The Integrated Center for Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser Treatments – Dermatology Division is a renowned leader in research and treatment of vascular lesions, and offers a range of laser treatments to improve their appearance. We treat hemangiomas, vascular malformations, dilated facial blood vessels, spider hemangioma, pyogenic granulomas, and similar conditions.
Hemangiomas and vascular malformations
About half of all babies are born with congenital vascular lesions. These birthmarks often have aesthetic significance, and occasionally, even functional implications.
Congenital vascular lesions fall into two main categories: hemangiomas and vascular malformations. It is important to accurately characterize vascular lesions as to their progression, possible complications, prognosis, and treatment.
Since hemangiomas are typically benign and often regress spontaneously, they often do not require treatment. However, hemangiomas located in problematic areas of the body or those that impair function or cause physical deformity or other complications, are usually treated with medication. In some cases there is cause to consider integrating laser therapy to improve the appearance of the hemangioma.
Vascular malformations, such as port wine stains, do not disappear spontaneously and in order to remove them, medical intervention is necessary. Laser treatment is safe and has been proven effective for treating both blood vessel malformations, such as port wine stains, and hemangiomas. Both of these conditions can be treated with low risk of side effects. Malformations involving small, superficial blood vessels respond better to therapy than those involving deeper blood vessels, which appear mainly at older ages. For this reason, early treatment is of great importance.
Facial telangiectasias (spider veins) or rosacea
Dilated capillaries on the face and side of the nose are quite common. They can appear with acne or rosacea, or following surgery or radiation treatments, but sometimes the problem occurs on its own, with no other signs. Laser is currently the only known technology that effectively treats this condition. The diameter of the capillaries and their depth in the skin can vary, making it necessary to adjust the wavelength at which treatments are given.
Technologies and therapies for treatment of vascular lesions
Pulsed-dye laser (VBeam) is considered the treatment of choice for most lesions involving blood vessels, due to its high clinical efficacy and low profile of side effects. The device has a large spot size (5-10 mm) that enables rapid treatment, even for large lesions. Side effects include bruising which disappears a week or two after treatment, as well as temporary changes in skin pigmentation. The PDL device has a dynamic cooling option, which reduces discomfort during the procedure and enables the use of higher energy in a safe, effective manner while minimizing the number of treatments required.
Intensed pulsed light (IPL) – is used to treat blood vessel irregularities (dilated capillaries, rosacea), pigmentary nevi (such as age and liver spots), and for skin rejuvenation. High-intensity pulses of light aimed at the upper layers of the skin cause a reduction in the amount of melanin and/or blood vessels, while stimulating the growth of new, younger-looking skin. Although some beauty spas offer IPL therapy, the devices which they use cannot be compared to the sophisticated IPL technology available at the Integrated Center for Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser Treatments – Dermatology Division.
This information does not replace personal consultation with a medical specialist. To receive more information and to consult one of our specialists, please contact the Integrated Center for Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser Treatments – Dermatology Division at Tel. 03-6972424, dermaaesthetics@tlvmc.gov.il
