Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment

Conveniently located to serve Boston, MA

With the help of PDL in Boston, the board-certified dermatologists at The Dermatology Institute of Boston can treat numerous skin imperfections. The FDA-approved Vbeam® pulsed dye laser is considered the gold standard of vascular laser treatment due to its incredible effectiveness, safety, and versatility.

The PDL can be used on any part of the body. It can improve flushing and clear away vascular lesions like angiomas and telangiectasias (tiny broken blood vessels). This laser treatment can address facial and leg veins, and it is an excellent option for the redness associated with rosacea.

Additionally, pulsed dye laser treatment can treat acne scars (post inflammatory erythema), hypertrophic scars, keloid scars and red stretch marks.

Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment Overview

A pulsed dye laser treatment session at The Dermatology Institute of Boston will be performed using the state-of-the-art Vbeam Perfecta laser®. The session will be quick, efficient, and comfortable, lasting less than 15 minutes. Session length will depend on the exact skin issues being addressed.

At the start of the treatment, the laser treatment provider will clean the targeted regions, removing any makeup and skincare products. The patient will put on protective goggles to ensure a safe treatment.

The laser treatment provider will use the Vbeam Perfecta laser handpiece to direct pulses of laser energy into the targeted skin issues. Before each laser pulse, cooling technology will cool the skin for soothing protection.

No anesthesia is typically needed for the pulsed dye laser treatment, and discomfort is minimal. Many compare it to a rubber band snap. Once all targeted skin issues have been treated, the treatment session will be complete.

Dr. Graber Performs PDL Laser Treatment

The Science Behind Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment

A pulsed dye laser involves laser has a specific wavelength of 595 nm. When aimed at the skin, it travels safely through the epidermis and target hemoglobin in red blood cells in the blood vessels in the dermis of targeted lesions. Less commonly, the laser can also be used to target pigment, or brown spots, in the skin.

Because the laser has a cooling mechanism built into it, the epidermis (top layer of the skin) remains cooled and safe allowing for the laser beam to penetrate into the dermis without damaging the epidermis. The laser is selectively absorbed by only hemoglobin in the blood vessels so other surrounding skin structures are not affected. This is called selective thermolysis. Destroying the targeted skin issues clears them away, resulting in clearer skin.

Am I a Good Candidate for Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment?

Most patients are excellent candidates for treatment with a pulsed dye laser in Boston. Vbeam treatments are specially customized for each unique case. They are very safe, even for use on infants and young children in special cases.

Many different skin tones can be treated with the pulsed dye laser and often times treatments can be even done in the summer as long as patients are not overly suntanned.

Studies now show that even patients on isotretinoin (formerly known as Accutane) can even be treated with the pulsed dye laser while they are on the isotretinoin in order to help clear acne scars or post-inflammatory erythema.

Patients with seizure disorders should be cautiously treated as the laser emits a flashing light and those prone to seizures induced by flashing lights may be more safely treated in other ways.

Why Choose The Dermatology Institute of Boston for Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment?

Patients choose The Dermatology Institute of Boston time and time again due to its high standard of quality and the personalized care our staff provides. Our board-certified dermatologists are members of the American Academy of Dermatology, and their vast wealth of knowledge allows them to deliver consistently impressive results.

The Cost of Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment

When determining pulsed dye laser treatment cost, several factors must be taken into account. Factors that can impact the total price of Vbeam Perfecta include skin type, number of treatment sessions, and the details of the issues being addressed (severity, location, number, and type). This treatment is typically not covered by insurance.

The Consultation

During your pulsed dye laser treatment consultation at The Dermatology Institute of Boston, you will speak with one of our board-certified dermatologists. You will tell them about the cosmetic issues you would like to address, and they will carefully examine them.

Your board-certified dermatologist will ask questions about your complete medical history. This may include questions regarding past skin treatments, current medications, and pre-existing medical conditions.

They will go over the details of treatment to ensure that you fully understand the process. This will include a discussion of potential results, aftercare directions, and preparation instructions. You are encouraged to ask questions at any time.

Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment Aftercare

After a treatment with the Vbeam Perfecta PDL in Boston, recovery time and downtime are very short. Patients may feel a slight temporary stinging sensation in the treated areas. Redness, swelling, and bruising may be present but will fade over the course of a few days. Apply ice packs or cold compresses to aid in this process.

To avoid exacerbating post-treatment side-effects, sleep with your head elevated for the first night. Do not take part in strenuous activities like exercise. Avoid sun and refrain from picking or scratching at the skin.

Results can typically be noticed quickly after the treatment session, depending on the issues being addressed. The effects continue to improve for up to four weeks.

The number of treatment sessions will be based on the skin conditions being addressed. The number, size, and location of skin issues can all play a factor. Three to four sessions are usually required for optimal results, and a month will be needed between each session. Angiomas usually resolve in one to two sessions while treating hypertrophic or keloid scars often requires more than three treatments.

Find Out More About Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment

To arrange a consultation and find out more about treatment with the PDL, Boston patients are encouraged to call 857.317.2057. Contact The Dermatology Institute of Boston today and clear your skin!