Redness & Vascular Laser
Visible vessels and selected redness are treated in a targeted way to support a calmer, more even skin tone.
Redness of the skin can have different causes. Fine dilated vessels, diffuse vascular markings, and other vascular changes can become visible, particularly on the face. The nose, cheeks and chin are commonly affected. Not every redness, however, has the same cause, and not every one can be treated with a vascular laser. At Clinic Selnau in Zürich, assessing the visible change is therefore always the first step.
Our Approach
Vascular lasers make use of the different absorption of light energy by certain structures in the skin.
For suitable vascular changes, energy can be targeted specifically at the blood pigment within the vessel. The diameter, depth, and colour of the vessel play an essential role here.
Diffuse redness may need a different treatment than a single, clearly visible vessel. Not every redness is a vascular problem. For this reason, the question of its cause always comes before laser treatment.
Which Changes Can Be Treated?
Depending on the findings, the following changes, among others, may be considered for vascular treatment:
- Fine visible vessels
- Telangiectasia
- Vascular markings on the nose and cheeks
- Certain diffuse redness
- Individual superficial vascular changes
- Selected reddish scars
Which treatment is suitable depends on the underlying change. Where findings are medically notable or unclear, appropriate assessment is required first.
Planning & Skin Analysis
Before treatment, we assess the distribution, colour, and extent of the redness. For visible vessels, we additionally consider their size and depth.
Skin type, sun exposure, medications, and previous treatments can also be relevant. It is then decided which technology and treatment parameters suit the respective change.
How Does a Vascular Laser Work?
Certain laser and light-based systems use the blood pigment haemoglobin as a target structure.
The light energy is absorbed by the blood within the vessel and converted into heat. This allows the treated vessel to be influenced in a targeted way. The body then gradually breaks down the treated structure.
Which wavelength and energy make sense depend on the respective vessel and the skin.
Individual Vessels or Diffuse Redness?
A single visible vessel represents a different starting point than widespread redness.
For clearly defined vessels, very targeted treatment can be possible. Diffuse redness, by contrast, can be more complex and may sometimes require several sessions or a different treatment concept.
For this reason, we assess not only the intensity of the redness, but also its pattern.
Redness & Skin Structure
Redness can occur together with other skin changes.
Where pigmentation, sun damage, or an irregular skin texture also exist, different techniques can be combined within a skin concept. pigmentation & pigment spots require a different laser-based strategy than vessels.
For structural changes or signs of sun-related skin ageing, laser skin resurfacing can, in turn, make sense. The individual treatments do not need to take place at the same time.
Reddish Scars
Alongside structural changes, scars can also show pronounced redness.
In these situations, it must be distinguished which component of the scar should be treated. Where the vascular component is the primary concern, vascular treatment can make sense. Where sunken, raised, or structural changes also exist, a more comprehensive concept within scars & acne scars can be necessary.
Medical Cosmetics for Sensitive Skin
Not every red or sensitive skin requires laser treatment.
Where the skin barrier, dryness, or general skin sensitivity is the main concern, adapted medical cosmetics can make sense first. Supporting the skin barrier between device-based treatments, too, can be part of the treatment concept. Laser and cosmetic skin treatment fulfil different roles here.
Sun & Vascular Treatment
Sun exposure needs to be considered for vascular treatments as well.
Tanned skin can influence the choice of treatment parameters. Following certain treatments, intensive UV exposure should be avoided and consistent sun protection used. The exact recommendations depend on skin type and the technology used.
How Many Treatments Are Necessary?
The number of sessions depends on the type, size, depth, and extent of the vascular change.
Individual small vessels can respond differently than diffuse redness or larger areas. Individual skin reactions, too, influence further planning. For this reason, the treatment series is adapted according to the course.
Healing & Results
Temporary redness and swelling can occur following a vascular treatment.
Depending on the treated vessel and the technology used, further local skin reactions can occur. These normally subside gradually. The treated vessels do not always change immediately — the body needs time to break down the treated structures.
The result, therefore, is assessed over the course of time.
Long-Term Changes
Successfully treated vessels can remain permanently reduced.
Treatment does not, however, prevent new vessels or redness from developing over time. Genetic predisposition, UV radiation, ageing processes, and other factors continue to influence the skin. Where new changes occur, later refresher treatments can make sense.
Consultation
During your personal consultation at Clinic Selnau in Zürich, we assess what form of redness or vascular change is present.
We discuss whether a vascular laser treatment makes sense, and what improvement can realistically be expected. Where pigmentation & pigment spots, scars & acne scars, or structural skin changes also exist, these can be considered within a coordinated skin & laser concept.
For sensitive or treatment-requiring skin quality, medical cosmetics can additionally make sense.
The aim is not to remove every natural redness of the skin. It is to treat disruptive vascular changes in a targeted way and support a calmer, more even skin appearance.