Candela V- Beam Laser

Specialist expertise… This treatment can be used for a variety of skin lesions such as port wine stains and birthmarks. At McIndoe our specialist Candela V-Beam Laser team is dedicated to finding the best treatment to suit your individual needs.

How does the Candela V-Beam Laser work?

The Candela V-Beam produces an intense pulse of light that selectively destroys the blood vessels of your vascular lesion without damaging the surrounding tissue and leaves the outer layer of skin intact. Laser creates heat within the vessel which destroys it whilst sparing the surrounding tissue.

What can the Candela V- Beam laser treat?

Basically any vascular lesion such as:

Port wine stains
Spider naevus
Thread veins on face, limbs or body
Campbell de Morgan (cherry red spots)
Redness of rosacea
Red Scars (leaves the scar paler but the scar will persist)

Are there any reasons why I may not be a candidate?

Not recommended for patients who have darker skin as the increase in skin pigment means the laser will be less effective at clearing the blood vessels of the lesion and may increase the pigment in the skin. The depth of the Candela V-Beam is limited to vessels down to 1.5mm in depth, therefore vessels deeper than this may not respond to therapy. Additionally, 'blue' vessels may not respond as well as red ones. Larger vessels do not respond.

What should I expect?

Treatment with Candela V-Beam may consist of multiple treatments. Each individual situation will vary and it is best to discuss yours with the laser team. The type of vascular lesion to be treated will determine the number of treatments required.
Red veins will respond better than larger blue veins. Smaller, matted vessels (giving the appearance of a blush) respond best. Port wine stains are composed of a 'network' of vessels at varying depths. Therefore, the exact number of laser treatments cannot
be estimated.

What does the treatment involve?

After a full consultation with the consultant, the Laser Nurse Practitioner will carry out a small laser test patch to an area of the lesion to ascertain the correct treatment dose. As the laser light is harmfull to eyes, all people within the laser room will be required to wear laser eye protection when the laser is in use.

The laser is delivered in short pulses of light. Before each pulse, you will feel a quick cold spray. This not only slightly numbs the area but also helps reduce any resulting swelling. The sensation can be described as that of a cold spray with an after sting.

For children, a general anaesthetic is usually advisable for treatment after the initial test patch unless the lesion is very small.
The immediate after-effects are bruising on the treated area and possible swelling. The swelling subsides within 24/48 hours but the bruising discolouration can last up to two weeks. The lightening of the lesion is a gradual process. It can take up to 3 months for the full effect to be seen.

Aftercare information following Candela V- Beam laser treatment

Do not rub, scratch or pick the treated areas while the bruising or discolouration persists. Do not shave, wax or use depilatory creams on treated areas as the skin that has been lasered will be more delicate than normal.

Avoid swimming and contact sports while the bruising/discolouration lasts -
up to 14 days.

Avoid tight restrictive clothing as this causes unnecessary pressure on the area.

Avoid strong sunlight. Tanned skin will not be treated. Should treated skin be exposed post-operatively (within 4 weeks) to strong sunlight, the area will be prone to hyperpigmentation. During the month of April-October (in England), use high factor sun block, applying at regular intervals when exposed to the sun. Suggested sun block SPF25-30.

After laser treatment, the skin may be tender and feel 'dry'. To alleviate this, and help heal the area, apply aloe vera gel 2 hourly for the first 48 hours and then 2-4 times a day until the skin is back to 'normal'.

Should the treated area become blistered and then crust, a new tube of antiseptic cream e.g. Savlon, should be applied. Contact the Laser Nurse Practitioner if you are concerned.

Avoid overly hot baths or showers. Be gentle with the skin, pat dry, remember the skin is rather more delicate after treatment - treat your skin as if you have sunburn.

Any discomfort you may experience can be relieved with Paracetemol. Do not take Asprin or alcohol for 48 hours after treatments.

There is a small risk that following laser treatment you may have either a brown pigment or blanched area where you were treated.

Should this occur, apply sun block SPF25-30 until the normal colour returns.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our Laser Nurse Practitioner at the McIndoe Surgical Centre on either 01342 330357 or 01342 330300.

What are the side effects?

The most common side effect of dye laser treatment is an increase in brown pigment of the skin. This is temporary but can last up to 6 - 12 months.
You should continue to apply sunblock until the pigment fades. Changes in texture of the skin are also a potential problem.
It is very uncommon, but it can cause a slight depression in the skin which may return to normal in time. It is extremely rare for a thick scar to develop.

How do I choose a surgeon? Who will I see?

How do I make an appointment? How to book a consultation

What should I expect from a consultation?

Where will my surgery take place?

What's a pre-assessment and why do I need one?

Why should I choose McIndoe?

Call 01342 330357 or contact the helpline on 0800 917 4922