The Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser is a non-invasive light therapy device specifically designed to eliminate undesired
blood vessels from all parts of the body. The Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser generates a pulse of intense, concentrated light which is
directed through a small, cooled hand piece which is gently applied to the treatment site.
This laser energy passes through the skin to the blood vessels which you wish to have eliminated, where the energy is absorbed by pigment in the blood, causing selective damage to the lining of the target blood vessel without damaging the surrounding tissues
and skin. The deeply penetrating long wavelength of the Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ allows us to target blood vessels which other,
shorter wavelength lasers cannot safely reach. The laser is pulsed, or "turned on", for only a fraction of a second.
The duration of the pulses is carefully determined so that laser energy will be absorbed by the blood vessels without transferring
excessive heat to the surrounding skin.
The blood vessels which have been destroyed are reabsorbed by the body, and the flow of blood is directed back down into the deeper vessels, where it belongs.
The surface of the skin is protected by cooling gel pads applied immediately before and after treatment, and by a gold plated
cooling head which glides over the skin (CoolGlide Xeo™) half a second before the laser beam. This selectivity helps to protect
the skin, while effectively treating the unwanted vessels.
The Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser can be used just about anywhere on the body, and usually requires no anesthesia or other treatment. Even sensitive areas such as the nose and cheeks can be treated easily and with minimal discomfort.
The system's unique design allows us to customize treatment, according to the size and color of your unwanted blood vessels,
your skin color, and location on the body.
Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser treatment is a safe, fast, gentle and effective method for removal of unwanted blood vessels. In just a few treatment sessions (in some cases only a single treatment session) using the gentle power of lasers, you can greatly improve
the appearance of skin which is disfigured by unwanted blood vessels and “broken capillaries”.
Third Generation: Diode 800-810 nanometer (Light Sheer, Apex)
By contrast, the Fourth Generation Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser uses the longest available, deeper penetrating 1064 nanometer wavelength. Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ reaches even the unsightly blue vessels can be several mm below the skin surface.
The long 1064 nanometer wavelength of the Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ makes it possible to safely and effectively treat all people --
including those with tanned, very dark or even black skin.
Like all lasers, the CoolGlide works more efficiently on light colored skin -- so to minimize the number of treatments you need,
try not to have a fresh suntan when you come in for treatment.
The gold plated ClearView™ cooling head on the CoolGlide laser provides an extra margin of safety and comfort, allows the
operator a clear view of the area to be treated, and does not require pressure on your skin. While using the Altus CoolGlide
Xeo™ our operators wear clear UVEX CLT™ 1064 goggles, for better, safer and more effective visualization of your skin than is
possible with the dark glasses commonly worn by operators of older, shorter wavelength lasers.
In addition, we are one of the few clinics in the US to use the Syris Light illumination system. This cross-polarized, magnified, halogen illuminated device allows us to clearly visualize even your finest blood vessels, including those that cause unsightly redness but which individually are invisible to the naked eye.
CoolGlide Xeo™ also allows us to precisely adjust the power and the duration of the pulse of laser energy to best suit the diameter and color of the unwanted blood vessels on different parts of your body. Some older laser systems lack this degree of fine
control.
Our CoolGlide Xeo™ lasers are also very effective for removing unwanted hair from the face, legs, and other parts of the body.
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3. How does Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ blood vessel treatment differ from laser hair removal?
When it is used for laser hair removal, the Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ selectively targets the pigment in the hair shafts.
This heats up the hair follicle, which dies and is reabsorbed by the body.
When it is used for laser removal of blood vessels, the Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ target the blood in the vessels which you want to get rid of. The blood heats the blood vessel, which dies off and is reabsorbed by the body. The flow of blood is re-directed away from the surface of the skin, back down beneath the skin where it should have been in the first place.
