REDNESS, RED SPOTS, ROSACEA OR RED SCAR
What is V-BEAM?
Vbeam® Perfecta is a type of laser treatment that uses coloured laser beams in order to help reduce areas of redness. It can be used to reduce the appearance of rosacea, port-wine stains (red spots), spiders veins, bruising and broken blood vessels, as well as fresh scars and stretch marks that still have their pinkish colour. V-Beam may also be used to help speed up the healing of bruising caused by other procedure.
How does VBeam work?
V-Beam uses dye in order to colour a laser beam, which is released in intermittent pulses. The beam is of a yellowish colour, which allows it to specifically target red-coloured cells, such as red blood cells. Because its target is so specific, V-Beam will not cause any damage to surrounding tissues which do not have any pigmentation. When the laser beam reaches its target, it gets absorbed. As the target absorbs that laser, it will also absorb any energy it emits. This causes the target to heat up and eventually die. When this happens, the body will work to break down and absorb the target. As red-coloured cells get broken down and absorbed, their concentration in the target area goes down, which causes the redness in the area to slowly fade. Results from this procedure are gradual. You will require multiple treatments in order to see full results. The number of treatments required may range from 1 to 3, depending on the type of pigmentation being treated. During your consultation, your doctor will be able to give you a more specific number depending on what you wish to have treated.
What can I expect during the procedure?
Your session may last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area you wish to have treated. If the target area is on your face, you will be given protective eyewear in order to avoid any damage to your eyes. The doctor will then place the handheld device directly on your skin’s surface. The laser will be released from this device in intermittent pulses. You may feel a pinching feeling caused by the laser, however your will not feel any significant pain. V-Beam uses a Dynamic Cooling Device which sprays cold water onto the skin during treatment in order to reduce any discomfort which may be caused by the laser. However, if the doctor deems it necessary, they may use some anesthetic cream on your skin. Following your session, you will not require any downtime. You will be able to immediately routine to your normal routine, however you will need to make sure you do not expose your skin directly to the sun or to any irritating chemicals. This is because your skin will be very sensitive following treatment and will be susceptible to discolouration and burning.
Does VBeam cause any side effects?
Following treatment (redness, rosacea, red spots …), your skin may be swollen, red, and feel warm. This will subside on its own within a few hours to a few days. Areas of pigmentation may appear slightly darker immediately after treatment, but this will fade over time. If you are of a darker skin tone, there is a risk of pigmentation. If you are experiencing any side-effects or abnormalities which are lasting a significantly long period of time, be sure to seek medical attention.
How long will the results last?
The length of time V-Beam’s results may last will vary. It is possible that the results after your treatment will be permanent. However, if the targeted area is particularly resistant to treatment, it is possible for red pigmentation to return after a few weeks or months with a slightly less pigmented appearance.
Is VBeam for everyone?
V-Beam is safe to use on all skin types. It is most effective when used on lighter skin tones. Higher levels of melanin in darker skin tones will not allow the laser to penetrate the skin, making this treatment ineffective. If you are of a darker skin tone, talk to your doctor in order to discuss other treatment options. All alcohol consumption must be stopped at least 24 hours before your treatment session. You may not receive V-Beam treatment if you are pregnant. If you have cold-sores or herpes simplex virus, you must receive treatment prior to undergoing V-Beam treatment. You may not receive V-Beam treatment if you have taken Acutane within the 6 months preceding your desired treatment date. Certain medications, including blood thinners, may be a contraindication to receiving V-Beam treatment. It is important for you to disclose all medications you are taking to your doctor in order to ensure that it is safe for you to undergo V-Beam treatment.
Disclaimer: Those pictures represent real patients treated by Dr G. Doumit. However, Patients results undergoing cosmetic treatment can vary from one to the other depending on multiple factors.
What are the cost of VBeam ?
The cost of V-BEAM is between 350 to 500$