Pulsed dye laser (V beam) VS intense pulsed light (IPL)??? (photos)

Question

My dermatologist recommended I get V beam for the visible veins on my face. I am 22 y/o, but have very thin/fair skin. Above having visible veins, I also have dark under eye circles and marks on my cheeks from acne. My acne is small hard bumps on cheeks and forehead which prevent my skin from feeling and looking smooth, even with foundation (hard sebum filled comedones). I am debating getting V beam or IPL to diminish visible veins (and maybe under eye circles) and the acne/acne marks?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Vbeam laser is an excellent modality for patients who have rosacea, blushing of the skin, facial and body telangiectasia, spider veins, redness, post surgical redness, and skin flushing. It is a safe procedure that can be used at varying depths to help treat micro blood vessels in the skin. We also use it in our office for facial skin inflammation, keloids, and hypertrophic scarring. It is an important part of scar therapy. Vbeam can be combined with chemical peels and other lasers, but experience with the treatment is essential. The Vbeam laser does not affect deeper tissue. Schedule a consultation with an expert in Vbeam and you will find it to be an excellent modality for many skin types. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

William Groff, DO · Answer

I believe the Vbeam laser would be more effective on both your visible vessels and your discoloration than IPL. Choose a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in laser treatments like these. With a qualified provider and a customized treatment plan, you should see very good results.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

At our practice we have both the VBeam Perfecta and IPL photofacial by Syneron-Candela.  For improved appearance of the red veins and vessel VBeam is the gold standard.  I would recommend one or two sessions with mild temporary redness and possibly swelling immediately following with not much downtime.Typically photofacials work best on patients with diffuse redness, mild rosacea mixed with pigmented lesions and brown spots.  In addition, photofacials work great on pores, texture and tone.  Our IPL SRA handpieces are enhanced with bi-polar radio frequency for improved tightening on the face, neck, chest, arms and hands.Regarding your acne I would recommend thorough cleansing facials and/or Hydra Facials with our medical aesthetician bi-weekly for three sessions and then monthly as maintenance.  In addition, I would suggest Skin Medica's home care regimen of AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser and AHA/BHA Cream as well as their new HA5 Hydrator for natural moisture replenishment.Hope this helps.  Good luck.

M. David Cole, MD, FAAD · Answer

For facial veins I would recommend that you get the pulsed dye laser or V beam laser treatment.  This laser treats at a wavelength which is specific for vessels and is most likely to have the best result, as compared to IPL.

John B. Lazor, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

The Vbeam works very well for your concerns.  Be prepared to experience some bruising.  This may require more than 1 or 2 treatments.  Sometimes, your acne can flare up temporarily with the laser treatment

Pulsed dye laser (V beam) VS intense pulsed light (IPL)??? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Pulsed Dye Laser

Answer: Pulsed Dye Laser

Answer: Facial telangietasia laser treatment

Answer: Facial telangietasia laser treatment

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Everything you need to know about Pulsed Dye Laser

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Pulsed dye laser (V beam) VS intense pulsed light (IPL)??? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Pulsed Dye Laser

Answer: Pulsed Dye Laser

Answer: Facial telangietasia laser treatment

Answer: Facial telangietasia laser treatment

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Pulsed Dye Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.