What can the Candela pulsed dye laser treat?
Rosacea Facial veins Leg veins Scars Psoriasis Periorbital wrinkles Red birthmarks such as hemangiomas and port wine stains Angiomas Poikiloderma of Civatte (uneven coloring of the neck) Venous lakes Stretch marks Warts
		before		after

    What is a pulse dye laser?

The pulse dye laser was designed to rid patients of benign vascular lesions.

    How does a pulse dye laser work?

The laser delivers an intense but gentle burst of yellow light to the skin.  The light is specifically absorbed by the blood vessels in the dermis.  These blood vessels are coagulated and then reabsorbed by the body during the natural healing process.

    Is the treatment safe?

Yes.  In fact, pulse dye laser treatment is so safe that it has been used successfully for the treatment of port wine stains in infants and young children.  The epidermis is protected during the treatment by Candelas's unique dynamic cooling method, DCD™, which sprays a cooling mist onto the skin before each laser pulse, increasing the patient's comfort.

Side effects may include purpura (a laser bruise), redness, and swelling in the treated area.  These are transient and usually do not last more than a few days.  Permanent side effects such as scarring are rare.

    What will the treatment consist of?

The laser treatment will include the following:

• Wearing safety eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser light.

• A small handpiece will be applied to the treatment area by the physician to deliver the laser energy.

• A spray of cooling mist will be felt prior to each laser pulse.

    Is the treatment painful?

Some patients may feel a slight discomfort associated with the laser pulse.  This feeling has been described by patients as the snapping of a rubber band on the skin.  The discomfort is minimized by Candela's Dynamic Cooling Device™.  In addition, for some patients, a topical anesthetic may be used prior to treatment.  Be sure to discuss this with your physician.

    What precautions should be taken before and after the laser treatment?

It is recommended to avoid sun exposure before and throughout the course of the treatment.  A sunblock (SPF 30 or above) should be used.  The post-treatment care needed depends on what lesion was treated.  Be sure to discuss this with your physician before treatment.

    Are the procedures covered by insurance?

Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures.  Some carriers will, however, cover treatment of disfiguring birthmarks such as hemangiomas or port wine stains.  In addition, the treatment of psoriasis and rosacea may be covered by some insurance companies.  Please consult your insurance carrier for more details.

    How can I learn more about Candela Laser Treatments?

You can schedule an appointment and/or visit the Web site at www.CandelaLaser.com

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