The copper bromide laser is able to selectively treat dilated blood vessels in the skin without harming surrounding skin structures. The laser produces very short pulses of the special type of yellow light which is only absorbed by red blood cells in the damaged area and over the next 6-8 weeks they shrink so that they are no longer visible.

Because the laser light is not absorbed by the skin itself, the laser is able to lighten the various blood vessel marks without producing any scarring to the skin. 

The copper bromide laser is ideally suited to treat the ‘broken’ capillaries (telangiectases) of the face which arise from inflammatory skin conditions or sun damage. It is also used to treat small blood vessel haemangiomas. This laser may even seal up broken veins on the legs, although an injection technique, microsclerotherapy, is usually needed for these in the first instance. This laser has a fine beam which can be delicately traced over the dilated blood vessels, sealing them up. 

What happens with treatment?

At the time of treatment, the laser beam is pulsed and traced over the unwanted blood vessels.  There may be a heat sensation and mild swelling of skin. Rarely there is some mild crusting or blistering.

What results can be expected?

 Most patients will see improvement in their treated blood vessels after several weeks. However, as with any procedure, there is always a possibility that only minor changes will occur and in rare cases, there is no response.

How many treatments are required?

This depends on the size, location, depth and colour of your lesion. Spider veins on the face usually do well with one or two treatments, while darker or deeper marks may require additional treatments. Treatments should be placed several weeks apart to allow your skin to gain the greatest benefit. You will continue to see a lightening of your lesion as treatments continue.

Is copper bromide laser treatment safe?

Lasers have been used successfully in hundreds of thousands of treatments. Laser treatment performed properly, by a trained laser specialist, is safe and effective.  The laser light penetrates the skin to a maximum of only about one to two millimetres, so cannot affect deeper structures. The exception is the eye, which can be readily injured; hence special eye shields or goggles are used when the laser is in operation. The laser does not produce any rays known to be harmful (i.e. X-rays, UV rays, Gamma rays, etc). It emits one colour of visible light – one part of the ‘rainbow’.

Is treatment painful?

There is a hot pricking sensation as the laser pulses on the skin.  Treatment usually requires no anaesthetic but cooling ice may be used on the skin as treatment progresses.  Some people may prefer to apply an anaesthetic cream prior to treatment.  For some people an inhalational anaesthetic may be useful.

To arrange an initial consultation, please contact us on (09) 520 3200 or  (initial consultation fee applies).