The Sciton laser has been used for the treatment of various skin conditions and vascular lesions for many years. We offer 2 different types of laser treatments for veins and pigmented lesions. The Long Pulse ND: Yag laser emits an intense beam of light that penetrates the skin and heats the target area almost instantaneously and so precisely that normal surrounding tissue is hardly affected. We can also use the Sciton Light Based Laser to treat more superficial or diffuse veins. Both lasers are used to lighten or remove facial telangiectasia, spider veins, periocular veins and other vascular growths of the skin and pigmented lesions. One or both of these laser treatments may be used during your treatment to achieve the best results possible.

1. Pain- Without a topical anesthetic there would be some pain during the treatment similar to snapping the skin with a rubber band. Some areas are more sensitive than others.
2. Healing wound- Laser surgery may cause a superficial burn to the surface of the skin, which takes several days to heal. This may result in swelling, weeping, crusting or flaking of the treated area. This usually takes 5 to 10 days to heal.

3.Pigment changes- In most patients the treated area loses pigmentation (hypopigmentation) and becomes a lighter color than the surrounding skin temporarily. This type of reaction tends to gradually fade away and return to normal over a period of two to four weeks.  With repeated treatment, this pigment loss may become more persistent and require longer healing, such as 6 to 8 months or longer.  There is some risk of permanent pigment loss in the area of treatment, leaving a white shape similar to the original pigment being treated, but this is rare and usually avoidable by allowing adequate healing time between treatments.  There is a risk of increased pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) as a healing reaction.  However, this type of change is very rare with this particular laser.  If this should occur, the increased pigment usually fades away over 2 to 6-month period.

4. Scarring– There is a very small chance of scarring, including hypertrophic scars, which are enlarged scars, and rarely, keloid scars, which are abnormal, heavy, raised scarring is a very rare occurrence but is a possibility because of the disruption of the skin’s surface. To minimize the chances of scaring it is important that you follow all postoperative instructions carefully.
5. Eye exposure– There is also a risk of harmful eye exposure to the laser energy. Safeguards have been provided including the use of safety eyewear during laser treatment. It is important for you to keep these protective glasses on at all times during treatment to protect your eyes from accidental laser exposure.

-No oral Retin-A or Accutane for 6 months (If treating the face only)

-No topical Rentin-A / Tri-Lumma for 2 weeks (If treating the face only)

**If you have have been in the sun/tanning bed in the past 2 weeks prior to your treatment, PLEASE INFORM YOUR TECHNICIAN BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT

-Let us know if you have a tendency for Cold Sores (If we are treating on your face) – we will call in a prescription for Zovrax to begin 3 days before your treatment & continue for 4 days after your treatment to help prevent a cold sore. 

-Please inform your technician of any tattoos in area to be treated (including permanent cosmetics) as we cannot treat over these areas.

-Cleanse treated area gently as needed. 

-Avoid any abrasive scrubs for 48 hours following treatment. 

-You may apply make-up immediately after your treatment (for treatments on face). 

-The veins treated may appear red and irritated following your treatment.  This should resolve in 1-3 days following your treatment.  It is not necessary to apply any medications following your treatment.

-You may feel a mild sunburn feeling in treated are for up to 24 hours following your treatment.  Ice packs may help with the discomfort.  Tylenol may be taken to help with the discomfort as well.  Please let our office know if the discomfort lasts longer than 48 hours following your treatment.

-It is possible to develop a blister following your treatment.  If this happens, apply Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic ointment to the area 2 daily until it heals. 

-You may have some mild swelling in the treated area following your treatment.  This should resolve in 24-48 hours. 

-Avoid exertional activity immediately following treatment as this may cause an increase in swelling.    

-Following your treatment, it may appear that the veins treated are still visible, please allow at least 4-6 weeks for your body to reabsorb the treated veins.