Vascular Lasers
Reducing redness and visible vessels with precision
Vascular lasers target visible vessels and redness in the skin using light energy that is selectively absorbed by hemoglobin. This energy gently heats the vessel from within, causing it to fade gradually. At Dermapure, your treatment plan is built around your condition and your concerns, and draws on our Triangle of Care, a clinical approach that combines three pillars (energy-based devices, injectables and medical-grade skincare) to support more comprehensive, longer-lasting results. Every treatment is overseen by our specialized team and personalized to your skin, your goals and your overall plan.
Our Vascular Laser Treatments
The following are among the main vascular laser platforms in clinical practice. Your treatment plan is built with your specialist during your consultation, based on your skin, the type of vessels and your goals.
Vascular Lasers
Vbeam
Vbeam is a pulsed dye laser that delivers 595 nm yellow light to address visible vessels and redness in the skin. It is well suited to facial vascular concerns such as rosacea, diffuse redness, broken capillaries, cherry angiomas, certain birthmarks and red scars. The device includes a built-in dynamic cooling system that releases a burst of cold air just before each laser pulse, supporting comfort throughout the treatment.
Excel V
Excel V is a dual-wavelength laser platform that combines 532 nm KTP and 1064 nm Nd:YAG in a single device. The 532 nm wavelength is well suited to superficial vascular lesions and certain superficial pigmented lesions, while the 1064 nm wavelength reaches deeper vessels and is appropriate for a wider range of skin tones. Having both wavelengths available allows your specialist to select the most appropriate option for each area and concern, including facial redness, telangiectasias, leg veins and certain pigmented lesions.
Laser Genesis
Cutera Genesis is a 1064 nm Nd:YAG treatment that uses rapid micropulses delivered just above the skin, without contact. The gentle warmth targets dilated vessels in the upper dermis, which can help reduce diffuse facial redness and concerns associated with rosacea. The same warmth stimulates the surrounding tissue, supporting skin texture and overall tone over a series of sessions. The non-contact technique and mild sensation make sessions comfortable, with minimal downtime.
Understanding Vascular Laser Technologies
Vascular lasers work on a principle called selective photothermolysis: the laser emits a wavelength of light preferentially absorbed by hemoglobin in blood vessels, with limited impact on the surrounding tissue. Different wavelengths reach different depths and respond to different types of vessels. Below are the main technologies used in vascular laser treatments and what each is best suited for.
Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)
Pulsed dye lasers emit a 595 nm yellow light strongly absorbed by oxyhemoglobin, the form of hemoglobin present in oxygen-rich blood. This wavelength is well established for superficial facial vascular concerns, including diffuse redness, rosacea, broken capillaries, cherry angiomas, red scars and certain birthmarks. Pulsed dye lasers typically include a built-in cooling system to support comfort and help protect the surrounding skin during treatment.
KTP Laser
KTP lasers emit a 532 nm green light, named after the potassium-titanyl-phosphate crystal that generates this wavelength. The 532 nm wavelength is absorbed by hemoglobin and is well suited to fine, superficial vessels such as facial telangiectasias and small spider veins. Because the same wavelength is also absorbed by melanin, KTP can be used to address certain superficial pigmented lesions as well. Suitability is assessed during your consultation, particularly for darker skin tones.
Nd:YAG Laser
Nd:YAG lasers, named after their neodymium-doped crystal, can operate at several wavelengths. For vascular treatments, the most widely used is the 1064 nm near-infrared light. This wavelength penetrates more deeply into the skin than shorter wavelengths and is absorbed by hemoglobin while interacting less with melanin. It is well suited to deeper or larger vessels such as reticular veins on the legs, and to a wider range of skin tones, including darker tones, with adapted parameters.
Alexandrite Laser
Alexandrite lasers emit a 755 nm light, named after the alexandrite crystal that generates this wavelength. While primarily used for hair removal and pigmented lesions, the 755 nm wavelength is also absorbed by hemoglobin and can be used to address certain resistant superficial vessels, particularly small spider veins. The 755 nm wavelength is also absorbed by melanin, so suitability is assessed during your consultation, particularly for darker skin tones.
Diode Laser
Diode lasers use semiconductor diodes to emit light in the near-infrared range. For vascular treatments, wavelengths around 940-980 nm are commonly used, as they are absorbed by hemoglobin and are well suited to fine leg veins and other small superficial vessels.
Follow-up and Maintenance
Vascular laser results vary depending on the type of vessel. Smaller, well-defined vessels such as cherry angiomas or fine spider veins often show visible improvement within hours to days following the session. Diffuse conditions such as rosacea typically improve progressively over a series of sessions, while larger or deeper vessels may take several weeks to fade as the body absorbs the treated vessel. After the initial protocol, follow-up sessions may be suggested over time, particularly for conditions such as rosacea that can recur. Your exact treatment plan is built with our team during your consultation.
Side Effects & Contraindications
As with any laser treatment, vascular lasers can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, while some less frequent reactions deserve attention.
- Common side effects: Temporary redness, mild swelling and a sensation of warmth at the treatment site are common in the hours to days following the session. Small bruising (purpura) may appear with certain pulsed dye laser settings and resolves on its own over a few days.
- Less frequent side effects: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation may occur, particularly on darker skin types or with sun exposure. Blistering, crusting or temporary changes in skin texture can also occur. Rarely, scarring or persistent pigmentation changes are possible.
- Who should avoid vascular lasers: Vascular lasers are generally not recommended during pregnancy, on tanned or recently sun-exposed skin, on active skin infections at the treatment site, with certain photosensitizing medications or conditions, or for patients with a personal history of keloid scarring without prior evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions depends on the condition being addressed, the type and depth of the vessels and your skin's response. Conditions such as rosacea or diffuse redness often improve over a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart, while individual lesions may respond in fewer sessions. Your specialist will discuss a realistic plan during your consultation.
Can vascular lasers be combined with other aesthetic treatments?
Yes. Vascular lasers can be combined with other lasers, light treatments and medical-grade skincare as part of a personalized plan, with intervals between treatments adapted to skin recovery. Your treatment plan is built and adjusted with our team based on your goals.
Why Choose Dermapure
At Dermapure, every vascular laser treatment is delivered by our trained specialists. Our team maintains deep clinical expertise through ongoing training on laser technologies, treatment protocols and the evolution of best practices. As the largest network of medical aesthetic clinics in Canada, we share clinical knowledge and patient cases across our teams. Every treatment plan draws on the collective strength of a country-wide network of professionals.
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