At some point in life, most patients will suffer from unwanted redness on their face or body. These red spots can take on numerous forms that range from well-circumscribed, raised dots to diffuse, blotchy patches. The causes of these red lesions are similarly varied, as they may occur secondary to genetics, surgery, age, and chronic sun exposure. The medical terminology for the types of redness included in this bothersome collection is extensive: rosacea, telangiectasia, cherry angiomas, vascular birthmarks, etc. Regardless of the confusing technical name, advances in cosmetic dermatology have led to the advent of numerous non-invasive treatments capable of eradicating your particular type of redness. Additionally, these innovative technologies can also alleviate the blue and purple discoloration associated with spider veins to comprehensively color-correct your skin and produce a smooth, even-toned complexion.

vascular treatments for redness and veins offered include:

An area of constant study and research, modern vascular treatments harness the power of electromagnetic waves to provide optimal results to patients. Over the course of his decade-long career, Dr. Hooman Khorasani has helped improve the appearance of red or blue discoloration for thousands of patients of all ages and skin types. Always pursuing the best possible treatment options for his patients, Dr. Khorasani consistently invests in the latest technology and mentors other professionals who have sought him out for his expertise in this area. As such, Dr. Khorasani will be able to provide you with a tailored therapy plan that addresses your individual needs and employs the latest therapeutic advances.

To find out whether vascular laser treatments can help banish unwanted redness or blueness from your skin, visit Dr. Khorasani at our New York City practice. To request a consultation, text message us securely, or contact our Manhattan office by phone at 212-230-3378.

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What causes red spots or red patches?

The shape, size, texture, and intensity of your particular skin blemish is attributable to its specific cause; however, the red color shared by all of these lesions is caused by malformations of the blood vessels that allow the redness of the blood to be seen through the skin.

Common causes of these vascular structural abnormalities:
Telangiectasias: Tiny, thread-like streaks of redness caused by dilated blood vessels. These flat, red patches are often caused by aging, sun exposure, trauma, or genetics.
Scars: redness localized to surgical, acne, or traumatic scars due to the increased blood flow that occurred during the wound healing process.
Cherry angiomas: bright-red, palpable spots of the face and body that increase in number with age
Capillary malformations: More commonly known as birthmarks, these red lesions are present from birth and can appear in a variety of forms. The most common of these birthmarks is the port-wine stain, which received its name due to its appearance that resembles spilled wine on the skin.
Rosacea: diffuse, blotchy redness of the forehead, eyes, and cheeks that may be associated with acne-like bumps.

What causes blue or purple skin blemishes?

Bulging, twisting, blue or purple cords of the legs and feet are usually attributable to varicose veins. This extremely common condition occurs as the vessel structures weaken with time, leading to visible swelling and distortion. Most often, these enlarged veins are benign signs of aging; however, patients should discuss these lesions with their primary care physician to ensure they are not associated with any medical concerns.

Spider veins are miniature versions of varicose veins that occur when smaller branches of the venous system become dilated. These malformations often appear as flat patches of thin blue or purple lines localized to the legs, chest and face.

How can I improve the appearance of discolored skin blemishes?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Khorasani will carefully evaluate your particular red or blue-purple lesion to discern its type and characteristics. Incorporating your individual aesthetic goals, health profile, and lifestyle constraints, Dr. Khorasani will recommend a personalized therapy plan that best addresses your specific needs.

How does the Vbeam® Perfecta (Pulsed Dye Laser) work?

Vbeam delivers pulses of precisely-colored light energy that eliminate red or blue-purple pigment without harming the surrounding skin. Selective targeting of hemoglobin is responsible for the broad-ranging efficacy of Vbeam, as this device is optimally suited to treat the red or blue-purple discoloration associated with capillary malformations (birthmarks), cherry angiomas, rosacea, scars, telangiectasias (broken blood vessels) and spider veins.

What are the benefits of Vbeam?

Vbeam is considered one of the most popular lasers in the practice of Dermatology. This laser facilitates an impressive reduction in red and blue dyspigmentation while simultaneously protecting the neighboring healthy skin. This allows for maximal improvement in skin tone with little to no downtime required. Furthermore, the powerful redness and blueness-busting abilities of this device yields immediate and durable results for most skin conditions.

