What is the VBeam Perfecta?

It is a pulsed dye laser that can generate different colors of laser beams in pulses. It is used to treat certain red skin conditions like Rosacea and other vascular conditions, and other skin discolorations.

What can the VBeam Perfecta laser treat?

It is used to treat port wine birthmarks, broken blood capillaries, spider veins, and strawberry hemangiomas. It can also treat a condition called Poikiloderma which is chronic sun damage on the neck and chest that appears as a red flush.

VBeam Perfecta treatment can improve the appearance of stretch marks, acne scars, keloid scars, other pigmented lesions, leg veins, warts and wrinkles. For acne, it works best when used on active lesions, and post inflammatory red marks from acne. It is also used to heal post-procedure bruising.

What are red birthmarks?

Port wine birthmarks and strawberry hemangiomas are red birthmarks. A port wine stain looks like red wine that was spilled on the skin. Children are born with it, and as they grow it becomes darker and larger. Generally, a port wine birthmark is harmless. It becomes a cosmetic issue as the child grows up, especially as they become adolescents when it can become a source of embarrassment, and affect their self-esteem. But, it can be associated with some rare neurological disorders.

Strawberry hemangiomas are also birthmarks that are present at birth or develop shortly after birth, that are clusters of blood vessels.

How does it work?

The laser targets blood vessels with light that is absorbed by the offending vessels, causing them to collapse and be absorbed and eliminated by the body.  It does not damage the surrounding skin. Because laser can deliver different colors, it can target other discolorations like freckles and sunspots which causes them to break up and get flushed out of the body.

Who is a good candidate?

People with light to medium skin tones who have colored lesions are the best candidates. It is safe and gentle enough to treat vascular conditions even in infants.

But it is not recommended for use during pregnancy, or for people who have taken Accutane in the preceding six months. People who have a history of cold sores or herpes simplex must be pretreated. Some medications can increase the risk of side effects.

Does the procedure hurt?

Generally, it is relatively painless. But if you are concerned, we can apply a numbing cream before treatment.

What are the side effects?

Swelling and redness can last for one or two days. Icing the treated areas can reduce the swelling and bruising.

When will I see results?

Generally, people see results within a few weeks. But, the answer depends on the degree of redness.

How many treatments will I need?

A series of treatments may be needed for body lesions. On the face, one treatment is usually enough for spider veins. If additional treatments are needed, Dr. Cole will recommend the number of treatments you may need, during your consultation.

Additional treatments will be spaced approximately 4 weeks apart. For rosacea, most people need several treatments. However, Rosacea cannot be cured, so maintenance treatments will be recommended.

Will my broken blood vessels return after treatment?

Yes, eventually they will return, and you will be advised to return for another treatment.

The VBeam Perfecta laser is really good at selectively obliterating blood vessels, and pigmented marks and discolorations. It is safe and effective, and gentle enough to use on infants with red colored birthmarks. An extra benefit to VBeam treatment is that it can refresh the skin for a smoother, more even skin texture and tone.

Successful treatment depends not only on the treatment chosen but also on the skill of the dermatologist. Patients in Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Buena Park and Torrance, CA, are fortunate to have access to Dr. M. David Cole. He is a dermatologist who has trained hundreds of physicians and has a comprehensive understanding and expertise in aesthetic and medical treatments for the skin. Call Horizon Dermatology and Laser Institute in Newport Beach, CA. (949) 439-9288.