How Does The Laser Treat Leg Veins?
FreshSkin is proud to offer the Cartessa™ Motus-AY laser, to treat vascular lesions, benign pigmented lesions, and small leg veins across a wider array of skin types. Laser vein treatment uses laser and/or light therapy to target blood vessels. The laser looks for the red color that is in the vein [the hemoglobin] and when it reaches this color it will heat it. This heat then turns the liquid into a gel [a process called coagulation] and it also shrinks and seals the treated vessel walls. The coagulated blood will be removed by the body in a natural way in the post treatment period. Because the laser is heading straight for the red color it doesn’t really “see” any of the color [melanin] in the skin, so it there is very little risk of skin losing or gaining any color after treatment. [This is called hypo- or hyper-pigmentation.]
With its unique pulse set, the Motus AY handpiece provides a more forgiving and more effective vascular treatment with no side effects and discomfort. Our providers will work with you on the best treatment regimen designed for your health and aesthetics needs.
Because the surrounding skin tissue is unaffected, there is minimal downtime or adverse reactions.
What You Can Expect
Your provider with prep the area with clear gel and apply cold air to the treatment site. The laser will then be triggered and repeated throughout the treatment area(s) as necessary until the treatment is completed.
The MotusAY uses a Nd:YAG laser, which:
- Has a deep action because of low melanin absorption.
- Treats all skin types because of low melanin absorption.
- Targets mainly vascular lesions, especially telangiectasias in all parts of the body.
- Treats veins up to 2mm in diameter (small leg veins) because of high selectivity for hemoglobin.
During treatment, the Motus AY produces an intense, but gentle burst of light that passes through the skin and is selectively absorbed by the target. The light produced by the laser generates heat within the target, destroying it without causing significant thermal injury to the surrounding tissue. Complications, though rare, can occur with any light procedure.
Patients will experience some temporary reddening of the skin around the treatment site.
Am I a Candidate?
You are a candidate for this treatment provided you do NOT have any of the following:
- You do not have a strong hypersensitivity to the light
- You are not pregnant
- Have any previous skin cancer or the presence of cancerous or suspected pre-cancerous lesions in the treatment area
- Have an active infection in the treatment area
- Have a Dysplastic nevi (abnormal mole) at the treatment area
- Have an active cold sores, open cut [laceration] or scratch [abrasion] in the treatment area
- Have a thickened scar or keloid in the treatment area
- Tattoos in the treatment area
When Will I See Results?
Many patients notice immediate improvements, with optimal results revealing in the weeks following treatment.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments is highly dependent on the number of unsightly veins that are present. In general, most individually require a minimum of 2 – 3 treatments over the course of several weeks.
While the visible veins can be treated, it is important to recognize that the underlying cause of these veins, such as family history and hormonal changes, cannot be eliminated, and re-treatment at various intervals determined by the FreshSkin team will be necessary. Everyone who develops varicose veins should get into the habit of wearing Lycra or compression stocking whenever possible. This helps to prevent the rapid development of new varicose veins.
