VBEAM Pulsed Dye Laser
Dr. Liew Hui Min
What Is Pulsed Dye Laser?
It is also commonly known as VBEAM, which is the brand name of the laser machine. Pulsed Dye Laser is a specialised laser that targets the blood vessels in your skin. The laser energy is absorbed as heat by the blood vessels. The heat breaks the blood vessels apart so they can be reabsorbed by your body, leaving behind a natural skin tone.
What Is A Pulsed Dye Laser Used For?
Any skin conditions that is red due to localised proliferation of blood vessels such as:
- Port Wine Stain, a form of red birthmark commonly seen on the face
- Rosacea
- Post-acne treatment facial redness
- Red Scars such as keloid scars, hypertrophic scars or burn scars
- Facial telangiectasia, i.e. small blood vessels visible on the skin
- Small vascular lesions such as cherry angiomas and spider naevus
- Polikoderma of Civatte, commonly seen on the neck and chest with pigmentation and redness due to chronic sun exposure
Other non-vascular skin conditions such as:
- Certain types of melasma, which is a form of facial pigmentation
- Nail Psoriasis
What Are The Side Effects Of Pulsed Dye Laser?
Bruising and swelling are expected skin reactions from this laser, hence it is not a side effect. Downtime for this laser is expected to be between 3-10 days. Certain type of skin conditions, may not have any downtime at all.
As for any other lasers, the side effects that one may experience are burn presenting as blisters, pigmentation (either darker and rarely lighter skin tone), and scars.
It is important to practice good and diligent sun protection before and after laser because tanned skin is likely to lead to the above side effects. Listen to your dermatologists’ advice on skin care, avoiding any harsh wash and cream.
What Do I Expect From Pulsed Dye Laser?
Different skin conditions, location of the skin conditions, and skin tones will react differently to Pulsed Dye Laser. Two or more treatments are required to achieve satisfactory outcome. However, you must be aware that the laser may not erase all your red marks but it can lighten it down, for example port wine stain, and rosacea. Treatment interval is about 1- 2 months apart. There is a chance of recurrence in some skin conditions, such as port wine stain and rosacea and further treatment can be administered.
Where Can I Get My Treatment For Pulsed Dye Laser?
Dr Liew Hui Min
Dr. Liew Hui Min is an accredited consultant dermatologist from the Ministry of Health and the General Medical Council UK.
Her clinical interest includes:
- Paediatric Dermatology,
- Women’s Dermatology,
- General Adult Dermatology.
Having trained in major London Hospitals, Dr Liew returned to Singapore in 2014 as a Consultant at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) where she specialised in paediatric, women, obstetric and vulva dermatology. Currently, Dr Liew practices at HM Liew Skin & Laser Clinic located at Gleneagles Hospital.
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Our Clinic
Gleneagles Medical Centre
6 Napier Road, #06-01
Singapore 258499
Mon to Fri (8am – 12pm; 1pm – 4pm)
Sat (8am – 12pm, by appointment only)