When blood vessels are treated, the CoolGlide Excel™ has a special hand piece which allows us to choose 4 different spot sizes
ranging from 3 mm to 10 mm. The 3 mm beam is used for tiny superficial vessels, the 5 mm beam for slightly larger vessels,
and the 7 mm beam is used for the largest vessels and sometimes for areas where there are many vessels. These delicate
small-diameter beams allow us to use higher energies on the unwanted vessels which are close to the surface of your skin. The
10 mm beam is only used for hair removal.
The 10 mm laser beam penetrates deeply enough to reach the roots hair anywhere on the body. The 3, 5 and 7 mm beams do not
penetrate the skin as deeply, so they are unlikely to cause much unwanted hair loss (for example, from a man’s beard). The 5 mm
and 7 mm beams may occasionally be used for the removal of small amounts of hair between the eyebrows and in other difficult areas.
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4. What areas of the body can be treated?
ALL parts of the body CAN be treated (and ARE treated) with the Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser. In women, the most
common areas for treatment are blood vessels on the thighs, lower legs and ankles. In men and women unwanted red blood vessels on
the nose and face, including those associated with acne rosacea and with sun damage, are successfully treated. Cherry hemangiomas
(red dots on the trunk, arms and legs), and “spider hemangiomas” on the face, upper chest and other parts of the body are other
commonly treated lesions.
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5. What are the benefits of laser removal of unwanted blood vessels compared to alternative treatments?
The primary benefits of laser removal of unwanted blood vessels are:
- Larger areas may be treated with less discomfort than with sclerotherapy or vein stripping.
- The CoolGlide Xeo™ combines speed, comfort and long lasting results.
- The CoolGlide Xeo™ works on any area of the body where you wish to have blood vessels removed.
- Small blood vessels which are difficult or impossible to treat with sclerotherapy respond very well to Altus CoolGlide Xeo™
vascular laser.
- Because only a beam of pure laser light is used when the CoolGlide Xeo™ treats an unwanted vessel, there is less risk of
bruising compared with injection sclerotherapy which breaks the skin and the wall of the blood vessel, then places an irritating
solution in the bloodstream of the unwanted vessel.
- Because the skin is not broken, there is no need for bandages, tape or support stockings after Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser treatment of blood vessels.
Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser removal of unwanted blood vessels offers
long lasting results with minimal discomfort and little or no
“downtime” after the treatment.
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6. What are the advantages over sclerotherapy?
It has been said that: "Removing blood vessels by sclerotherapy is like mowing grass
--one blade at a time!"
With injection sclerotherapy, the operator inserts a needle into the blood vessel and tries to inject an irritating solution into the unwanted vessel. The body detects that the vessel has been damaged, and reabsorbs the unwanted vessel.
Injection sclerotherapy can be an excellent technique for the removal of large vessels on the legs, and injection sclerotherapy
is superior to any kind of laser treatment for the removal of blood vessels which are thicker than 3 mm in diameter (about 1/8
of an inch).
I sometimes refer patients for injection sclerotherapy, and injection sclerotherapy operators sometimes refer patients to me,
depending on the needs and wishes of the patient. For example, injection sclerotherapy can be useful for large, deep blood
vessels, which are easier to inject than to treat with laser. Some people who have a mixture of small and large vessels will have
laser treatment to remove as many of the smaller superficial vessels as possible, and have injection sclerotherapy to remove
large deep vessels.
Some people just don’t like needles and bandages, and prefer to be treated only with Altus CoolGlide.
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7. Many people want laser removal of unwanted blood vessels, but everyone wonders: "How much does it cost?"
You will find that the fees listed below for laser removal of unwanted blood vessels using the efficient, effective, fourth-generation Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser are surprisingly affordable.
Fees are per treatment session, and can be paid at the time of treatment with Visa, MasterCard, check or cash.
Fees paid for laser removal of blood vessels may be tax deductible medical expenses, like other payments to doctors and dentists.
Professional services provided by appointment only. Prices are subject to change without notice.
The fee for pre-laser consultation is $100. Consultations about laser can usually be arranged within a week or two. Treatment
may be scheduled for the same day as the consultation if there is a time slot which is convenient for you, or may be scheduled
for a later date.
