Effectively treat vascular lesions with these lasers
More and more clients are turning to the skin professional with visible red vessels, persistent redness or complaints such as rosacea. Fortunately, modern laser technology now offers powerful solutions to safely and effectively address these vascular lesions.
In this blog we focus entirely on the professional high power laser systems as used in clinics and skin therapy practices. These systems are distinguished by their ability to deliver targeted and controlled energy, which ensures high effectiveness and safety in treating vascular problems. Whether you work with IPL or advanced Nd:YAG systems: a good understanding of the technology is the key to optimal results.
The growing demand for laser treatment of vascular problems
Many clients find the visibility of blood vessels on the face or body disturbing. Think of:
- Telangiectasias – small, broken capillaries visible as fine red lines on the skin.
- Couperose – superficial, persistent redness caused by dilated capillaries, often on the cheeks and nose.
- Rosacea (erythematous variant) – chronic skin condition in which diffuse redness and visible blood vessels develop, often combined with signs of inflammation.
- Spider naevus (spider naevus) – a central red vascular point with radiating capillaries, resembling a spider.
- Cherry angiomas (senile angiomas) – small, bright red or purple-red bumps on the skin; accumulation of small blood vessels just below the skin surface.
- Leg vessels – persistently dilated, small blue or purple vessels (small reticular veins and small reticular veins), usually on the legs; often treated with sclerotherapy, sometimes with laser.
The demand for treatments such as laser veins is increasing. Thanks to technological developments, we can work more specifically and safely, also with clients with a more tinted skin (Fitzpatrick III-VI).
How does laser treatment work for vascular problems?
The principle of vascular lasers is based on selective photothermolysis:
- The laser specifically targets the blood pigment hemoglobin.
- The energy is converted into heat, which causes controlled damage to the barrel.
- The body then removes the damaged vessel itself.
- The surrounding tissue remains intact, provided the correct settings are used.
The following is always important for vascular treatments:
- Depth of the blood vessel: superficial or deep
- Size of the barrel: small capillaries or wider vessels
- Color of the barrel: bright red or dark blue
- Skin type: light or dark skin type
Overview of laser systems for vascular problems
- Suitable for: superficial redness, diffuse redness in Rosacea, rosacea, cherry angiomas, spider nevi, etc.
- Operation: broad spectrum (500–1200 nm), targets multiple chromophores simultaneously, special filters can provide targeted absorption into hemoglobin.
- System example: Nordlys (Candela)
- Suitable for: small, superficial telangiectasias, spider naevi, cherry angiomas
- Operation: strong absorption by superficial hemoglobin.
- System example: Velure S5 (Laser)
- Suitable for: superficial vascular structures, diffuse redness, scar redness, couperose, etc. PDL is the treatment of choice for vascular malformations such as port wine stains.
- Operation: absorption by hemoglobin (585–595 nm).
- System example: Vbeam (Candela)
Which laser do you choose when?
| Laser | Wavelength | Best suited for |
| IPL | 500-1200 nm | Diffuse redness, superficial rosacea, beginning Rosacea |
| ID card | 532 nm | Kleine telangiectasias, spider neavi |
| Pulsed Dye | 585-595 nm | Erythema, scar redness, fine superficial vessels, vascular malformations |
| Nd: YAG | 1064 nm | Deeper barrels, bigger telangiectasias, leg veins |
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Couperose and Rosacea Treatments
No, IPL is mainly effective for superficial redness. For deeper vascular structures, for example, Nd:YAG is a better choice.
The choice of the right laser for rosacea depends on the specific clinical picture. Rosacea can manifest itself in different ways - from diffuse redness to clearly visible blood vessels. The possible presence of inflammation must also be taken into account, in which case it is not always advisable to treat directly with a laser.
For diffuse redness, the Pulsed Dye Laser is often used. An IPL that is able to deliver very short pulses with sufficient power can be an alternative. For more visible vessels, the KTP laser can also be considered. For very sensitive skins, or for darker skin types, an Nd:YAG laser in a microsecond pulse mode can be used to try to slowly reduce the redness.
The treated vessels often disappear completely. However, new vessels can develop in the future due to genetic predisposition, sun damage or rosacea progression. After all, the therapy does not treat the cause.
The number of treatments required depends on the type and severity of the vascular abnormality. In most cases, 2 to 3 sessions are sufficient to achieve clearly visible results. Fine vessels often respond well to one treatment, while complex or deeper structures may require multiple sessions.
Yes, provided you work with the right system and adjusted settings. Especially Nd:YAG is suitable for higher skin types. A professional assessment in advance is essential to determine the right laser protocol for the skin type and indication.
Most clients experience only short-term heat or a tingling sensation. Modern lasers often have effective cooling systems.
The first effects are often visible after a few weeks, with further improvement in the months that follow.
Trends: developments in the treatment of vascular problems
In recent years, several developments have been observed in the laser treatment of vascular lesions:
- Combination IPL + Nd:YAG:
Combining multiple light sources makes it possible to treat both superficial redness and deeper vascular structures within a single treatment path. This allows the treatment area to be increased. - Treatment of higher skin types:
The Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) is often used for higher skin types due to its specific wavelength. This reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation or damage to the surrounding tissue, provided that appropriate settings are used. - Faster pulses:
Technological developments allow shorter pulse durations, which can achieve a more precise heat delivery localized within the vessel. This contributes to controlled coagulation while preserving surrounding tissue. - Full-face approach:
Rather than just treating individual vessels, a broader approach to general redness is increasingly being chosen, with the aim of evening out the overall skin appearance. - Advanced cooling systems:
Improved cooling mechanisms, such as contact or air cooling, contribute to temperature control during treatment. This can support both treatment comfort and safety.
Ready to treat vascular problems more effectively?
With the right knowledge and equipment, you can help many clients reduce or even completely eliminate their annoying vascular problems. Curious about which systems best suit your practice? Leave your details. We are happy to think along with you.