What is an Excel V+ laser treatment?
Excel®V+ is a YAG laser that uses two laser wavelengths to target superficial benign pigmented lesions such as brown spots, as well as red/blue/purple discoloration such as diffuse redness from rosacea, spider and reticular veins, or a vascular lesion (venous lake or cherry angioma). Strong pulses of light energy created by this laser treatment causes blood vessels to close and blood to coagulate, which results in the vessels being absorbed by the body. The laser also causes dark spots and related sun damage to crust up to the surface of the skin and slough off.
Excel®V+ laser treatments can also be used to perform a Laser Genesis procedure which stimulates new collagen production to shrink the look of large pores, smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Treatment is incredibly customizable and varied to address a wide range of patient concerns and needs - making it a go-to laser for skin revitalization. In fact, the Excel®V+ laser is the gold standard and one of the best laser treatments for correcting venous malformations on the body and face.
Yes, in the hands of a qualified practitioner, Excel®V+ laser is very safe. This device has been cleared by Health Canada and offers minimal side effects. Because of the unique CoolView handpiece, a cooling system that keeps skin comfortable during treatment, most patients require no numbing cream or any other topical anesthetic.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your skin due to spider and/or reticular veins, red or brown discoloration, such as broken capillaries caused by rosacea or sun damage-related age spots, you may be a candidate. Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or undergoing skin cancer treatment do not qualify for treatment with Excel®V+ laser.
Because the laser works by seeking out and destroying abnormal pigment, you should avoid suntanning or using self-tanner in the weeks leading up to your Excel®V+ treatment. It is safe for most skin types, and it can be used anywhere on the face and body. Individual results vary with all cosmetic procedures; ask our laser nurse for more information about potential risks and side effects during your consultation.
There are a few aftercare instructions that you should make sure to follow strictly after your treatment for the best results. Treatment area might feel a little hot from the laser, so you can use a cool compress or ice pack. Avoiding sun exposure is critical - you’ll want to completely avoid direct sun exposure over treated area for up to four weeks.
If you have a face treatment coming up, invest in a sun hat or visor, some sunglasses and slather at least SPF 30 every day. If you have any pain after the treatment, you can take an over-the-counter pain medication such as Advil or Tylenol.
You should also avoid heat, hot tubs, saunas, and exercise for a few days after your treatment. After two weeks, you’re free to resume using topical acne treatments on the face such as, tretinoin, AHAs/BHAs, and benzoyl peroxides.
Pros
• The laser has a spot size that adjusts between 2 mm and 12 mm, so it can treat a wide range of skin conditions very precisely.
• It is safe for all skin types and skin tones, and it can be used anywhere on the face and body to treat pigmentation issues.
• Each treatment session is based on your consultation with the laser nurse and the time required is determined by the extent of your concerns. Vein removal treatments last anywhere from 15-60 minutes. Skin rejuvenation treatments typically last no longer than 1 hour in total, depending on the extent of your concerns.
• There is minimal discomfort during treatment. Patients occasionally feel a stinging sensation like a rubber band snap, which dissipates rapidly. The handpiece’s proprietary cooling mechanism prevents overheating and provides a cooling sensation during the treatment.
• Side effects, including redness and swelling, typically resolve within 24-48 hours. For face treatments, you can typically wear makeup and return to normal activities immediately. The downtime is minimal!
Considerations
•Swelling can be significant if the treatment is performed aggressively, so be sure to discuss aftercare with your provider. In some cases, bruising can occur and last for several weeks. Because this laser treatment doesn't break the skin, you can safely apply makeup to the treated area, but if you are concerned about this possible side effect, discuss it with the laser nurse.
•It is normal for blood vessels to become darker - “bruise-like” - or more noticeable following treatment, before beginning to fade after a few weeks. It can take approximately 12 weeks to see the full outcome of a laser vein removal treatment because the body requires time to resorb the treated vessels.
•Avoiding direct sun exposure on the treated area for four weeks before and after treatment is recommend.
•Depending on the extent and severity of your concerns, multiple treatments may be required. This will be discussed at your initial consultation appointment.
•It takes time for the full results to develop, but many patients see an immediate and significant improvement in pigmented lesions after just one session. This has earned Excel®V+ a reputation as the laser that wows.
•Unlike other treatments used for vascular lesions, Excel V+ can fully correct the appearance of these common skin concerns with just one or two treatments. Keep in mind that individual results will vary; some issues may take more treatments to resolve. The laser nurse will be able to determine how many treatments you'll require during your consultation.
•It can take approximately 12 weeks to see the full outcome of a laser vein removal treatment because the body requires time to resorb the treated vessels. Treatment results on the face can been seen almost immediately and will keep improving over approximately 4 weeks time.
•Treatment results on the face are not permanent, and touch-up treatments every one to three years may be necessary to maintain them. Vein removal treatments may need to be repeated over time as new vessels can naturally form again.
• The laser works by delivering high-power pulses of green laser light energy that cause the blood within the vein to coagulate. This eventually destroys the vessels, which are gradually resorbed by your body. Blood flow is then redirected to veins deeper below the skin’s surface. Removing spider veins, telangiectasia, and other vascular lesions may require multiple sessions, spaced approximately 12 weeks apart.
• Beyond addressing visible blood vessels and redness, the Excel®V+ laser can stimulate collagen production in the skin. This collagen remodeling can lead to improved skin texture, reduced fine lines, and an overall rejuvenated appearance.
• Reduces the appearance of brown spots/age spots. Treated brown spots will darken and slough off within 1-3 weeks.
• One major advantage of the Excel®V+ laser is that it can be dialed down to precisely treat small areas, making it possible for the laser to eradicate some veins or brown spots in one or two sessions. While most lasers and sclerotherapy treatments take multiple sessions to achieve noticeable results, many procedures performed with the Excel V+ will require a much fewer number of treatments.
• To minimize discomfort and increase safety, the Excel®V+ laser provides continuous, adjustable cooling throughout the treatment.