HOW DOES THE NEW Photoderm® VL / PL WORK? AND WHO WILL PERFORM THE TREATMENTS?

This remarkable new machine "zaps" unwanted blood vessels or pigmented areas with a light source similar to a laser. This laser-like device produces a high energy flash of light that passes safely through normal skin. The light is absorbed by blood or pigment and converted into heat within the veins or pigment. The blood vessel or pigmentation is dissolved and then absorbed by the body. The Photoderm® VL / PL does not emit harmful radiation and can be used during pregnancy. Dr. Ronald E. Reece performs all the Photoderm® VL / PL treatments.

HOW DOES THE Photoderm® VL / PL DIFFER FROM EXISTING LASER TREATMENT?

The Photoderm® VL / PL produces and amplifies pulses of multicolored light (compared to a laser which emits one coherent wavelength of light) which is then delivered to the skin. The Photoderm® VL / PL treatment is equally or more effective than a laser, provides less discoloration than lasers and has an equal or better safety profile when compared to lasers.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS? WHEN WILL THESE RESULTS BECOME APPARENT?

One to several treatment sessions may be required to eliminate most lesions. Results become apparent within a few weeks as the unwanted veins or pigmented lesions dissolve and are absorbed by the body. Photographs may be taken to follow the progress of the treatments.

DOES THE Photoderm® VL / PL TREATMENT HURT?

The Photoderm® VL / PL treatments feel like a rubber band snapping the skin with a temporary stinging sensation afterwards. The treatment is mildly to moderately uncomfortable. Anesthetic creams can be used for this discomfort if you would prefer. Most patients require no medications for the treatment.

WHAT DOES THE AREA LOOK LIKE AFTER THE TREATMENT? ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM THE Photoderm® VL / PL?

The treated areas may have temporary redness, welts, bruising, or an occasional blister. This may last 1-3 weeks. The vascular lesions usually turn darker before they disappear. In rare cases the treated areas may heal with increased or decreased pigmentation (light or darker areas). Most discoloration fade in 1-3 months. Scars are possible but are very rare (<1% of patients treated). Several treatment sessions may be necessary to remove the lesion. Leg veins may take 3 to 4 treatments to remove and are the most difficult lesions for any laser system to remove.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS BEFORE OR AFTER TREATMENT?

These treatments should not be used in people with darkly tanned or pigmented skin, those who form keloids (thick scars), and those who heal poorly. Aspirin, high dose vitamin E, and anti-infiammatories, (Motrin, Advil, Naprosyn, etc.,) should be avoided for 10 days prior to treatments. Sun tanning one month before and after treatments should be avoided. The treated areas should be protected with sunscreen or sun avoidance from sunlight or tanning beds until the skin color has returned to normal.

HOW DO I GET STARTED AND HOW MUCH DOES THE Photoderm® VL / PL TREATMENTS COST? WILL MY INSURANCE PLAN COVER THE TREATMENT ?

Full payment is due at the time of each treatment and can be made by cash, check, MasterCard, or Visa. The initial consultation is $ 75 (or more if a referral letter is needed). Treatments thereafter start at $350 per treatment session and increase depending on the location, the number of pulses given and the complexity of the lesion (portwine stains, congenital hemangiomas and facial lesions may cost more). Photoderm® VL / PL treatments are usually considered cosmetic and are generally not covered by insurance. Certain lesions occasionally can be covered by your insurance company (Portwine stains, hemangiomas and other lesions functionally bothering the patient). If you wish a letter sent you insurance company an additional $ 30.00 fee will be added to your bill.