Vbeam Pulsed Dye Laser for red acne scars and stretchmarks


The Vbeam laser delivers an intense but gentle burst of light to surface of the skin, targeting the tiny blood vessels which give scars and stretch marks an unwelcomed red color. The Vbeam was introduced in the 1980s and is one of the safest and most widely used lasers in Aesthetic Medicine today. It utilizes a cool cryogen spray (DCD) that accompanies the laser pulse, protecting the skin and making the treatment very comfortable.



VBeam Laser

The blue area is the Cryogen spray cooling and protecting the skin.
The yellow beam from the Vbeam lasers targets the broken vessels
What can be treated with the Vbeam?

The Vbeam laser, recognized for its long record of safety and efficacy is not only used to treat red acne scars and stretch marks but it also improves Rosacea, spider veins, broken capillaries, vascular birthmarks, cherry spots and acne.
Red Acne Scars

The "red" left behind in acne scars is a result of tiny broken capillaries at the site of the healed acne lesion. This redness is more common to "newer" acne scars and is hard to conceal, making the evidence of acne more pronounced, even after it has healed. Lasers which target these broken capillaries cause the small vessels to coagulate and be reabsorbed by the body. This effectively removes the redness. The Vbeam laser is often used in combination with other lasers whic smooth out the acne scars, such as the Fraxel or Smoothbeam laser.
What is the treatment like, does it hurt and is downtime required?

The Vbeam laser treatment is quite comfortable and though no topical anesthetic is required, it may be used. The skin is protected during the treatment with a cold cryogen spray which precedes each pulse of the laser. Most patients will experience a small amount of redness and swelling in the skin for about 24 hours after the treatment, but this should not interfere with any planned activities at home or work.

Years ago to be effective, pulsed dye lasers needed to bruise the skin to be effective. With advances in technology, this is no longer necessary. It is important that the physician is using new technology to ensure that the treatment will required no downtime.


How many treatments are required and at what interval?

We generally provide a series of 2-3 treatments, spaced 3-4 weeks apart.


Can you combine the Vbeam treatment with any other therapies?

Yes. A popular technique alternating between Intense Pulsed Light therapy (Photofacial) treatments and the Vbeam. Each technology has its own attributes, and when used in combination this may further enhance the results.

Vbeam laser may be used in combination with the Fraxel or Smoothbeam which are useful in smoothing out the scars.

 
What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?

Avoid exposure to the sun and tanning of the areas that are to be treated throughout the course of treatment. Immediately following the treatment, the area may be slightly swollen, sensitive and warm and cool compresses are helpful.