Couperose treatment
Red veins or diffuse redness on the face, neck or décolleté can be very distressing for affected people. Couperose is a disease of the blood vessels in which the small blood vessels in the face become permanently dilated. This leads to red veins and spots that are particularly visible on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. This is usually genetic, but the symptoms are exacerbated by chronic influences. Women over the age of 30 are most frequently affected by the red patches. At the utoquai clinic, we treat couperose with the innovative Nordlys laser system.
At a Glance
Medical term: Nordlys laser treatment
Type of anaesthesia: none
Treatment time: 10–20 minutes
Clinic stay: outpatient
Aftercare: sun protection
Back to public: immediately
Back to work: immediately
Recovery period: none, but avoid exercising, saunas and sun exposure for three days
How is couperose treated in our clinic?
At the utoquai clinic, we use the Nordlys laser system for couperose treatment. This innovative system uses Ellipse-SWT® narrow-band technology and the Frax-1550 laser to gently and effectively remove the dilated blood vessels. The Nd:YAG laser with integrated cooling system can also be used to provide additional comfort during and after the treatment. It is mainly used for larger vessels.
For whom is the treatment suitable?
The treatment of couperose with the laser is generally suitable for anyone who suffers from dilated blood vessels in the face. Women over the age of 30 are particularly often affected. However, there are some limitations to couperose treatment with the laser. It may not be suitable for people with very dark skin or severe skin changes. People with open wounds, an active herpes infection in the treatment area or who are pregnant should also refrain from treatment.
Port-wine stains, diffuse redness and dilated veins can also be treated.
Procedure for couperose treatment
Preparatory care
Before couperose treatment with the laser, patients should avoid intensive sunbathing and blood thinners for at least four weeks. Any pre-existing conditions or allergies should be reported to the attending physician. On the treatment day, patients should refrain from applying creams, lotions or make-up and wear comfortable clothing. A detailed consultation with our specialists will clarify individual risks and restrictions before the treatment.
Treatment
The laser treatment is carried out after a comprehensive consultation and examination of the skin. The laser or flash lamp is customised to the skin type and couperose, and the area to be treated is targeted with short pulses. Safety goggles must be worn throughout the treatment to protect the eyes. The entire treatment only takes about 10 to 20 minutes, after which you can return home immediately.
Aftercare
After the couperose treatment, the skin may be slightly reddened. However, this should subside after a few minutes, meaning you can resume social activities on the same day. Make sure to protect your skin from the sun in the first few days after the laser treatment and use sunscreen with the highest possible sun protection factor.
What results can be expected?
The results of couperose treatment with the laser are generally very satisfactory. The dilated blood vessels can be destroyed in a targeted manner, and the appearance of the skin can be visibly improved. Depending on the severity of the couperose, sometimes one to three sessions are necessary to achieve a perfect result. In most cases, however, one session is sufficient for less severe cases.
Is there a risk of side effects with couperose treatment?
As with any medical treatment, couperose treatment with the laser or flash lamp can also cause side effects. The most common side effects are slight swelling and redness of the face, which usually subside within a few hours. In rare cases, bruising or scabbing may also occur.
If applied correctly by our specialists, the risk of burns and resulting scars can be virtually eliminated.
FAQ – frequently asked questions and answers about couperose treatment with laser
Is the treatment painful?
Couperose treatment with the laser or flash lamp is uncomfortable during the short pulse phase, but the pain subsides immediately. During the treatment, a slight tingling or prickling sensation, or even slight pain, may be felt in the face. You may also feel the heat generated by the laser beam. Most patients do not usually perceive this as unpleasant due to the supportive cooling provided.
Why do I need to use sun protection after laser treatment?
After laser treatment, the skin is particularly sensitive and reacts more quickly to UV radiation. In order to maintain the results of the treatment and minimise the risk of skin damage and pigmentation disorders, it is crucial to use a sunscreen product with a high sun protection factor after the treatment and to avoid exercising and saunas for the first three days.
Are laser beams dangerous for the body?
Laser beams or the light from so-called flash lamps consist of focussed light. Unlike X-rays or UV radiation, they are generally not harmful. Nevertheless, massive skin burns can occur if used improperly, which is why using a laser should only be carried out by an experienced specialist. To protect the eyes from damage, it is essential that the practitioner and patient wear safety goggles during treatment.
Can couperose be completely removed with the laser?
Couperose treatment with the laser can significantly improve the appearance of the skin and even remove it completely. Several sessions at intervals of around four weeks may be necessary to achieve a lasting result, particularly in cases with severe symptoms.
When is the best time for a couperose treatment?
Couperose treatment can generally be performed at any time of year. However, intensive sunbathing should be avoided for at least four weeks before and after the treatment. Winter and spring are particularly suitable due to lower sun exposure and cooler temperatures.
