Facial, Leg Blood Vessels and Rosacea | Laser Vein Removal | Vascular and Pigmented Lesions

CoolTouch VARIA™ laser treatments provide a non-invasive, clinically effective procedure for a variety of vascular lesions, hair removal, and skin rejuvenation. Pulsed cooling and patented thermal quenching create a soothing effect while protecting the skin's surface. This unique system also allows for treatment of darker skin types than can be done by most other lasers. We are pleased to offer laser procedures with this device at our deluxe center serving the Beverly Hills and Los Angeles areas of Southern California.

For example, here is a patient who underwent CoolTouch Varia laser treatment to remove spider leg and facial veins:

     
Cool Touch® Varia Equipment

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Treatments:

How does the CoolTouch VARIA™ work?

The CoolTouch VARIA uses a wavelength of light that is well absorbed by the blood in spider veins and by the pigment in hair follicles. Combined with the special cooling mist that protects the skin, this allows for gentle treatment of spider veins, unwanted hair and for skin rejuvenation. The CoolTouch VARIA, a major breakthrough in hair and spider vein removal, is even able to safely treat people with darker skin tones.

What are CoolTouch® Varia treatments?

CoolTouch Varia has developed a proven laser skin and collagen rejuvenation technique called N.I.C.E.™ (Non Invasive Collagen Enhancement) which softens the signs of aging and promotes smoother and younger looking skin.

How do the treatments work?

A unique type of laser energy is applied in a series of gentle pulses over the treatment area. The CoolTouch utilizes a cryogen mist to protect and cool the skin while the laser energy penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the deeper skin tissue. This triggers a response and your body begins to rebuild and replenish your own natural collagen.

What is a treatment like?

CoolTouch treatments are quick and easy and can be performed on any area of the skin. Patients typically tolerate treatment well and may see a blush in the treated area for a short period of time following the treatment. There is no downtime so you can apply make-up and resume regular activities immediately after the treatment.


How long does a treatment take?

CoolTouch treatments take 10-30 minutes depending on the number of areas treated.

What improvement will I see?

Over time you will notice skin texture changes. You will notice that fine and deep lines become less visible and gradually begin to fade. Results are achieved with a series of treatments - on average 3-4 treatments over a period of 2-3 months.

- Content courtesy of Cooltouch, Inc


The StarPulse Laser has revolutionized the treatment of veins and blood vessels on the face. Outdated dye lasers resulted in significant pain and immediate bruising lasting up to 14 days. Treatment using an electric needle frequently failed and had a high risk of producing white pitted scarring. The new StarPulse Vascular Laser now offers an alternative with minimal pain and bruising. Most patients are able to resume their normal activity immediately.

About Facial Veins and Blood Vessels

Men and women develop fine, red vessels (veins or telangiectases) on the face in response to photoaging. These vessels are usually most prominent on the nose, cheeks, and chin.

Pregnancy, birth control pills, estrogen therapy, and steroids can also be associated with the development of telangiectases. These blood vessels are not considered a medical problem. Aesthetically, however, these veins are unattractive and difficult to camouflage with make up.

The StarPulse Vascular Laser effectively and efficiently removes these facial blemishes with minimal discomfort, minimal or no bruising, and a rapid return to normal activities.

The StarPulse Laser Advantage

How Does The StarPulse Vascular Laser Work?

The VPW laser produces laser light at a wavelength of 532nm (green light). This wavelength of light is selectively absorbed by red blood cells within blood vessels in the skin. The laser light causes heating of the inside of the blood vessel with clotting of the blood within the vessel. This results in the destruction of the blood vessel. The VPW laser avoids the rupture of blood vessels and subsequent bruising which is often seen with other lasers. The laser uses a chill tip to safely deliver the laser light to the blood vessels. The chill tip cools and protects the overlying skin from damage by the laser light.

What Is Treatment Like?

The procedure is performed in the office without the need for anesthesia. The area of skin to be treated is covered with a clear ultrasound gel to facilitate movement of the laser chill tip over the skin. The chill tip cools the skin. Protective laser glasses are worn to protect your eyes from the laser light. Each pulse from the laser feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin or a speck of grease hitting the skin. Local anesthesia is not necessary. After the procedure treated areas will be red and slightly swollen. This usually resolves over a 24-hour period. The skin may also have a temporary stinging or burning sensation after the procedure. This resolves within a few hours.

Is The StarPulse Vascular Laser Treatment Painful?

The procedure is slightly uncomfortable. Each laser pulse feels like a rubber band or speck of hot grease striking the skin. Almost all patients tolerate this well, and anesthesia is not necessary. If you have been treated with one of the older lasers for vascular lesions the discomfort is much less. After the treatment the skin may have a temporary stinging or burning sensation. This resolves within a few hours.

Will I Experience Bruising?

Bruising is very uncommon unlike the older lasers used to treat vascular lesions where bruising could last 7-14 days. Most patients have no bruising at all. Immediately after the procedure redness and slight swelling are noticeable.

Are The Results Permanent?

No aesthetic procedure should be viewed as permanent, however, most of the blood vessels treated with the laser are completely eliminated. Some blood vessels may require several treatment sessions to be eliminated. The vessels may appear "gone" immediately after the procedure, and then "reappear" several days later. This should be expected for some blood vessels. New vessels can also appear in the treated areas as part of the natural aging process. This should not be viewed as recurrence of the treated vessels. The skin will continue to age after the procedure is performed. Proper skin care and sun protection with sunscreens will help protect your skin from the aging affects of the sun, which include the formation of new blood vessels in the skin. You should use sunscreens on a continuous daily basis.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments required can not be predicted in advance. Every patient is different and responds differently to the laser treatments. The number of treatments also depends on the type of lesions being treated. Some lesions require only one treatment and others three or more treatments. Facial veins and telangiectases are often significantly improved in 1-2 sessions. Treatment of birthmarks and scars usually require multiple treatments. Visits are spaced 4-8 weeks apart. Again, these are only general guidelines and should not be considered firm endpoints.

What Are The Alternatives To The Procedure?

Laser treatment with the StarPulse laser is a cosmetic procedure performed at the request of the patient. Patients have this procedure performed to try and improve the appearance of their skin. There are other methods to treat vascular lesions and scars of the skin. The final decision made by the patient must be based on an assessment of the risks of the procedure compared to the desired results.

Alternative treatments include treatment with other lasers for vascular lesions such as the pulsed dye laser, Nd-Yag laser, Intense Pulsed Light and electric needle machines, all of which are available at Monterey Dermatology Laser Medical Center.

Is The StarPulse Vascular Laser For Everyone?

No! The ideal candidate for VPW laser therapy is an individual who has light colored skin to a light brown complexion. Blonde to brown hair color and light colored eyes are also helpful. Patients with darker skin are more prone to develop pigmentation changes after the procedure. Some patients may also simply not respond to the laser and the response also varies depending upon the type of lesion being treated.