Samantha Toerge, M.D.LLC

Red Spots

The Vbeam Vascular Laser, made by the well-known Candela Corporation, is specially designed to produce an intense but gentle burst of laser light that is optimized to treat vascular lesions. The treatment is safer than traditional methods because of its unique ability to selectively treat the blood vessels of a vascular lesion without adversely affecting the surrounding tissue. Thus, it will eliminate many lesions while leaving the surrounding skin and skin pigment intact. In fact, the laser is so safe and effective that it is recommended for the treatment of infants as young as a few weeks old.

The Vbeam laser can be used to treat:

  • Hemangiomas
  • Diffuse redness of the face
  • Cherry angiomas
  • Broken blood vessels (telangiectasia)
  • Scars
  • Port Wine stains

Will my skin be cut or raw?
The Vbeam is a "non-ablative" laser. This is an important distinction. Non-ablative lasers do not affect the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) but actually do their work at deeper levels where the source of the problem lies. There is no cutting, no burning and no removal of skin as with ablative lasers. The Vbeam laser treatment may leave bruising in areas treated. These bruises will typically resolve within one week.

What about pain?
The sensation you have when undergoing a Vbeam laser treatment is similar to the feeling you get from having a rubber band snapped against your skin. Some patients describe it as a "pinch". Dr. Toerge goes to great lengths to make any treatment you have as comfortable for you as possible.

Is there down time?
Typically there is minimal to no down time after treatment with the Vbeam laser. Patients may have some mild swelling, redness and sometimes bruising. Usually, you can return to work or you usual activities after treatment.

Before and After


Rosacea


Rosacea


Scars


Poikiloderma

Courtesy of Candela For more information please visit the Candela web site.


Precautions to take following your laser treatment:

  • Do not rub, scratch, or pick at the treated area while the bruising/red discoloration is present
  • If the area becomes tender or shows signs of infection, please call the clinic immediately.
  • Avoid swimming and contact sports while the bruising/red discoloration is present
  • Avoid rubbing or pressure (caused by clothing) on the treated areas.
  • Avoid exposure to the sun. If sun exposure is expected, apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every two hours when in the sun, to prevent pigmentation changes until the lesion is healed.
  • Avoid activities that cause flushing during the first week after treatment.
  • If the lesion has a scab or blisters call the clinic immediately.
  • Aspirin and alcohol should be avoided for 72 hours following laser treatment.

Care of the Treated Area:

  • Apply a gentle moisturizer (such as CeraVe PM, hyaluronic acid gel, ultralite or fortified moisturizer) to the treated area three times a day, as needed, as long as the bruising/red discoloration is present. Apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher each day after treatment.
  • Comfortably warm showers are permitted. Gently pat the area dry. Do not rub with a towel or washcloth as the area is extremely delicate while the brusing/red discoloration is present. If the legs are treated, do not take a bath the first 48 hours as the intense heat may cause additional discomfort. Showers are recommended.
  • Avoid putting perfumed or alcohol based products or any anti-aging products on the treated area for 4-5 days after laser treatment
  • Any discomfort you may have can be relieved with tylenol.
  • Call the office if after the red discoloration disappears, hyperpigmentation (brown colouring) or hypopigmentation (white) is present. This is rare side effect.
  • Make up application is acceptable as long as it is non-irritating.
  • If you have swelling, sleep with your head elevated with an extra pillow, to minimize the swelling when you wake up. Swelling is always more pronounced in the morning after sleeping and will subside as the day goes on.
  • You can use cool compresses (a wash cloth soaked in a bowl of ice water) for five minutes three times day to the treated area.
  • Redness and bruising after the laser treatment typically lasts 1-10 days but can last up to three weeks. The average is 3-5 days.

Please call the office with any questions or issues following treatment.

Our Location

5454 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 1400, Chevy Chase, MD, 2081

Office Hours

Office is closed for lunch hour between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 am

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Coming Soon.