What are unsightly veins?

These benign vascular lesions include enlarged blood vessels and capillaries that appear on the surface of the skin as splotches, dots, bulges and spider shapes. They can show up in a variety of colors ranging from red to purple to brown. Weakness in the walls and valves of the veins cause blood to stagnate rather than to be properly circulated. Some vascular lesions are so tiny that they are not visible under normal conditions. Others, such as varicose leg veins can be quite prominent.

Can unsightly veins be prevented?

It is impossible to totally control the occurrence of varicose and spider veins. But taking certain precautions may make them less likely:

• Avoid sun exposure. Ultraviolet light may play a role in dilation of the blood vessels, especially in the face.
• Wear support hose — this is especially important for those with jobs that require lots of standing or walking.
• Elevate the legs as much as possible when at rest.

Varicose leg veins are believed to be hereditary, but are also associated with injuries, infections, hormonal factors and lifestyles. Obesity, pregnancy, old age and prolonged standing may also contribute to varicose veins.

What types of unsightly veins can be treated with the IPL^TM System?

Many IPL systems are equipped with two different light technologies, making it the treatment of choice for both varicose veins and discolored clusters, commonly called "spider veins" that are near the skin's surface.

What technology is used for deeper blue varicose veins?

The laser component of the mulit-application IPL system is used to treat larger, deeper veins. These veins respond to the precise energy level and wavelength of light that is used. A small spot of laser light travels through the skin, and is absorbed by the blood within the vein. The resulting heat coagulates or clots the blood, and destroys the function of the vein. This process does not affect the surrounding tissue. Over time, the vein is absorbed by the body and disappears from sight.

How are surface veins and spider veins treated?

The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology successfully treats small, superficial blood vessels using precise pulses of light energy.

How many treatments are needed?

Leg veins require multiple treatment sessions over the course of a few months. Small vessels also require several treatments to resolve.

What is a treatment with IPL like? Is it painful?

A pulse of laser or Intense Pulsed Light energy may feel like a pinch similar to a rubber band being snapped on the skin. A chilled gel applied to the skin and other techniques prevent discomfort. Patients wear protective eyewear during treatment. The entire process is brief and non-invasive.

What preparations must I make prior to treatment?

Patients do not have to change their normal routines before or after treatment. Sun exposure must be limited prior to and following any type of laser or IPL treatment. Treatment should not be performed on tanned skin.

Are treatments with IPL safe? Are they approved by the government?

IPL systems are FDA-cleared to treat the full range of benign vascular and pigmented lesions. These include varicose veins, telangiectasias, diffused redness in the skin (erythema) and vascular birthmarks such as port wine stains. For information on clinical studies involving IPL treatment for unsightly veins, go the resources page.

Does insurance cover IPL treatments for varicose leg veins?

Coverage varies from carrier to carrier. In most instances insurance does not cover the cost of cosmetic procedures. Patients should consult with their physicians and individual insurance companies for more information.

How is IPL used to treat benign vascular lesions?

The face has an extensive network of veins and tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Over time, aging, trauma, sun exposure and certain lifestyle factors cause a them to become more prominant or break - these breakages appear as red streaks, spider veins, or blotches on the skin. The IPL treatment destroys capillaries and excess blood that has leaked into the skin without harming surrounding tissue. Overtime, the capillary is reabsorbed by the body and disappears.

IPL Skin Treatments using Photorejuvenation, as the treatment is frequently called, also improve the signs of aging from the face, neck, chest, arms, and hands. It is an in-office procedure performed by a physician or trained medical staff member. A treatment program typically includes four to six sessions of about 20 minutes each, performed at three week intervals

Why are IPL Skin Treatments using Photorejuvenation better than other treatments?

In addition to treating multiple symptoms and locations in each session, the IPL procedure is gentle, non-invasive and safe. Because of this, there is no downtime. Patients see results in the complexion of the entire face and can return to normal routines and activities immediately after treatment. In fact, many people schedule their sessions during their lunch break. Additionally, IPL treatments are customized to specific skin type and color, providing the best possible results.

Who is a candidate for this new procedure?

Any man or woman who is showing the signs of aging and sun damaged skin is a candidate for IPL Skin Treatments using Photorejuvenation. A brief consultation with an IPL specialist should provide all the information needed.

Why are multiple treatments necessary?

By dividing the full IPL program into several treatments, the procedure provides gradual, natural looking improvement with very low risk. Results are long lasting, usually a year or more.

How much do IPL Skin Treatments using Photorejuvenation cost?

Costs vary depending on several factors such as the severity of the skin condition. Compared to other aesthetic procedures, IPL Skin Treatments using Photorejuvenation are quite affordable and competitive. It is usually priced above microdermabrasion or certain chemical peels, but less than laser resurfacing and cosmetic surgeries. IPL procedures are not typically covered by health insurance.

How can I find the right doctor for IPL Skin Treatments?

Those interested in IPL should talk with a physician or someone already experienced in IPL Skin Treatments. To find a qualified practitioner in your area, visit the Find A Practitioner page. Some providers may refer to the procedure under other brand names, such as FotoFacial^TM, EpiFacial^TM, Photoblush^TM, WrinkleLight^TM, or EpiLight Skin Therapy^TM. Make it a point to verify that they use the patented IPL technology from Lumenis^TM.

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