VBeam Laser Treatment Near Chicago, IL

For many struggling with skin conditions involving dilated blood vessels, like rosacea or spider veins, it can be a struggle to maintain self esteem in light of blemishes. However, there are treatments available for these conditions, including the VBeam Laser Treatment.

What is VBeam Laser Treatment?

The VBeam is a pulsed dye laser, which means that the laser energy is delivered in pulses and a dye is used to generate laser beams of different colors. The target of the laser is hemoglobin, which is the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood stream– and also for skin redness. While hemoglobin is targeted, no skin cells surrounding the dilated blood vessels are damaged. The vessels then collapse and are reabsorbed into the body, reducing redness.

How Does VBeam Work?

The VBeam is a pulsed dye laser, which means that the laser energy is delivered in pulses and a dye is used to generate laser beams of different colors. Since the VBeam is used to treat dilated blood vessels, as in rosacea, it is often called a vascular laser. The target of the vascular laser is hemoglobin, the red protein in blood cells in the blood vessels. Skin cells that surround the dilated blood vessels are not damaged.

Benefits of VBeam Laser Treatment

VBeam laser treatment reduces skin redness caused by dilated blood vessels, resulting in clearer skin with fewer blemishes.

Laser Treatment for Rosacea

One of the most common uses for the VBeam Laser is for rosacea, a red skin condition. It can also treat facial veins, port-wine stains, red acne scars, and general facial redness. In rosacea, you can anticipate a 50% to 75% improvement after 3 to 5 treatments. Since rosacea is a chronic condition we recommend 1 to 2 maintenance treatments per year. Port-wine stains require more than 5 treatments.

VBeam Laser Treatment Near Chicago

For top-notch VBeam Laser treatments near Chicago, trust the expert team at Advanced Dermatology, a Forefront Dermatology Practice. We proudly serve patients across Chicago’s North Shore, with locations in Lincolnshire and Glencoe. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

How do I know if I need the VBeam?

If you have too much redness due to dilated blood vessels in your nose, cheeks, chin, or other parts of your face, you may benefit from treatment with the VBeam. This includes, but is not limited to, the redness of rosacea. The VBeam is also good for removing angiomas, small red clumps of blood vessels. Red birthmarks, called port-wine stains, can be treated with the VBeam, as can stubborn warts, scars, and bruises and sun damage on the neck and chest.

The VBeam laser is not appropriate for pregnant women or patients who have taken Accutane for the past six months. People with a history of cold sores or herpes simplex virus should not have this procedure until they are pre-treated for these conditions.

What are the risks and side effects of VBeam laser treatment?

Be sure to tell the provider if you have a history of cold sores on herpes simplex because laser energy may activate the virus. Otherwise, no preparation is necessary.

Scarring, infection, and blistering from the VBeam laser are very rare. Bruising is the most common side effect. It is important to wear eye protection that we provide throughout the treatment to shield your eyes from the light. Without the eye shields, serious damage to the eyes can occur.

Talk to your dermatologist for VBeam Laser treatment to go over all potential risks and side effects.

Can VBeam be combined with other treatments?

Yes. VBeam treatment can be combined with most other treatments. If you combine botulinum toxin or injectable fillers with the VBeam, the laser treatment is done first.

What are the risks and side effects?

Be sure to tell the provider if you have a history of cold sores on herpes simplex because laser energy may activate the virus. Otherwise, no preparation is necessary.

The VBeam is one of the safest lasers that are in existence. Scarring, infection, and blistering are very rare. Bruising is the most common side effect, and usually, we know that is going to take place due to a very large vessel or a clump of many vessels and we can predict that in advance most of the time. It is important to wear eye protection that we provide throughout the treatment to shield your eyes from the light. Without the eye shields, serious damage to the eyes can occur.

Prior to treatment all potential risks and side effects will be discussed with you by your medical provider and cosmetic coordinator.

Can this be combined with other treatments?

Yes. VBeam treatment can be combined with most other treatments. If you combine botulinum toxin or injectable fillers with the VBeam, the laser treatment is done first.

How will I look and feel during and after the treatment?

Many patients say the procedure is tolerable and feels like cold and hot snaps on the skin. During the procedure, a stream of cold air directed at the treated area helps to minimize discomfort.

The treated area will look more red and swollen for a few hours or, in unusual cases, up to several days. Bruising may occur when very large blood vessels, port wine stains, warts, or scars are being treated.

How much does the VBeam cost?

The cost depends on the area treated and the number of treatments. Three to 5 treatments are usually needed to achieve optimal results. VBeam laser treatments are not typically covered by insurance as they are considered cosmetic. During your consultation, your provider can discuss cost with you.