Laser Treatment with Pulsed Dye Laser
in Avon, Connecticut
PDL (pulsed dye laser) treatment is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment used to treat benign facial redness issues and excessive blood vessels. This technology has been around for over two decades now and is considered a very safe procedure to undergo regardless of age. PDL can treatment all these common conditions:
- Facial Redness
- Broken Facial Capillaries
- Angiomas
- Poikiloderma
- Port Wine Stains
- Rosacea
- Scars
PDL Technology
Also referred to as simply “PDL,” a pulsed dye laser essentially utilizes a beam of light that is concentrated to target blood vessels in the skin. The light is transformed into a form of heat. This heat destroys the blood vessels without damaging any of the surrounding skin.
About PDL Treatment
PDL treatments are performed at an outpatient clinic where no anesthesia is required for use. The machine produces a very cold burst of air just before the laser pulses with heat. This works effectively to diminish the sensation of pain that the patient feels from the laser treatment.
Patients will need between one and three treatments to reach their ideal outcome depending on how aggressively you decide to treat. A mild treatment would produce redness and a more aggressive treatment will be dark purple. Issues like port wine stains, extensive rosacea, and hemangiomas may require more PDL treatments.
It is important to understand that PDL does not resolve the underlying condition that is causing the vascular malformations. For this reason, you may notice a return of the condition over time and will likely require repeat treatments on occasion.
PDL Side Effects
PDL treatment side effects are very minimal for patients. Since the procedure is very straightforward, the only common side effect that some patients may experience is swelling and bruising.
Those who do experience bruising will notice this within the first few days after treatment. They’ll notice the bruising will clear up within 3 to 10 days. Some other less common side effects of PDL treatments include scarring and temporary pigmentation changes. It’s best to always utilize sunblock when going outside for the first month after PDL treatment. This treatment is better scheduled in the fall, winter or spring.
Aftercare
You’ll need to get a good moisturizer like Vaseline and apply it routinely two to three times per day. This moisturizer will ensure the skin stays nourished and will assist in speeding up the healing process. For those who wear makeup, it’s best to avoid applying it to the treatment area for the first couple of days following the PDL treatment.
Request a Consultation
If you think that pulsed dye laser treatment is something that you’re interested in undergoing, Dr. Stanislaw, of Stanislaw Plastic Surgery can perform this procedure for you. He is a trusted cosmetic surgeon with years of experience. Dr. Stanislaw is board certified as a facial and reconstructive plastic surgeon as well as an otolaryngology (head and neck) surgeon.
Dr. Paul Stanislaw, Jr.
Dr. Paul Stanislaw Jr. graduated from Albany Medical College in 1994 and completed his residency in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery in 1999. He then completed a fellowship in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the Albany Medical Center in 2000, and opened Stanislaw Facial Plastic Surgery Center in 2001. Dr. Stanislaw is Double Board Certified in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. In addition, he is a Fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He also serves on several committees within the Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Stanislaw is passionate about using his talent to help people.