Advanced, Non-Surgical Treatments Using IPL technologies for Vascular Skin Conditions
While vascular skin conditions are rarely symptomatic of serious health threats, they are a common cosmetic concern. These cosmetic concerns also often require advanced treatments. At o41 clinic, our medical professionals have had great success in treating patients from across the Vancouver, British Columbia area with spider veins and more.
How do you treat vascular skin conditions?
We use a type of light-based therapy called “IPL.” Unlike the single wavelength of light that is delivered by standard lasers, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapies deliver powerful flashes of polychromatic light. Such polychromatic light contains many wavelengths and corresponds with various colours. As the IPL is directed toward broken capillaries and other vascular concerns, it targets the hemoglobin that gives your blood its red colour. Once the light is absorbed by the hemoglobin in your blood vessels, these targeted tissues are heated and coagulate or clot. This process leads to the discoloured areas fading over time. Due to the precise nature of IPL treatment, the surrounding areas are not affected. This property of IPL makes it a safe and comfortable treatment option for a wide range of patients with various vascular skin conditions.
Do you use a special device?
Yes! Our professionals at o41 clinic have selected the best technologies that money can buy. These FDA-cleared systems have been carefully vetted for their safety and performance. For vascular conditions, we chose the VascuPen by Alma Lasers. The pen-like device delivers light-based thermal energy through a small tip, applied directly to target spider veins, cherry angiomas, and other conditions on the skin’s surface. As this energy is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood vessels, heat is generated. This localized heat causes the treated blood vessels to coagulate/clot and safely collapse. Gradually, the blood vessels are reabsorbed naturally by the body’s lymphatic system. As this process occurs, your skin concerns fade from view. The result is clearer, more evenly-toned and more radiant-looking skin. The surrounding skin is untouched for the safest and most predictable treatment experience.
What does the VascuPen treat?
In addition to the conditions mentioned above, VascuPen is an appropriate treatment for persistent red discolouration and flushing associated with rosacea; diffuse redness caused by sun damage and other factors; and thread-like surface blood vessels known as telangiectasias.
What can I expect from treatment?
VascuPen is applied to clean skin. Since it is not invasive and can be completed quickly, anesthesia is not required for all treatments. Most of our patients describe treatment as feeling like a temporary sensation of warmth and tingling. The most common side effects afterward include mild redness and swelling at the treatment sites, which typically go away within a day. There is minimal downtime, and most of our patients return to their usual activities right away. A powerful yet low-risk treatment, one session may be all it takes to achieve the desired results – although more sessions may be necessary depending on your needs and how your body responds to the treatment. “Touch-up” treatments are scheduled on an as-needed basis.
Redness and other vascular skin conditions can detract from a healthy, radiant complexion. It doesn’t have to be this way! Let the professionals at o41 clinic fade often stubborn and challenging concerns to renew your youthful appearance. Phone (604) 200-6889 to request a consultation at our Vancouver, BC office, conveniently located in the Medical/Dental tower of Oakridge Mall.
In addition to vascular conditions, IPL is also effective for pigmentation treatments. Click here to learn more.
