Telangiectasias
WHAT IS TELANGIECTASIAS?
Telangiectasias are small, widened blood vessels on the skin. They are usually harmless, but may be associated with several diseases. They form threadlike red lines or patterns on the skin, sometimes known as spider veins. They can occur anywhere on the body or face, but are more common in areas exposed to sun and wind. They may be caused by genetics, environmental factors, medications, pregnancy, alcoholism, or trauma to the skin. Telangiectasias do not usually cause any symptoms, but they can sometimes bleed or cause discomfort. They can be removed by various methods that damage the vessel and reduce its appearance.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Laser and IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments are effective methods to remove telangiectasias by selectively targeting the hemoglobin in the blood vessels and coagulating them with heat.
During a laser or IPL treatment, a device emits pulses of light that target the hemoglobin in the blood vessels, causing them to heat up and collapse. The treatment is usually done in a clinic or a doctor’s office, and it may take several sessions to achieve the desired results. The treatment is generally safe and effective, but it may cause some side effects such as redness, swelling, bruising, blistering, or scarring. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve within a few days or weeks.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE TREATMENT?
During an IPL or laser treatment, you can expect the following:
– You will wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the light.
– The somatologist will apply a cooling gel or device to your skin to reduce discomfort and protect the surrounding tissue.
– The somatologist will move the handpiece over the affected area, delivering pulses of light. You may feel a slight snapping sensation, like a rubber band snapping on your skin.
– The treatment may take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and number of spots.
– After the treatment, you may experience some redness, swelling, or crusting of the skin. These are normal side effects and should subside within a few days.
– You should avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen for at least a month after the treatment, as your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays.
AFTER THE TREATMENT
After the treatment, you should avoid sun exposure, tanning, hot showers, saunas, or exercise for at least 24 hours. You should also apply sunscreen and moisturizer to your skin daily and follow any instructions given by your doctor. You may notice some improvement in your skin after one session, but you may need several sessions spaced four to six weeks apart to achieve optimal results. The results may last for several months or years, depending on your skin type and condition.
HOW MANY SESSIONS
The number of sessions required to remove telangiectasias depends on the size, location, and number of the affected vessels.
Generally, most patients need 2 to 4 sessions of treatment to achieve optimal results, with each session lasting 15 to 30 minutes. However, some patients may need more sessions depending on the severity of their condition and their individual response to the treatment. The sessions are usually spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and recover.
