Skin Changes Over Time
Our skin is almost like a scrapbook that displays our memories and outdoor adventures. Some of these may show up on our skin as dark spots, broken blood vessels, or other discolorations.
Most of the time, we will test new products at home to try to manage these discolorations. There are countless creams, serums, and spot correctors on the market that claim they can make spots disappear. Many of us will simply use makeup to cover up different spots or freckles.
The good news is that Alaska Center for Dermatology has experts and equipment to help address a variety of different skin discolorations.
Laser Treatments Are Safe and Effective
The Cutera® excel® V™ is the gold standard for laser devices and is designed to safely treat several different conditions leading to uneven skin tone. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you learn about our excel V treatments and what they can do for you.
How Does the excel V Laser Work?
For sunspots, the laser heats up the pigment inside the sunspot, after which, the spot turns darker and then gently sloughs off. For blood vessels, the laser delivers pulses of light energy which cause the blood within the vein to coagulate and the wall of the vessels to collapse, destroying the vessel which is later reabsorbed by your body. Blood flow will then be redirected to veins deeper below your skin’s surface, right where it should be.
What Conditions Can the excel V Laser Treatments Address?
Our excel V treatments can successfully address rosacea, broken blood vessels, angiomas, freckles, age spots, leg veins, some birthmarks, and some scarring.
What Does an excel V Treatment Feel Like?
Patients describe the treatment as feeling like a stinging sensation as the pulses of energy are delivered. The excel V uses a cooling mechanism that helps minimize any potential patient discomfort. Following the treatment, pain is minimal to non-existent.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Ultimately, it depends on the condition that is being treated. Some conditions such as sunspots and superficial veins can be successfully removed with one treatment. Often, for more stubborn conditions such as rosacea and prominent leg veins, patients find that between three to five treatments are sufficient. Treatments are performed every four to six weeks. Since individual results vary, a consultation is required to determine your treatment plan.
When Will I See Results?
For conditions such as sunspots and small vessels, improvement can be noted within weeks of the procedure. For larger vessels on the legs or for stubborn conditions such as rosacea, scars, and birthmarks, most patients find that improvement is noted within eight to twelve weeks of treatment. Your final results may not be apparent for several months.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
Although many patients report few, if any, side effects, those most commonly noticed are slight reddening and local swelling of the skin. These effects typically last about 48-72 hours. We often recommend over-the-counter antihistamines, cool compresses, and gentle skin care at home to reduce the swelling associated with the procedure.
If you have questions, or to see if excel V treatments are right for you, please call us at 907.646.8500 or request an appointment online.