Consultations about laser can usually be arranged within a week or two simply by calling our special LaserLine at (336) 659-2663 where our staff, some of whom have had Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser removal of unwanted blood vessels, can take the time to discuss your wishes and options, and answer your questions. No referral is required.
PRICES PER LASER SESSION |
| Up to 30 minutes |
$300.00 |
| 30-60 minutes |
$500.00 |
| >Each additional 15 minutes |
$75.00 |
*PRICESARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
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8. Prices for the most commonly treated areas include (typical prices per treatment):
Please call Carolina Laser & Cosmetic Center at (336) 659-2663 for prices and consultation.
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9. Is laser removal of blood vessels covered by insurance?
The $80 fee for the laser blood vessel removal consultation with Dr. White will be credited toward the cost of your first treatment.
Most private insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for "cosmetic" procedures like laser removal of blood
vessels; however, consult your insurance carrier for more information.
The removal of unwanted blood vessels for the management of congenital, disease-related or drug-related telangiectasia may be
covered by some private insurance plans. There will be an additional charge for any paperwork we have to do if you are
trying to get reimbursed by your private insurance plan.
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10. Is the cost of laser removal of blood vessels a tax deductible medical expense?
Like fees paid to physicians for other medical services, fees for laser removal of blood vessels, laser hair removal, Zyderm and Zyplast treatments and Restylane™/Perlane™ treatments may be tax deductible medical expenses (similar to dental, orthodontic and
cosmetic surgery bills), so save your receipts!
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11. What are the risks of laser removal of blood vessels?
Short-term side effects may include a reddening of the skin over the treated vessels or local swelling which typically lasts less than a day, although it may infrequently last a few days. Fourth generation, long wavelength 1064 lasers like CoolGlide Xeo™ are less likely than older lasers to cause prolonged irritation, pigment changes or blistering.
Occasionally there can be increased or decreased pigment in the treated area. This is seldom a major cosmetic problem, and
generally resolves after several months. Even a single blister (rather like a tiny sunburn) is unusual, and generally will
resolve within a week or two with some Polysporin or Aloe Vera.
Bruising can occur occasionally when treating vessels on the legs which are 2-3 mm in diameter. This is more of a nuisance than an major problem, and usually resolves within a few weeks without needing any treatment.
The light from the Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ Laser does not cause skin cancer.
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12. Is laser removal of blood vessels "permanent"?
"Permanent removal" means: "ALL the blood vessels are gone, FOREVER!"
There is NO treatment for blood vessels (including laser) which can guarantee anybody "permanent blood vessel REMOVAL".
The most realistic description of the results after laser treatment is: "long term blood vessel REDUCTION". This
means: "After one or two treatments on the face, or one to four treatments on the legs the total number of unsightly blood
vessels is greatly reduced -- generally by 70% to 90%." Most people are very pleased with this degree of improvement, as long
as they know that this is what to expect before they have laser removal of blood vessels.
Because lasers have been used on a large scale for blood vessel removal for only about last 10 years, we can't know if the results will continue to be felt in 15 or 20 years. However, we do know that stable, long-term blood vessel reduction commonly lasts for at least two years, and some patients who had their last treatment many years ago are still enjoying a high degree of blood vessel reduction.
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13. Should I expect to be "free of unsightly blood vessels" in the treated area after the series of treatments?
No, most patients experience a 70-90% reduction in the number of blood vessels in a given area, but you should not expect to be "completely free of unwanted blood vessels".
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14. How many blood vessels will grow back, and how fast will they grow back?
The regrowth of blood vessels after treatment by laser or by sclerotherapy is highly individual, and depends both
on your genetic background and also on medical conditions like acne rosacea, medications you may be taking (like prednisone, for
example) and on external factors like sun exposure (which can speed up the appearance of new vessels on the face and legs -- so
this gives you one MORE good reason to protect yourself from the sun!)
