At some point in life, most patients will suffer from unwanted redness on their face or body. These red spots can take on numerous forms that range from well-circumscribed, raised dots to diffuse, blotchy patches. The causes of these red lesions are similarly varied, as they may occur secondary to genetics, surgery, age, and chronic sun exposure. The medical terminology for the types of redness included in this bothersome collection is extensive: rosacea, telangiectasia, cherry angiomas, vascular birthmarks, etc. Regardless of the confusing technical name, advances in cosmetic dermatology have led to the advent of numerous non-invasive treatments capable of eradicating your particular type of redness. Additionally, these innovative technologies can also alleviate the blue and purple discoloration associated with spider veins to comprehensively color-correct your skin and produce a smooth, even-toned complexion.
An area of constant study and research, modern vascular treatments harness the power of electromagnetic waves to provide optimal results to patients. Over the course of his decade-long career, Dr. Hooman Khorasani has helped improve the appearance of red or blue discoloration for thousands of patients of all ages and skin types. Always pursuing the best possible treatment options for his patients, Dr. Khorasani consistently invests in the latest technology and mentors other professionals who have sought him out for his expertise in this area. As such, Dr. Khorasani will be able to provide you with a tailored therapy plan that addresses your individual needs and employs the latest therapeutic advances.
To find out whether vascular laser treatments can help banish unwanted redness or blueness from your skin, visit Dr. Khorasani at our New York City practice. To request a consultation, text message us securely, or contact our Manhattan office by phone at 212-230-3378.
The shape, size, texture, and intensity of your particular skin blemish is attributable to its specific cause; however, the red color shared by all of these lesions is caused by malformations of the blood vessels that allow the redness of the blood to be seen through the skin.
Bulging, twisting, blue or purple cords of the legs and feet are usually attributable to varicose veins. This extremely common condition occurs as the vessel structures weaken with time, leading to visible swelling and distortion. Most often, these enlarged veins are benign signs of aging; however, patients should discuss these lesions with their primary care physician to ensure they are not associated with any medical concerns.
Spider veins are miniature versions of varicose veins that occur when smaller branches of the venous system become dilated. These malformations often appear as flat patches of thin blue or purple lines localized to the legs, chest and face.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Khorasani will carefully evaluate your particular red or blue-purple lesion to discern its type and characteristics. Incorporating your individual aesthetic goals, health profile, and lifestyle constraints, Dr. Khorasani will recommend a personalized therapy plan that best addresses your specific needs.
Vbeam delivers pulses of precisely-colored light energy that eliminate red or blue-purple pigment without harming the surrounding skin. Selective targeting of hemoglobin is responsible for the broad-ranging efficacy of Vbeam, as this device is optimally suited to treat the red or blue-purple discoloration associated with capillary malformations (birthmarks), cherry angiomas, rosacea, scars, telangiectasias (broken blood vessels) and spider veins.
Vbeam is considered one of the most popular lasers in the practice of Dermatology. This laser facilitates an impressive reduction in red and blue dyspigmentation while simultaneously protecting the neighboring healthy skin. This allows for maximal improvement in skin tone with little to no downtime required. Furthermore, the powerful redness and blueness-busting abilities of this device yields immediate and durable results for most skin conditions.
Patients seeking to reduce skin redness or blueness in any form are most likely to benefit from Vbeam. This capable laser is amongst the most effective vascular devices that minimizes or, in most cases, eliminates unwanted red or blue-purple lesions. Those with inflexible schedules are also ideal candidates for Vbeam, as the precision of pigment destruction lends itself to a recovery period of just a few hours.
Please note that the robust and targeted color-correcting abilities narrows the cosmetic scope of this laser, as this device does not address fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, or texture abnormalities. Patients seeking to eliminate both bothersome redness or blueness and target the signs of aging may consider adding a skin resurfacing treatment to their therapy plan. Please visit our Laser Skin Resurfacing page to determine if our array of innovative laser devices can help comprehensively rejuvenate your complexion.
Furthermore, red color is often only one component contributing to the visibility of scars. Dr. Khorasani is pleased to offer multiple minimally-invasive treatments that address texture, shape, and size abnormalities to maximally improve the appearance of scars. Please visit our Scar Revision page to determine if these therapies in combination with Vbeam can help you reduce or eliminate these physical reminders of a prior trauma.
Capillary malformations (birthmarks), cherry angiomas, rosacea, scars, telangiectasias (broken blood vessels) and spider veins are each managed with a different Vbeam regimen that is hand-picked to maximally reduce discoloration. The majority of patients will need three to five sessions spaced three to six weeks apart to achieve optimal results; however, the trade-off for these multiple treatments is steep, as most patients will enjoy a permanent resolution of their red or blue dispigmentation. Individuals with chronic, recurring conditions like rosacea or prominent veins will likely require additional treatments in the future.
