Redness, visible blood vessels and brown discoloration can develop for many reasons, including sun exposure, aging and changes within the skin. These concerns may appear on the face and neck or across larger sun-exposed areas such as the chest, arms and legs.
The DermaV laser is an advanced laser treatment designed to address selected red and brown discoloration. Its customizable technology allows providers to treat vascular concerns, pigmented concerns or a combination of both.
What Is the DermaV Laser?
DermaV is a dual-wavelength laser system that uses 532 nm and 1064 nm wavelengths. Each wavelength targets different types and depths of discoloration.
This gives the provider flexibility to customize treatment based on the color, size, depth and location of the concern being treated.
- 532 nm wavelength: Commonly used for more superficial redness, visible vessels and selected brown pigmentation.
- 1064 nm wavelength: Reaches more deeply and may be used for larger or deeper vascular concerns.
DermaV also includes integrated skin-cooling technology designed to help protect the skin and improve comfort during treatment.
What Can DermaV Treat?
DermaV may be recommended for several types of red and brown discoloration, including:
- Visible facial veins
- Broken capillaries
- Facial and neck redness
- Brown sun spots
- Freckles
- Selected areas of uneven pigmentation
- Sun-damaged skin
- Red and brown discoloration on the chest, arms and legs
- Poikiloderma of Civatte on the neck and upper chest
A consultation is required before treatment because not every red or brown spot should be treated cosmetically. New, changing, irregular or suspicious lesions should be medically evaluated first.
Visible Facial Veins and Broken Capillaries
Small blood vessels can become visible around the nose, cheeks, chin and other areas of the face. These vessels may appear red, purple or blue depending on their size and depth.
DermaV allows the provider to select treatment settings based on the characteristics of the vessel. This makes it possible to address both small superficial vessels and certain deeper vascular concerns.
Facial and Neck Redness
Persistent redness may be associated with visible blood vessels, sun damage or other vascular changes in the skin. DermaV can be customized according to the extent and depth of the redness.
Some patients may have widespread redness, while others may have isolated areas or individual visible vessels. Treatment recommendations will depend on the patient’s skin, medical history and specific concerns.
Brown Sun Spots and Freckles
Brown sun spots, sometimes called age spots or solar lentigines, commonly develop after years of ultraviolet exposure. They frequently appear on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms and legs.
DermaV may be used to target selected areas of brown pigmentation. After treatment, a brown spot may temporarily darken before gradually becoming lighter as the skin heals.
Sun protection remains an important part of treatment and long-term maintenance because continued ultraviolet exposure can contribute to the development of new discoloration.
Poikiloderma of Civatte
Poikiloderma of Civatte is a common type of sun-related discoloration that typically appears along the sides of the neck and upper chest. It often has a mottled appearance containing both red and brown areas.
Because DermaV can address both vascular and pigmented concerns, it may be considered for patients with this combination of redness and brown discoloration.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
DermaV treatments are not limited to the face. Depending on the condition being treated, treatment areas may include:
- Face
- Neck
- Upper chest
- Arms
- Legs
- Other sun-exposed areas
The system can be used for precise treatment of individual vessels and spots, as well as broader areas of discoloration when appropriate.
How Is DermaV Different From IPL?
DermaV and IPL can both be used to improve redness and pigmentation, but they use different types of energy.
IPL, or intense pulsed light, uses a filtered range of light wavelengths. It is often selected for broad areas containing a combination of superficial redness, brown spots and uneven tone.
DermaV is a laser that delivers two defined wavelengths. This allows the provider to more specifically target selected blood vessels, redness and areas of pigmentation.
IPL may be appropriate for an overall photofacial treatment, while DermaV may be recommended when a patient has distinct vessels, persistent redness, deeper vascular concerns or targeted brown discoloration.
Neither option is best for every patient. The appropriate treatment depends on skin type, the condition being treated, the treatment area and the patient’s goals.
What Should I Expect During Treatment?
The treatment experience varies depending on the size of the area, the concern being treated and the settings used. Patients may feel warmth, a brief snapping sensation or mild discomfort as the laser energy is delivered.
The length of the appointment will depend on whether the provider is treating an individual spot, several visible vessels or a larger area of discoloration.
Is There Downtime After DermaV?
Recovery varies according to the treatment area and intensity. Temporary side effects may include:
- Redness
- Mild swelling
- Warmth or sensitivity
- Temporary darkening of treated brown spots
- Bruising or purple discoloration with certain vascular treatments
Your provider will explain what to expect based on your treatment plan and will provide individualized aftercare instructions.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments varies from patient to patient. An isolated vessel or individual brown spot may require fewer sessions than widespread redness, extensive sun damage or multiple vascular concerns.
Some patients benefit from a series of treatments followed by periodic maintenance. Your provider will recommend a treatment plan after evaluating your skin and desired outcome.
Who Is a Candidate for DermaV?
A consultation is necessary to determine whether DermaV is appropriate for you. During the evaluation, your provider may consider:
- Your skin type and tone
- The type and depth of the discoloration
- The area being treated
- Recent sun exposure or tanning
- Current medications
- Your medical history
- Previous laser or light-based treatments
- Your treatment goals and expectations
Patients should avoid tanning and follow all pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions provided by the practice.
Schedule a DermaV Consultation in Charlotte
DermaV offers a customizable treatment option for selected red and brown discoloration on the face and body, including visible facial veins, brown sun spots, freckles, neck redness and sun-damaged areas.
During your consultation at Dilworth Dermatology & Laser, our team will evaluate your concerns and determine whether DermaV, IPL or another treatment option is best suited to your skin.
Call 704-376-9849 to schedule your consultation.
Individual results vary. Treatment eligibility, expected results, recovery time and the recommended number of sessions are determined during consultation.