If you take care to control medical conditions like acne rosacea, and protect yourself from sun damage, you can stop or at least
slow down the rate at which new unwanted vessels appear on your skin.
Support stockings are useful to retard the growth of large, deep vessels and varicose veins which are treated by sclerotherapy, but support stockings are unfortunately not useful to prevent the unsightly 1-3 mm superficial vessels on the legs which are treated with Altus CoolGlide.
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15. How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments will depend on:
- the desired degree of blood vessel reduction
- hormonal status
- area being treated
- medication (for example medicines like prednisone can increase
superficial blood vessel growth)
Typically, one or two treatments are needed for facial vessels; and three or four treatments may be needed on the legs. Treatment can be done every 6 weeks on the face, and every 3 months on the legs. Cherry hemangiomas (red dots on the body) usually only require one or two treatments.
Some people start with the area which troubles them the most, then when they can see the results they often return to have other
areas treated.
Additional "touchup" treatments on small troublesome areas can be arranged at relatively low cost. There is no safety
limit on the number of treatments a person can have. People who have been partially treated with other types of blood vessel
removing laser and/or injection sclerotherapy might in some cases need a smaller number of CoolGlide Xeo™ laser treatments.
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16. Previous sclerotherapy or laser treatment? No problem!
CoolGlide Xeo™ has been successfully used on many people who were not able to tolerate -- or did not obtain
satisfactory results with -- older short wavelength laser systems, including dye laser, ruby laser, alexandrite laser, and 800 nm
diode lasers. CoolGlide laser is also been beneficial for people who are having injection sclerotherapy for larger, deeper vessels
and for people who have had injection sclerotherapy in the past.
In fact, depending on how many vessels are left, people who have been partially treated with other lasers or with injection
sclerotherapy may need only one or two treatments with the Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ to "finish the job".
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17. Am I a good candidate for laser removal of unwanted, unsightly blood vessels?
The unique design of the CoolGlide Xeo™ laser, and the long wavelength, allows treatment of people with all skin
colors. A smaller number of treatment is needed when the skin is light colored -- so to get maximum effect from each session avoid
coming in with a fresh suntan or sunburn, but even people who have black skin can be successfully treated with the Altus CoolGlide
Xeo™.
Children can be treated, for example if they have a congenital hemangioma or have some “spider nevi” on the face or other
parts of the body, but the child must be old enough (for example, 10 years old) to understand and cooperate with treatment. Tiny
lesions, such as “spider hemangiomas” sometimes only require 2-3 pulses of the laser, and even very young children are able to
co operate with this sometimes.
CoolGlide Xeo™ laser removal of blood vessels is not just for "cosmetic" problems. Patients with unsightly blood
vessels on the face and other parts of the body because of medications (for example, prednisone) can benefit from CoolGlide
Xeo™ laser treatment as can patients who have problems with unwanted blood vessels because of congenital conditions like “port wine
stains” and disorders like lupus and rosacea.
Normal, reasonable people who have realistic expectations tend to be excellent candidates for Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser removal of unwanted blood vessels.
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18. Which types of vessels respond best to treatment?
Blood vessels you can see with the naked eye tend to respond best to Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser treatment.
Vessels so small that they can only be seen with magnification are difficult but not impossible to treat. Vessels larger than 3 mm in diameter, and vessels which are considerably elevated above the surface of the skin, respond better to injection sclerotherapy or surgical removal.
The color of the vessels can range from light pink to dark purple.
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19. Questions to ask yourself when considering laser blood vessel removal.
- How much are you bothered by your unwanted blood vessels?
- How much are you bothered by the time you spend concealing your unwanted blood vessels?
- How uncomfortable do your facial or other unwanted blood vessels make you feel when you are dealing with other people?
- Does the appearance of your unwanted blood vessels inhibit you in exchanges of affection with your partner (for example, are you uncomfortable if your partner sees your legs?)
- How uncomfortable do your unwanted blood vessels make you feel when you meet new people?