Unlike the monochromatic light emitted from the Vbeam laser, IPL devices project a range of wavelengths that heat specific structures in the skin. This heating process facilitates the eradication of unwanted dyspigmentation while simultaneously inducing the production of new collagen.
This innovative laser provides two treatments in one comprehensive session. The pigment-destroying light waves help reduce the visibility of unwanted red, blue-purple, or brown discoloration associated with capillary malformations (birthmarks), telangiectasias (broken blood vessels), rosacea, spider veins, sunspots, and freckles. Concurrently, the increased production of healthy collagen softens fine lines, improves skin texture, and enhances elasticity. The result? An even-toned and youthful complexion!
The ability of IPL to diminish red, blue-purple, or brown dyspigmentation and lessen the appearance of early signs of aging renders this therapy ideal for patients looking to broadly enhance their skin appearance. Please note, however, that this device is lower in energy than both the Vbeam and other traditional skin resurfacing treatments. Consequently, the color-correction and improvement in fine lines, texture, and elasticity are more subtle than the results gleaned from other lasers.
Patients seeking to aggressively target age-induced skin changes or red or blue discoloration may be candidates for Laser Skin Resurfacing or Vbeam, respectively. Please visit our Laser Skin Resurfacing page and Vbeam section above to determine if these more potent devices, together or separately, can provide maximal skin rejuvenation.
The enhanced capacity of IPL to address multiple cosmetic issues necessitates an increase in both downtime and number of treatments required to achieve maximal aesthetic results. Most patients will require four to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart to optimize their cosmetic outcomes. Additionally, mild swelling and redness for two to four days after an IPL treatment is common. In rare cases, patients may also notice scabbing or peeling over the treated areas.
As with Vbeam, the improvement in red, blue-purple, or brown dispigmentation for non-recurring conditions is often permanent; however, maintenance treatments every twelve months to maintain the anti-aging effects of IPL are highly recommended.
The Aerolase Neo is an innovative device that emits beams of energy one thousand times faster than traditional lasers. This brief delivery period allows for a gentle, yet effective treatment in which unwanted pigment is removed and collagen production is stimulated.
The microsecond delivery of Aerolase Neo energy allows for a pain-free laser session that is safe for patients with deeper skin tones. This rapid emission also spares the surrounding healthy skin, allowing for an accelerated healing process with no downtime required.
Cosmetically, the particular electromagnetic wave projected by this device reduces red, blue-purple, or brown discoloration while simultaneously enhancing skin texture. This dual efficacy lends itself to a color-correction of capillary malformations (birthmarks), telangiectasias (broken blood vessels), rosacea, spider veins, sunspots, and freckles that is complemented by softened fine lines and renewed elasticity.
The painless delivery of laser energy renders this treatment ideal for pediatric or adult patients with sensitive skin. Skin of color patients may also safely use this device, as the calibration of the Aerolase Neo eliminates the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation that is often associated with other traditional lasers. Individuals with busy personal and professional lives are also optimally suited for Aerolase Neo, as the multitude of skin benefits are obtained with zero downtime.
As our most gentle vascular laser, the color-correction and improvement in texture are more subtle than the results garnered from other treatment modalities. Patients seeking to moderately increase the degree of improvement for vascular discoloration and the early signs of aging may be candidates for IPL therapy. Learn more about the comprehensive benefits of IPL therapy above to ascertain if this laser is more aligned with your aesthetic goals.
Those wishing to maximally correct age-induced skin changes or red or blue discoloration may be candidates for Laser Skin Resurfacing or Vbeam, respectively. Please visit our Laser Skin Resurfacing page and Vbeam section above to determine if these more potent devices, together or separately, can provide maximal skin rejuvenation.
Reminiscent of IPL therapy, the enhanced capacity of Aerolase Neo to address multiple cosmetic issues also necessitates an increase in the number of treatments required to achieve maximal aesthetic results. Most patients will require three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart to optimize their cosmetic outcomes; however, in contrast to IPL therapy, the multiple benefits associated with the Aerolase Neo do not incur a significant downtime period. As dictated by your own personal comfort, you may resume normal activities immediately after treatment.
As with other vascular lasers, the improvement in red, blue-purple, or brown dispigmentation for non-recurring conditions is often permanent; however, maintenance treatments every six months to maintain the anti-aging effects of Aerolase Neo is highly recommended.
Dr. Khorasani has expertise in multiple laser therapy modalities that color-correct red or blue-purple dyspigmentation of the skin to varying degrees. Each device is individually selected to account for one’s particular skin blemishes, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle constraints. Together as a team, we will be able to craft a treatment plan that helps you achieve your ideal complexion!
Patients who should not consider laser therapy under any circumstances include those currently on isotretinoin (Accutane), have any conditions or are on any medications that cause photosensitivity, have severe inflammatory skin disease or are currently pregnant.
