Redness + Veins
Redness and visible veins can develop in the skin for many reasons. Redness in the skin can be a sign of inflammatory conditions such as rosacea, or can be reactive as the result of skin irritation due to allergies and skin sensitization. Common inflammatory and reactive skin conditions that can cause redness include rosacea, atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and urticaria (hives). Another possible reason for redness in the skin can be cumulative effects of sun damage in areas of chronic sun exposure. Due to the various reasons for redness, Dr. Sherber believes that it is key to determine its root cause in order to develop the most effective type of treatment.
Visible veins are another common concern of patients. These may develop as a result of genetic and/or environmental influences. After prolonged redness due to the persistent dilation of blood vessels as is seen in rosacea or from exposure to sustained heat, telangiectasia or “broken capillaries” can begin to appear. When the skin is more translucent and fair, veins may be more apparent compared to individuals whose skin has a darker tone.
Both redness and visible veins can be treated through various methods including implementing targeted skincare to diminish skin reactivity, choosing specific cosmetics that can conceal redness on contact, and using vascular laser treatments such as Nd:YAG to fade redness and unwanted vessels in the long term.
FLUSHING
Flushing is redness that comes and goes, and is generally accompanied by other reactive skin symptoms such as stinging. In general, skin redness is caused by dilated superficial blood vessels and is typically related to a range of concerns such as individual triggers for rosacea, and the skin’s reactivity and response to irritation.
To target flushing, Dr. Sherber uses Laser Genesis, which is a micro pulsed Nd:YAG laser. This is the only laser treatment available that works in this way – it is painless, gentle enough for sensitive skin, excellent for rosacea and acne scarring, and is safe for all skin tones.
Usually Dr. Sherber views these redness laser treatments as a ‘winter sport’ as it’s important that skin isn’t tanned or self-tanned prior to treatment and that it remains protected from sun exposure post-treatment. Numbing cream is generally unnecessary for these laser treatment, and the skin may develop some redness after being treated as the body works to resorb the treated vessels. Since there is no ‘downtime’ required post-treatment, make-up can be applied immediately afterwards and a high-quality SPF must be worn on the entire face. You can expect results to take several weeks to emerge, so it is recommended to space treatments a month apart.
Botox microinfusion may also help with flushing, and Dr. Sherber may place patients on a very mild skincare regimen that is free of harsh actives or other irritants. This elimination of possible irritants will help to determine the cause of the redness, which may be due to undiagnosed skin allergies. In this case, Dr. Sherber will recommend a consultation with one of her Allergist colleagues.
SPIDER VEINS
Dilated veins can appear on the face or body, and may be due to sun damage or a genetic predisposition to develop these visible veins. Each treatment is customized for the individual patient, as small dilated blood vessels that appear on the face and body are targeted with the Cutera 1064nm Nd:YAG laser, a state of the art vascular laser. Because of its patented PowerFlex technology, treatments are delivered with maximal comfort and efficacy. Nd:YAG laser treatments cannot be performed on tanned of self-tanned skin, and are best performed in the autumn and winter when the UV index is low.
For larger spider veins on the legs, Dr. Sherber prefers to inject them with Asclera® which initiates the body’s ability to reabsorb these types of veins. For sclerotherapy, you should plan the procedure for a time when you are able to wear compression leggings or compression stockings for a week post-treatment.
For unwanted superficial leg veins, Dr. Sherber often refers patients for ultrasound imaging to ensure that the deeper veins are not problematic. If there are problems with deeper circulation, Dr. Sherber will then suggest either endogenous laser ablation with a vascular surgeon or an alternative treatment of the deep veins before treating any of the superficial veins. This is an important practice as the superficial leg veins are fed by the deep venous system and will tend to re-accumulate if the deeper veins are not addressed first.
For blue veins under the eyes, gentle Nd:YAG laser treatments are safer than injectable treatments and can be very effective in shrinking the caliber.
While you are waiting to be treated, although there are no topical lotions or potions to remove unwanted veins, golden-hued creams or self-tanners can be used to mask them somewhat.