- Do you fear that the appearance of red vessels on your nose and face makes people think that you might be a heavy drinker?
- How uncomfortable do your unwanted blood vessels make you feel when you go to social gatherings, dine out in a public restaurant, go to a beach, pool or gymnasium, or other public place?
- Do your unwanted blood vessels (for example, on you legs) inhibit your choice of clothing or limit the activities that you
engage in (for example, swimming).
- How uncomfortable do your unwanted blood vessels make you feel when you go to work or class?
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20. What causes unwanted blood vessels?
- Unwanted vessels on the surface of the skin of the legs are to some extent an inherited tendency, and become more
common with increasing age. They can also be made worse by sun exposure, and sometimes become more prominent after pregnancy.
They can in some cases be made worse by or be associated with varicose veins.
- Unwanted blood vessels on the face (sometimes referred to as “broken capillaries”) are more common in people who have a
tendency toward acne rosacea; and are often made worse by sun exposure. As with unwanted vessels on the legs, there is sometimes
a family history of other people with a similar problem.
- Spider hemangiomas on the face and other parts of the body are a common nuisance, and can be quite disfiguring. Most children and adults who have a few spider hemangiomas are perfectly normal and healthy. Rarely, numerous spider hemangiomas are found to be
associated with serious liver disease or other disorders. People who are otherwise healthy and have just a few spider hemangiomas
do not need any blood tests or other investigations.
- Telangiectasia on the face and other parts of the body can sometimes be associated with medications like prednisone and other
corticosteroids, and with certain skin diseases like lupus.
- Sometimes children will be born with “port wine stains” or other types of hemangiomas, or these may become apparent as the
years go on. Some of these hemangiomas can be improved or even eliminated by Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ vascular laser.
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21. What is a "test area", and why is it sometimes performed?
"Test areas" are small areas of skin that are treated at various laser energy levels, with various spot
sizes and at various laser pulse durations prior to treatment of large surface areas, for example, if there is an unusual
hemangioma or port wine stain. This may be done at the same time as your consultation, and a $50 fee is required for this test. The
fee for the "test area" is in addition to from the cost of your first treatment. "Test areas" are not necessary
in most cases.
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22. Moles, freckles and tattoos in the area to be treated?
Small moles and freckles do not usually require any special precautions. Large, dark moles and freckles which are
in areas to be treated may require a reduction in the intensity of the laser light, the same way that the intensity would be reduced when treating a dark-skinned or tanned person. Tattoos might require a "test area" to make sure that they will not absorb an excessive amount of laser energy, which could cause fading of the tattoo, discomfort or even a burn. We generally
prefer not to treat over tattoos. Be sure to tell Dr. White and her staff if you have permanent lip liner or permanent eyebrow
liner, because these are tattoos and special precautions may be needed in these areas.
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23. What will happen on the treatment day?
Other than your regular skin care routine, there is no standard "prep" for this procedure. There are no
restrictions on what you may eat or drink prior to your appointment. Many people like to take 2 or 3 plain Tylenol or
Advil (as you might do before having a flu shot or going to the dentist) to prevent or reduce discomfort.
Please shave or clip the areas to be treated before you come in for treatment. Freshly shaved skin is more sensitive, and there is less discomfort if you wait at least an hour between shaving and having laser treatment. Excess dark hair above the surface of the skin absorbs and wastes laser energy, and reduces the amount of energy that reaches the undesired blood vessels, where it is
really needed. Excess hair above the surface of the skin also increases the chance of burning or irritating the skin. If there
is just a bit of “peach fuzz” on your skin, this will not be a problem, because “peach fuzz” is very fine and fair and so
does not absorb laser energy.
When you come for treatment, it is important not to wear any makeup -- or at least wear simple water-based makeup that can be
easily removed -- because makeup can sometimes absorb laser energy. This could interfere with treatment, or even cause
overheating of the skin surface and burning. Makeup also makes it hard for us to see the vessels you would like to have treated.
