I wanted post that I had a similar laser procedure as that described on this site. I found the office staff and doctor quite nice and, when I was told to expect 4-7 days of down time, it was for sure. i was bruised and swollen, but from all of my research this is normal. Other people act suprised and upset about the down time, but it was worth it and very effective.

I had traumatic swelling and purpura after getting vbeam PDL for minor spider veins on my cheeks. I was on high dose prednisone for 5 days. 4 weeks later and I still have more discoloration on my cheeks than I had with the spider veins.