Capillary Removal  Nd Yag Laser

Nd:Yag laser treatment of vascular changes is a non-invasive method for removal of red, blue and purple capillaries and veins, red moles (hemangioma) and other changes which originate from blood vessels on the skin of the face and body by means of a laser beam of an appropriate wave length. Nd-yag laser enables the removal of vascular lesions and is almost equally safe in persons of naturally lighter and darker complexions.

Mechanism of the effect of this laser on blood vessels is based on photothermal effect i.e. selective photothermolysis. Light of the laser with wave length of 1064 nm pierces through the skin and is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood vessel which turns the absorbed energy into heat which destroys the blood vessel. Destroyed blood vessel is in time naturally disintegrated in the body.

Treatment is not painful, it is described as “warm prickling” and mild feeling of discomfort. The treatment is quick and noninvasive (i.e. no needles or other instruments pass through the skin). Depending on the type, number and colour of vascular changes, there needs to be 1-3 treatments in the span of 6-8 weeks because the final result of an individual treatment is evident only after 1-2 months.

Nd: Yag (1064 m) laser system successfully removes esthetically unacceptable veins and capillaries, but it can not prevent appearance of new nets of capillaries and veins on the face or legs in people with incompetent venous circulation.

Patients whose skin got dark in the sun may not be subjected to the treatment until their skin restores their usual colour, since dark skin is prone to occurrence of dark blemishes and other laser treatment complications. Also, exposure to artificial sources of UVA radiation (sun beds) is not advisable before and in between the treatments.

Treatment is not recommended to:
Pregnant women, patients suffering from epilepsy, diabetes and patients with coagulation disorders.

Lasers have become a standard treatment for removal of tattoos because during their use there is no bleeding or side effects. Every removal is performed several times. Anesthesia may be local.

What is the skin reaction after the treatment with the Nd:Yag laser?

Shortly after the treatment the treated region has a dark grey colour or turns brown. This lasts up to two weeks until the dead blood cells are resorbed. Also, a thin scab may form on the treated region which falls off after several days.

In the first few hours after the treatment the patient has a subjective feeling of heat (as if burnt by the sun) in the treated region which is relieved by cold compressions.

Next three-four days after the treatment: 
- avoid washing the treated region with hot water 
- avoid exposure to heat (sauna, steam bath) 
- the treated region may be washed but without the use of sponge and soap 
- avoid exposure to the sun

Mild hydrating creams may be used if they are applied gently. 
After the first four days the sun cream may be used when going out.  
It is very important not to expose the treated region to the sun in the first three months because a darker pigment may occur which then takes more time to pass.

Therefore with the Nd:Yag laser the following may be treated:

• telangiectasias on the face and the extremities (capillaries)
• spider nevus
• blue nevus
• ota nevus
• hemangioma
• old age keratosis