Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment (Vbeam)
Discover how Vbeam laser treatment uses specialized pulsed light technology to safely and effectively clear up stubborn skin concerns like rosacea, veins, pigmentation and more.
What is Pulsed Dye Laser Technology and Vbeam?
Pulsed dye laser (PDL) technology is a type of laser treatment that uses concentrated pulses of light to selectively target pigmented lesions and blood vessels in the skin. They are referred to as “pulsed dye” lasers as they utilize an organic dye solution to generate the specific laser wavelengths. The technology delivers extremely precise micro-pulses of light to intensely heat targeted structures like blood vessels, while leaving surrounding tissues unaffected.
What is Vbeam?
The Vbeam laser system is a pulsed dye laser recognised for the treatment of vascular lesions. The Vbeam PDL has been proven for the treatment of a wide array of vascular, pigmented, and certain non-pigmented lesions, with minimal side effects.
The Vbeam system is FDA, CE, and TGA cleared.
How Does Pulsed Dye Laser / Vbeam work?
- Pulsed dye lasers emit light at a specific wavelength (usually 585-595 nm) that is selectively absorbed by the pigments melanin and haemoglobin.
- The laser delivers extremely fast pulses of light (usually less than 1 milliseconds in duration) with intervals between pulses. This allows the targeted pigment to absorb the light energy without excessive heat diffusion to surrounding tissues.
- The light energy is converted to heat upon contact with melanin and haemoglobin, heating the pigmented target to a temperature that brings about its selective photothermolysis (destruction by heat).
- This precisely delivered photothermolysis causes the breakdown of the pigment molecule without damaging surrounding tissues like the epidermis.
What Can Pulsed Dye Laser / Vbeam Treat?
Vbeam is able to treat a variety of skin conditions, especially blood vessel related conditions such as:
Pulsed dye laser is also widely used to treat nonvascular conditions such as plane warts, angiofibroma, and pyogenic granulomas.
What To Expect During A Vbeam Treatment Session
Pre-treatment
A Vbeam laser treatment session begins with a pre-treatment consultation where our doctors will examine your areas of concern and discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure. Following the consultation, if you are determined to be a suitable candidate, you will proceed with treatment.
Treatment
The treatment area will be cleansed and prepared for treatment. Our doctors will explain the treatment process so you feel prepared and informed. A topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment site 30-60 minutes prior to allow it to take effect and minimise any discomfort felt during the laser pulses.
Once the numbing cream has absorbed, our doctor will gently pass the Vbeam device over the areas of concern. You may experience mild snapping or pinching sensation during the pulses. These sensations should be minimised with the numbing provided. The device will be moved systematically over the entire region of treatment.
While receiving V-Beam Perfecta treatment, you will be required to wear protective eyewear. You may still be able to see a flash of light, but your eyes will be completely covered.
Post-treatment
Post-procedure, the skin may appear flushed or reddened similar to a minor sunburn, which usually fades quickly. The duration of sessions depend on the size of the area treated.
Some reduction in redness or vessels may be noticed immediately, though multiple treatments are typically needed to achieve full results. Our doctors will be able to advise in more specific detail regarding the recommended treatment regimen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients often compare the feeling of a Vbeam laser treatment to a gentle snap of rubber band on the skin. Our specialists can apply a numbing cream beforehand to minimize any sensation. As a non-ablative laser, Vbeam does not cut, burn or damage the skin.
Pico laser has virtually no downtime. Minimal sensitivity, flaking, mild redness or swelling may occur but you can usually go back to work after the session.
The number of Pico laser sessions required typically varies depending on the condition being treated:
Acne Scarring: Most acne scarring cases see significant improvement after 3-5 sessions. Deeper box scars orrolling scars may require 6 or more treatments.
Pigmentation: 3-6 sessions are generally sufficient to clear issues like melasma, sun spots and dark marks. Stubborn cases may need occasional monthly maintenance.
Wrinkles & Fine Lines: A package of 6 sessions delivers optimal collagen stimulation and skin tightening results for anti-aging.
Tattoo Removal: The number of sessions depends on tattoo size and colours. Most responsive black tattoos clear in 4-8 sessions while colorful designs can take longer.
The number and frequency of sessions can be customized based on individual response and progress assessment. Deeper issues typically require additional treatments for complete resolution.
In the hours after treatment, the treated areas may have a mild tingling sensation akin to a minor sunburn sensation. This usually dissipates within 4-8 hours. Some swelling around the treatment sites is normal and typically subsides within 3-5 days. Minor bruising may also occur for some patients. Our doctor will explain more prior to treatment.