What sort of patients are best suited for treatment with Vbeam?

Patients seeking to reduce skin redness or blueness in any form are most likely to benefit from Vbeam. This capable laser is amongst the most effective vascular devices that minimizes or, in most cases, eliminates unwanted red or blue-purple lesions. Those with inflexible schedules are also ideal candidates for Vbeam, as the precision of pigment destruction lends itself to a recovery period of just a few hours.

Please note that the robust and targeted color-correcting abilities narrows the cosmetic scope of this laser, as this device does not address fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, or texture abnormalities. Patients seeking to eliminate both bothersome redness or blueness and target the signs of aging may consider adding a skin resurfacing treatment to their therapy plan. Please visit our Laser Skin Resurfacing page to determine if our array of innovative laser devices can help comprehensively rejuvenate your complexion.

Furthermore, red color is often only one component contributing to the visibility of scars. Dr. Khorasani is pleased to offer multiple minimally-invasive treatments that address texture, shape, and size abnormalities to maximally improve the appearance of scars. Please visit our Scar Revision page to determine if these therapies in combination with Vbeam can help you reduce or eliminate these physical reminders of a prior trauma.

How many treatments are required to reap the benefits of Vbeam?

Capillary malformations (birthmarks), cherry angiomas, rosacea, scars, telangiectasias (broken blood vessels) and spider veins are each managed with a different Vbeam regimen that is hand-picked to maximally reduce discoloration. The majority of patients will need three to five sessions spaced three to six weeks apart to achieve optimal results; however, the trade-off for these multiple treatments is steep, as most patients will enjoy a permanent resolution of their red or blue dispigmentation. Individuals with chronic, recurring conditions like rosacea or prominent veins will likely require additional treatments in the future.

How does Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) work?

Unlike the monochromatic light emitted from the Vbeam laser, IPL devices project a range of wavelengths that heat specific structures in the skin. This heating process facilitates the eradication of unwanted dyspigmentation while simultaneously inducing the production of new collagen.

What are the benefits of Intense Pulsed Light?

This innovative laser provides two treatments in one comprehensive session. The pigment-destroying light waves help reduce the visibility of unwanted red, blue-purple, or brown discoloration associated with capillary malformations (birthmarks), telangiectasias (broken blood vessels), rosacea, spider veins, sunspots, and freckles. Concurrently, the increased production of healthy collagen softens fine lines, improves skin texture, and enhances elasticity. The result? An even-toned and youthful complexion!

What sort of patients are best suited for treatment with Intense Pulsed Light?

The ability of IPL to diminish red, blue-purple, or brown dyspigmentation and lessen the appearance of early signs of aging renders this therapy ideal for patients looking to broadly enhance their skin appearance. Please note, however, that this device is lower in energy than both the Vbeam and other traditional skin resurfacing treatments. Consequently, the color-correction and improvement in fine lines, texture, and elasticity are more subtle than the results gleaned from other lasers.

Patients seeking to aggressively target age-induced skin changes or red or blue discoloration may be candidates for Laser Skin Resurfacing or Vbeam, respectively. Please visit our Laser Skin Resurfacing page and Vbeam section above to determine if these more potent devices, together or separately, can provide maximal skin rejuvenation.

How many treatments are required to reap the benefits of Intense Pulsed Light?

The enhanced capacity of IPL to address multiple cosmetic issues necessitates an increase in both downtime and number of treatments required to achieve maximal aesthetic results. Most patients will require four to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart to optimize their cosmetic outcomes. Additionally, mild swelling and redness for two to four days after an IPL treatment is common. In rare cases, patients may also notice scabbing or peeling over the treated areas.

As with Vbeam, the improvement in red, blue-purple, or brown dispigmentation for non-recurring conditions is often permanent; however, maintenance treatments every twelve months to maintain the anti-aging effects of IPL are highly recommended.

How does Aerolase® Neo work?

The Aerolase Neo is an innovative device that emits beams of energy one thousand times faster than traditional lasers. This brief delivery period allows for a gentle, yet effective treatment in which unwanted pigment is removed and collagen production is stimulated.