Makeup can be re-applied immediately after Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser treatment, if you wish.
After all of your last minute questions have been answered and paperwork handled, the areas you wish to have treated will be
cleansed and pre treatment photos may be taken. Everyone in the treatment room must wear protective goggles when the laser is
turned on. The Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ is a high powered laser system, and can cause eye injury if proper eyewear is not worn while the laser is used.
The length of the procedure itself can range from a few minutes for a few spider hemangiomas to an hour or more for very extensive blood vessels on the thighs and lower legs.
If you decide before coming in that you would like to have additional areas treated, please call ahead so that we can
schedule enough time to accommodate your needs.
The process is very simple...
Cooling pads are applied to the skin for a minute or two before the area is treated. Immediately before the laser is used on an
area, the cooling pad is removed and a thin coat of clear gel is lightly smoothed over the skin, then the laser pulses are quickly
and evenly applied to the unwanted vessels. The cooling head of the CoolGlide Excel may be applied to the skin immediately before
and after each pulse of the laser, to further protect your skin and prevent or reduce discomfort.
You can bring a friend or family member if you like -- quite often mothers and daughters will come in together for laser treatment. If you want to let the person with you watch your treatment, that person must wear the special laser goggles to prevent laser light from getting in the eyes.
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24. Does it hurt?
The laser emits only light. You may feel a tingling or snapping sensation like a rubber band. There is no
bleeding and no open wound is created. Some people find the FIRST laser treatment more uncomfortable than subsequent treatments.
Maybe this is because there are more blood vessels which are destroyed during the first treatment; and perhaps also because
some people are more apprehensive during the first treatment, because they are not sure of what to expect.
Many patients find that they have less discomfort if they shave the area to be treated at least a couple of hours BEFORE coming in for treatment, because freshly shaved skin is often somewhat more sensitive.
While some areas of the body like the nose are more sensitive than others, many patients report little or no discomfort. If there is unusual discomfort, please let us know so that we can apply more cooling or adjust the settings on the laser.
People who have had injection sclerotherapy (or treatment with the electric needle, or with other lasers like the KTP laser) usually report that CoolGlide Xeo™ causes less discomfort, and sometimes there is almost no discomfort.
Our careful use of cooling gel pads, and application of the gold-plated cooling head of the CoolGlide contributes greatly to
the comfort and safety of our patients. In addition, with our CoolGlide Xeo™ Excel laser we have the ability to adjust the
frequency of laser pulses, the power level, the pulse duration and the beam width in sensitive areas, to maximize your comfort.
EMLA™ anesthetic cream is occasionally used in very sensitive areas or by those who think they have a very low pain threshold.
EMLA™ can be purchase through our through our office, and a very thick layer should be applied an hour before the procedure. Most people do best with cooling gel packs and Aloe, and do not bother with EMLA anesthetic cream.
Most people find it helpful to simply take two or three Tylenol and/or Advil 2 hours before coming in for treatment. Some women
who find that they are less sensitive after their menses prefer to schedule their treatment sessions to avoid the premenstrual and
menstrual time. You should pamper yourself on laser day: for example, make sure you are not hungry or thirsty when you arrive
for your laser appointment, because people who are hungry or thirsty tend to be more sensitive.
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25. What will happen after treatment?
Redness often has faded greatly by the next day. It would not be uncommon for the skin to be slightly drier that
evening and to require more of your favorite moisturizer, for example, DCL Anti-Itch Lotion.
The treated blood vessels, in particular on the legs, may appear slightly more obvious or a bit darker for the next week or two,
but this is seldom a major cosmetic problem, and generally less obvious than after injection sclerotherapy. Occasionally on the
legs and infrequently on the face there can be isolated superficial bruising which generally is a nuisance and resolves
within a week or two on the face, or several weeks on the legs without needing any treatment.
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26. Why do the blood vessels sometimes look more obvious for several weeks after treatment?
After the blood vessels are treated with laser energy, they sometimes swell up slightly, and the body moves in to
begin the job of removing the treated vessels.
