scab or crust.
  • There is a risk of developing temporary or permanent post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH).
  • There is an incidence of triggering an outbreak of ‘cold sores’ (Herpes infections) in clients with a prior history of Herpes. Laser Vascular cannot be performed if active cold sore is present.
  • There is a rare incidence of scarring and infection.
  • Some other common side effects may include persistent erythema, irritation and increased sensitivity.

Contraindications

The treatment can not be performed if:

  • Currently Pregnant
  • Roaccutane or Accutane within the past 3-6 months
  • Photosensitizing medications (Tetracyclines, Isotretinoin etc.)
  • Psoriasis, eczema, lupus erythematosus, open wounds, cold sore, sun or wind-burned skin, infected or irritated skin in treatment location
  • Severe Acne or Rosacea
  • Currently undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or immune disorder treatments

Precautions

Additional care must be taken. Inform your clinician of any of the following:

  • History of skin cancer – Must have completed recent skin cancer check (<6 months)
  • Diabetes – May impede wound healing
  • Tattoos including semi permanent makeup – cannot treat within 1” of tattoo
  • Injectables/dermal fillers – Wait 2 weeks following injectables.
    • Note – Reaction to dermal fillers are unknown
  • Pacemakers – cannot treat within 6” of implant
  • History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring
  • History of vitiligo – Depigment may occur
  • Smoking – impairs healing and increases the risk of complications
  • Fresh scars – Check with your surgeon and/or specialist prior to starting treatment

Before Your Treatment

Pre Treatment Advice & Recommendations

Prior to your treatment, there are certain things you must do, and certain things you must not do. This includes:

Do…

  • Notify us of any changes to your health history or medications.
    • eg. blood thinners may increase the risk of bruising or render the treatment ineffective
  • Pretreat with antivirals if prone to cold sores.
  • Arrive at your appointment free from makeup

Do Not…

  • Do Not expose the area to sun or tanning products for 2 weeks.
  • Avoid Botox/Fillers in the treatment location for 2 weeks
  • Avoid skin irritants in the treatment location for 1 week
    • Includes hair removal such as waxing and shaving as well as products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, granular scrubs etc

After Your Treatment

Post Treatment Advice & Recommendations

After your treatment, there are certain things you must do, and certain things you must not do. This includes:

Do…

  • Apply broad spectrum SPF daily
    • Normal cleansing, antioxidant serums, moisturisers can also be applied
  • Keep the area clean, cool and calm
    • Cold compresses can be applied post treatment
  • Pat dry rather than rub dry after showering/cleansing
  • Apply Post Laser Gel as often as required
  • Compression stockings (20-30 mm/hg) are optional for treated leg veins
  • Notify us of any questions or concerns you may have

Do Not…

  • Do not expose the area to the sun (wear protective clothing and apply SPF 30+ or higher, daily).
  • Avoid exercise, swimming, and heat based activities including saunas, steam rooms for 3 days
  • Avoid makeup for 24 hours
  • Do not pick, scratch or rub the skin
  • No hair removal or products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, granular scrubs etc for 7 days

Possible Adverse Effects

Laser Vascular Removal is considered a safe and effective treatment for the removal of certain vascular lesions when delivered by a qualified and highly trained professional.

Although rare, these are possible adverse side-effects that may occur, especially if you fail to follow the pre and post treatment advice provided:

  • WOUNDS – Medium Risk – Heat based treatment with risk of burns
  • INFECTION – Low Risk – Unlikely, but more common in the facial area. Any type of wound can develop into infection
  • SKIN COLOUR CHANGES – Medium Risk – Vessel rupture and extravasation may occur resulting in a bruise. The treated area may become either lighter or darker in colour compared to the surrounding skin. Further de-pigmentation may be seen in Vitiligo. Hemosiderin staining is uncommon but may occur.
  • HAIR LOSS – Low Risk – Uncommon but may occur over treatment site.
  • DARK SKIN TYPES – Medium Risk – Have an increased risk of complications and/or pigmentary issues. Additional cooling may be required to maximise skin protection.