Edmonton Dermatology | Pulse Dye Laser (PDL)
Hi, and welcome back to Edmonton Dermatology YouTube channel. My name is Karen, and I’m with Andrea, our registered LPN here at Edmonton Dermatology. Today we’re going to be talking about Pulse Dye Laser, also known as vascular treatments.
Here’s a fun quote: I regret taking such good care of my skin—said no one ever!. No kidding. A fun stat: 95% of your selfie is your skin. If you think about it, you’re always putting your phone in front of your face. Yes, we are mostly skin, aren’t we?
What is Pulse Dye Laser (PDL)?
Pulse Dye Laser (PDL) is a laser treatment that emits energy into the skin to help constrict blood vessels. Essentially, it helps with various types of vascular treatments. These are specific settings on a laser used for different vascular conditions.
Conditions Treated by Pulse Dye Laser
PDL treats anything vascular, including telangiectasia, rosacea, port wine stains, venous lakes, angios, and even warts. Surprisingly, it can help with warts too! These conditions involve blood vessels that sometimes rise to the upper layers of the skin, where they aren’t typically needed, causing issues like rosacea or venous lakes.
Skin Types Treated by PDL
PDL can treat all skin types, but for skin types four and higher (darker skin types), we have to be more careful with the settings due to the risk of hyperpigmentation. This means more treatments may be required for darker skin types to avoid issues like brown spots.
Does PDL Treatment Hurt?
It can cause discomfort depending on the settings and depth of the vascular lesion being treated. Fortunately, the machine comes with cooling fans to help reduce heat and energy, but you can expect a quick “snap” sensation during the treatment. It’s noticeable but not terribly painful.
How Long Does PDL Treatment Take?
The treatment duration depends on the condition. For example, treating small areas of rosacea might take about half an hour, while larger areas or port wine stains could take an hour or more. Port wine stains, which are congenital, often require lifelong treatment.
Downtime and Healing After PDL Treatment
After treatment, you can expect some dusky blueness under the skin, similar to a bruise, as the treated vessels constrict. This will fade over a few days as the skin heals. Some people may bruise more easily than others, but it’s typically a subtle effect.
Possible Side Effects
Bruising is one of the more common side effects. However, if you’re getting treated at Edmonton Dermatology, rest assured our team is highly trained, and we prioritize patient safety. Be cautious of places offering discounted laser treatments, as improper treatments can lead to scarring and severe bruising. Always consult a qualified physician before undergoing laser treatments.
Contraindications for PDL Treatment
We cannot treat pregnant or breastfeeding individuals until after pregnancy or breastfeeding. Recent sun exposure can also complicate treatment, as treated areas may turn brown when exposed to the sun. Be cautious with sun exposure after treatment, and it’s best to undergo PDL treatments in the fall, winter, or spring when the sun is less intense.
Cost of PDL Treatment
The cost varies depending on the condition being treated, whether it’s rosacea, port wine stains, or spider veins. A consultation is necessary to determine the exact cost based on the number of treatments needed, which can range from four to six or more.
Other Comparable Laser Treatments
Other lasers, like the Nd and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), also target vascular lesions. The choice of treatment depends on the depth of the vascular issue, which is why we always recommend a consultation to determine the best option for you.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for breaking that down for us. Thanks for joining us here on YouTube at Edmonton Dermatology. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel, give us a thumbs up if you found this information helpful, and leave us a comment with any questions. We’ll talk to you soon. Bye-bye!