Sometimes portions of the vessels will seal off immediately, and a bit of blood stays behind in the treated vessels, causing
temporary red or purple coloration. If this happens, the blood in the vessels is usually reabsorbed along with the vessels
themselves by the body over a period of several weeks to a couple of months on the legs, without needing any additional treatment.
If a little pocket of old blood persists it can easily be removed if you wish.
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27. Are there any restrictions on my activity after treatment?
Since the laser does not burn or cut the skin in any way, no bandages are necessary. You can return to work the
same day and resume all your regular activities. To reduce the chance of uneven tanning in the treated area, you should minimize
sun exposure and tanning for a week or two after treatment.
Consultations about Altus CoolGlide Xeo™laser removal of hair and blood vessels can usually be arranged within two or three weeks simply by calling our special LaserLine at (336) 659-2663. Treatment can sometimes be done on the same day as the
consultation, or within a couple of weeks.
Our staff, who have had Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser treatment themselves, can take the time to discuss your wishes and options,
and answer your questions. No referral is required.
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28. Pre-treatment instructions:
- Please try to minimize tanning for a week or two before treatment: a fresh tan can interfere a bit with the
effectiveness of the CoolGlide Laser treatment, though this is less of a problem than with older, short wavelength lasers.
- Please do not wear makeup on the areas to be treated, or at least wear makeup that is easy to remove before treatment so that
we can easily see all the vessels you would like to get rid of. If makeup absorbs laser energy, less energy will reach your unwanted blood vessels, and if the makeup heats up it could irritate or burn your skin. Makeup can be re-applied immediately after Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser treatment, if you wish.
- Please shave or clip the areas to be treated the day before treatment or on the morning of treatment. This way, the skin will
be less sensitive. Excess hair above the surface of the skin absorbs and wastes laser energy, and reduces the amount of energy
that reaches the unwanted blood vessels where it is really needed. Excess hair above the surface of the skin also increases the
chance of burning or irritating the skin.
- 4. Some people find it helpful to simply take two or three plain Tylenol and/or Advil 2 hours before coming in for treatment. Some women who find that they are less sensitive after their menses prefer to schedule their treatment sessions to avoid the
premenstrual and menstrual time. You will be less sensitive if you are well rested, well fed, and not thirsty when you have your
treatment. You should pamper yourself on laser days!
During the treatment, remember that: “We want to be doing this FOR you, not doing it TO you.” Unexpected discomfort is nature’s way of telling us something is wrong, so please tell us and we will go slower, apply more cooling, or adjust the power of
the laser for you. The laser does not work better if it hurts more, so there is no point being really tough.
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29. Post-treatment instructions:
- Redness often has faded greatly within a day or two. It would not be uncommon for the skin to be slightly drier
that evening and to require more of your favorite moisturizer, for example, DCL Anti-Itch Lotion available for
purchase through our office. The treated blood vessels may appear slightly more obvious for the next week or two,
but this is seldom a cosmetic problem, and generally much less obvious than after injection sclerotherapy.
- Try to avoid tanning for a week or two after treatment, because occasionally the tan could be somewhat irregular (lighter and/or darker in the treated areas.) Obagi Healthy Skin Protection is an excellent sunscreen.
- It is important to wear support stockings for 2 weeks after your laser treatment. Sigvaris support stockings are available for purchase from our office.
- Blistering or scaling after Altus CoolGlide Xeo™ laser removal of blood vessels is very rare, but usually resolve over a few days or a week with a bit of Polysporin or aloe Vera cream several times a day. Please call us if this happens, or if you have any other sproblems or questions.
Dr Anne L. White, Carolina Laser and Cosmetic Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has trained internationally in the latest techniques of cosmetic procedures, including Botox, Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Evolence, Dysport, Sculptra, Latisse, liposuction, laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal, laser skin rejuvenation and wrinkle resurfacing and vein treatment (laser and sclerotherapy).