Intermediate

Vascular Lesions

Closing tiny visible blood vessels — redness, rosacea, birthmarks.

Target (chromophore)
Haemoglobin
Lasers used
Pulsed dye (585–595 nm), KTP (532 nm), Nd:YAG (1064 nm)
Main effect
Photothermal (coagulation)
Typical course
1–4 sessions
Recovery time
1–10 days (bruising possible)

1 What is the problem?

Vascular lesions are visible blood vessels: facial thread veins (telangiectasia), rosacea redness, cherry angiomas and port-wine stain birthmarks.

2 The science

Oxyhaemoglobin in red blood cells absorbs yellow-green light strongly. The heat spreads to the vessel wall and seals (coagulates) it; the body then absorbs the closed vessel. The pulsed dye laser was the first laser designed using selective photothermolysis.

Laser lightPulsed dye (585–595 nm)
Absorbed byHaemoglobin
CausesPhotothermal (coagulation)

3 Key points to remember

  • Yellow light (585–595 nm) targets haemoglobin
  • 1064 nm reaches deeper, larger veins
  • Purple bruising (purpura) can occur after treatment
  • Port-wine stains respond best when treated early

4 What happens during treatment

  1. 01

    Vessels are examined

  2. 02

    Eyes protected, skin cooled

  3. 03

    Pulses trace the vessels

  4. 04

    Cold compress and sun protection

5 Possible risks

Bruising, swelling, blisters and pigment change. Correct settings, skin cooling and experienced hands reduce these risks.

Did you know? Port-wine stains in children were among the first conditions treated with lasers designed for skin.