IPL Treatment for Thread Veins

IPL or PhotoDerm is an intense pulsed white light used for treating small thread veins on the face. The blood temperature is elevated high enough to cause its coagulation without damaging the skin and surrounding tissue. The light passes through the upper layers of the skin and is absorbed by the haemoglobin in the blood where it is immediately converted into heat. This causes the blood to become thickened, thus sticking the walls of the vein together. The damaged vessels are then absorbed by the body gradually fading away.
PhotoDerm has been designed to provide flexibility in choosing the wavelength, pulse duration and energy levels according to the size and depth of the blood vessels and skin colour. In this way the maximum heat is delivered to the blood vessels with minimum damage to the skin tissues. Treatment cannot be undertaken if a suntan is present and is not suitable for people with dark skins. Strong sun exposure should be avoided for two weeks prior and after treatment sessions.

A rectangular light guide with the appropriate filter is place just above the skin and the light is fired through cold coupling gel which allows uniform delivery through the air to the skin. The flash is very bright and despite the dark glasses given it is advisable to keep eyes shut. The treatment feels like hot fat spit or the ping of an elastic band. There is slightly more discomfort on the cheek areas close to the nose.

After treatment the areas treated become reddened and there is a feeling of sunburn for a couple of hours. On occasion it is possible to produce a bruise if one of the smaller veins ruptures but parameters can be altered to stop this recurring. This will fade as with normal bruising. There is a slight possibility of a blister forming but it is very superficial and will heal with no scarring. Local swelling of the face is a possibility but this subsides spontaneously within a few days. Ice packs can be applied to reduce swelling and soothe the thermal affect. Make-up can be applied immediately post treatment.

IPL is a very successful way of eradicating facial veins and reducing redness. Three or four sessions are usually required at three week intervals. If a good moisturiser and strong sun block are applied whenever exposed to sunshine (including day to day activities, not only when sunbathing) then the likelihood of recurrence is greatly reduced