Winter is coming and you know what that means: sweaters, peppermint mochas, and spider veins safely tucked away behind pants.
If you’re looking forward to the latter, we need to talk, because spider veins are not a permanent condition. One of the most effective treatments for saying bye-bye to spider veins is the IPL Photofacial.
What are Spider Veins?
The medical term for unsightly spider veins is telangiectasias (try saying that five times fast). Basically, telangiectasias are clusters of tiny blood vessels that have developed too close to the surface of the skin, usually on the face or legs. The veins are often red, blue, or purple.
It’s considered a benign skin condition, meaning that while it may ruin your plans of baring your legs next summer, it is not life threatening.
Exact causes are unknown, but it is believed that the most common causes of spider veins are chronic exposure to the sun and extreme heat or cold.
How the IPL Photofacial Works
IPL delivers high intensity pulses of broadband light that is non-ablative, meaning that is does not damage the surface of the skin. The intense light is delivered to the deeper parts of the skin and leaves the superficial aspect of the skin untouched. At Skintherapy, we use the Lumenis Quantum IPL.
Lumenis treats vascular lesions up to 1.5 mm deep and up to 1 mm in diameter. Broad spectrum pulsed light is transmitted through a continuously cooled applicator, gently placed over the skin, in a treatment that lasts less than 30 minutes.
There is little to no downtime following treatments. Multiple treatments might be needed for your problem.
The IPL Photofacial is also great for treating rosacea, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, dull or uneven skin, large pores, melasma, age or sun spots, and stretch marks. IPL photofacials can be applied anywhere on the body. Multiple treatments have also been shown effective in impeding hair growth (bonus!).
This treatment is not recommended for all skin types. Talk to your skin care professional to see if it is right for you.
About Jennifer
Jennifer Curtin is a medical aesthetician, nationally recognized for her expertise in medical skin care. With more than 20 years of experience in medical aesthetics, she is dedicated to the aesthetic industry and has received awards of merit including the International CIDESCO Certification, Assistant Cosmetic Laser Practitioner and National Leadership Award. Jennifer is also an expert in Intraceuticals facials and the president of Skintherapy, which is located in the Buckhead section of Atlanta. To schedule an appointment with Jennifer, call 404-358-2961.