Definition: Vascular lesions are caused by enlarged blood vessels that make the skin apppear reddened. There are several types. Telangiectasia (aka spider veins, broken capillaries) are caused by dilations of small blood vessels called capillaries. In most cases these appear where there has been significant sun exposure. Common areas that are affected are the upper cheeks, chin, and nose. In some instances, telangiectasia are part of a condition called rosacea (a form of adult acne).

Removal: Options for removal of telangiectasia include electrosurgery and laser treatments. Laser systems used by Dr. Odland represent the latest technologic advances that are specifically designed for elimination of bright red blood vessels of fairly small size. These lasers work by producing a short pulse of intense light that passes harmlessly through the outer or top layers of skin. The light is then selectively absorbed by the red blood cells inside the blood vessels causing it to shrivel up and fade. The number of treatment sessions required to achieve satisfactory fading depends on the size and character of the red spots being treated. In many cases just one treatment session is required. In some, several to many may be needed. Dr. Odland can further clarify this during the consultation.

Description of treatment session: Each treatment session can be broken down into three phases: the pretreatment preparation, the treatment, and the posttreatment healing phase. The pretreatment preparation phase includes careful monitoring of medications consumed. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), can produce pronounced bruising after treatment and should therefore be avoided. During this period, Tylenol is recommended for minor aches and pains. During the treatment sessions, some patients experience a minor amount of discomfort. It is hard to predict the patients in whom this will happen, but many patients benefit from pretreatment application of EMLA cream. This is a prescription item that is applied under the occlusive dressing two hours prior to the laser treatment session. It is wiped off just prior to the actual laser surgery. Detailed instructions will be distributed to you if you choose to use this anesthetic cream preparation. Some patients prefer that local anesthesia be injected into the site prior to laser therapy. During laser treatment, your eyes will be covered with protective eyewear. The actual laser treatment takes a very small percentage of the total clinic visit. Following the treatment session, a dressing will be placed on the treatment site. You will then be given detailed instructions for care of the treatment site; they will be described and given to you in written form by the nursing staff. Furthermore, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled prior to your discharge from the clinic.

In the postoperative phase, your treatment site may develop a crust and/or a scab that should be handled gently so as to minimize potential for alterations in the texture of the skin. This open sore on your skin in the treatment site will heal over the course of the ensuing one to three weeks. After it has healed, it will gradually and continually fade. Subsequent treatment sessions should be scheduled four to six weeks apart.