Vbeam Perfecta
How It Works
The Candela Vbeam Perfecta laser, or vascular pulsed dye laser, is a laser that treats spots and marks due to vasculature, trauma, sun damage and age. The V-Beam is very popular because of all its indications and versatility. It is non-invasive and non-ablative: it does not puncture or strip off layers of skin.
The Science Behind The Treatment
The Vbeam laser uses a beam of light to effectively remove targeted cells. This treatment, administered in long pulses, does not harm surrounding, healthy cells. Instead, it is taken up by blood vessels in the dermis, a layer of the skin. This absorption causes damage to these blood vessels, encouraging the body to break them down and resulting in a more even result.
How to Prepare
Please let the provider know if you have a history of cold sores or have ever had an adverse reaction to light or laser treatments in the past. Our providers may suggest medications prior and after treatment for optimal healing.
What to Expect
If you are having a large area treated with Vbeam, please be sure to gently cleanse that area and remove all makeup prior to your procedure time.
Most patients who are having Vbeam do not require numbing, although topical anesthesia is available upon request. If you are interested in numbing, be sure to schedule a numbing appointment at least an hour before your procedure time.
Patients are reclined or lying down depending on the area being treated. Both the patient and the doctor will be wearing protective eye-wear (usually goggles or metal eye shields for the patient). The laser will then be calibrated and the treatment parameters set based on the condition being treated. You will hear a number of ‘beeping’ sounds while the laser does this. Each condition and each individual is unique, and these settings will be individualized to maximize the results you will see following treatment.
Depending on your skin type, you may need a 'test spot' done prior to your Vbeam treatment. This is typically performed 6-8 weeks before your procedure date and allows your provider to ensure that she is using the best setting for your skin.
Most will see improvement in their vascular and pigmented lesions within several weeks. The improvement can be quite dramatic, although results may vary and may require multiple treatments. Permanence of Vbeam depends on the condition being treated and lifestyle of the patient. For example, if you are having redness or broken capillaries treated but have a strong tendency to flush and blush, or do not avoid flushing triggers, the condition may recur over a period of years. If you are having brown sun spots treated, but continue to spend time in the sun without adequate sun protection, it is likely that your sun spots will return. Talk to the provider about your goals and expectations of treatment.
What It Will Feel Like
Most patients report that Vbeam Laser feels like a small elastic band being snapped against the skin and is quite tolerable, although topical anesthesia is available upon request. If you are interested in numbing, be sure to schedule a numbing appointment at least an hour before your procedure time.
The Candela Vbeam Perfecta laser has a special Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD), which delivers a very cold spray to the skin just before the laser pulse is emitted. This helps to minimize the discomfort during treatment and reduce side effects by protecting the top layers of the skin.
Post-procedure Care
We recommend avoiding sun-exposure for several days after treatment with the Vbeam and using sunblock thereafter. It is fine to apply most makeup and moisturizers to the areas as long as they are gentle and non-comedogenic. For any specific questions, you may refer to your written aftercare instructions or call our office.
The best way to determine your candidacy for treatments is to schedule a consult.
However, you are likely a candidate if you are experiencing:
AngiomasBroken CapillariesRed BirthmarksRednessRosaceaScarsSpider VeinsVeins