What are the benefits of Aerolase Neo?

The microsecond delivery of Aerolase Neo energy allows for a pain-free laser session that is safe for patients with deeper skin tones. This rapid emission also spares the surrounding healthy skin, allowing for an accelerated healing process with no downtime required.

Cosmetically, the particular electromagnetic wave projected by this device reduces red, blue-purple, or brown discoloration while simultaneously enhancing skin texture. This dual efficacy lends itself to a color-correction of capillary malformations (birthmarks), telangiectasias (broken blood vessels), rosacea, spider veins, sunspots, and freckles that is complemented by softened fine lines and renewed elasticity.

What sort of patients are best suited for treatment with Aerolase Neo?

The painless delivery of laser energy renders this treatment ideal for pediatric or adult patients with sensitive skin. Skin of color patients may also safely use this device, as the calibration of the Aerolase Neo eliminates the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation that is often associated with other traditional lasers. Individuals with busy personal and professional lives are also optimally suited for Aerolase Neo, as the multitude of skin benefits are obtained with zero downtime.

As our most gentle vascular laser, the color-correction and improvement in texture are more subtle than the results garnered from other treatment modalities. Patients seeking to moderately increase the degree of improvement for vascular discoloration and the early signs of aging may be candidates for IPL therapy. Learn more about the comprehensive benefits of IPL therapy above to ascertain if this laser is more aligned with your aesthetic goals.

Those wishing to maximally correct age-induced skin changes or red or blue discoloration may be candidates for Laser Skin Resurfacing or Vbeam, respectively. Please visit our Laser Skin Resurfacing page and Vbeam section above to determine if these more potent devices, together or separately, can provide maximal skin rejuvenation.

How many treatments are required to reap the benefits of Aerolase Neo?

Reminiscent of IPL therapy, the enhanced capacity of Aerolase Neo to address multiple cosmetic issues also necessitates an increase in the number of treatments required to achieve maximal aesthetic results. Most patients will require three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart to optimize their cosmetic outcomes; however, in contrast to IPL therapy, the multiple benefits associated with the Aerolase Neo do not incur a significant downtime period. As dictated by your own personal comfort, you may resume normal activities immediately after treatment.

As with other vascular lasers, the improvement in red, blue-purple, or brown dispigmentation for non-recurring conditions is often permanent; however, maintenance treatments every six months to maintain the anti-aging effects of Aerolase Neo is highly recommended.

FAQ's About Vascular Laser Therapy

Am I a good candidate for vascular laser therapy to improve my redness and/or veins?
What benefits will I see from vascular laser therapy?
What can I expect during treatment with a vascular laser?
What pain level can I expect during treatment with a vascular laser?
How long does each vascular laser treatment last?
When can I expect to see the results from a vascular laser treatment and how long do they last?
What is the recovery like from a vascular laser treatment?
What can I do to prepare for a vascular laser treatment?

Why choose Dr. Khorasani to perform my vascular laser treatment?

Dr. Hooman Khorasani is quadruple board-certified in Dermatology, Cosmetic Surgery, Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Mohs micrographic surgery. Additionally he led the Division of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery at Mount Sinai for 10+ years. His dedication to clinical excellence and constant innovation has led to numerous accolades and publications in premier medical journals. He is considered an international expert in laser therapy and has spent a majority of his career training the next generation of dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons.  

Armed with this advanced clinical and academic competency, Dr. Khorasani carefully crafts a therapy plan for each individual that adheres to the highest standards of medical care and is optimized to produce the greatest results possible. Personalization is infused into every aspect of our practice, from the treatment itself to our highly-skilled office personnel that are available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns. Together as a team, we can help you say good-bye to unwanted red or blue-purple vascular discoloration permanently! 

Request A Consultation

Dr. Khorasani and his highly-specialized team look forward to working with you to transform your medical or aesthetic goals into reality. To expedite a request for a consultation, message us securely, or contact Dr. Khorasani’s Manhattan office by phone at 212-230-3378. For more information about how to get in touch:

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