The degree of reduction in red or blue-purple discoloration varies from laser to laser. Other benefits, such as improvement in skin laxity and texture, are also dictated by which particular device is used. Please see the above Vbeam Perfecta (Pulsed Dye Laser), Intense Pulse Light (IPL), and Aerolase Neo sections for further details. Rest assured, however, that each recommended laser treatment capitalizes on Dr. Khroasani’s decade-long experience with skin enhancement and has been hand-picked for you to provide the best possible outcome.
Safety of our patients is always our primary concern. As such, we will provide you with special eye coverings to wear during your treatment to protect your retina from the laser energy. For sessions with IPL therapy, a medical gel will be applied to the area prior to administering the laser energy. During the actual treatment for all devices, you will feel the handpiece of the laser moving across the target areas.
Other than safety, your comfort is our number one priority; therefore, for those receiving Vbeam and IPL therapy, we offer a topical numbing cream application prior to your procedure, if desired. However, most patients do not request this anesthetization. Aerolase Neo, our most gentle vascular laser, does not require any additional numbing time to ensure a pain-free experience.
During the laser procedure, you should not feel any discomfort; however, each device is associated with different sensations that may still be felt despite the anesthetization. Treatments with Vbeam and IPL have been compared to feeling as though someone is lightly snapping a rubber band against your skin. Patients receiving Aerolase Neo therapy have described experiencing warmth in the areas of treatment.
If at any time during the session these sensations become bothersome, please inform Dr. Khorasani and he will provide you with additional measures to ensure your comfort. One option is our in-office Pro-Nox system which employs nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) to reduce anxiety and the experience of pain. Pro-Nox can be self administered by you as needed, to address any discomfort.
The length of each session varies depending on the type of laser used and the treatment area size. Based on the best treatment plan for you, Dr. Khorasani will discuss with you in detail the total amount of time you can expect to spend in the office for each session (including, if necessary, the time needed to numb the area before treatment).
On average most patients start to see significant results after the third treatment, however you should see some improvement after the first treatment. Although the vessels are removed permanently, as we age new unrelated vessels may form. Result onset and longevity depends on each laser modality and the characteristics of the particular vascular lesion. Please see the above Vbeam Perfecta, Intense Pulse Light, and Aerolase Neo sections for further details. Regardless of the therapy modality chosen, Dr. Khorasani will work with you every step of the way to transform your individual goals into reality.
The laser therapy used to treat your skin dictates the recovery period. Aerolase Neo, our most gentle vascular laser, may cause one to two hours of redness following treatment. Vbeam Perfecta may cause up to twenty-four hours of mild redness and swelling that is localized to the targeted area. Rarely, patients may experience more swelling and bruising in the treated site that requires three to five days to resolve. Finally, Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments may incur two to four days of mild redness and swelling. Some patients may also notice scabbing or peeling over the treated locations.
On the day of treatment, we will verbally review with you detailed information regarding what to expect during your recovery and specific post-procedural instructions including how to clean and moisturize the treated area. Don't worry if you can't remember everything! You will be provided with a written copy of these instructions to take home. Our highly-skilled office staff is also available at any time to discuss any questions or concerns. We are always here for you!
To prepare for your laser treatment, avoid tanning or prolonged sun exposure for at least two weeks before and after your procedure. For seven days prior to treatment, abstain from using any topical retinoids or vitamin A compounds, exfoliating products, or bleaching creams unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Khorasani. You should not resume using these topical products until Dr. Khorasani indicates it is safe to do so, as premature application can cause irritation and redness of the skin. Additionally, if you have a history of cold sores, please mention this to Dr. Khorasani so that he can provide you with appropriate preventive medications prior to your treatment.
Dr. Hooman Khorasani is quadruple board-certified in Dermatology, Cosmetic Surgery, Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Mohs micrographic surgery. Additionally he led the Division of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery at Mount Sinai for 10+ years. His dedication to clinical excellence and constant innovation has led to numerous accolades and publications in premier medical journals. He is considered an international expert in laser therapy and has spent a majority of his career training the next generation of dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons.
Armed with this advanced clinical and academic competency, Dr. Khorasani carefully crafts a therapy plan for each individual that adheres to the highest standards of medical care and is optimized to produce the greatest results possible. Personalization is infused into every aspect of our practice, from the treatment itself to our highly-skilled office personnel that are available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns. Together as a team, we can help you say good-bye to unwanted red or blue-purple vascular discoloration permanently!
Dr. Khorasani and his highly-specialized team look forward to working with you to transform your medical or aesthetic goals into reality. To expedite a request for a consultation, message us securely, or contact Dr. Khorasani’s Manhattan office by phone at 212-230-3378. For more information about how to get in touch:
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