Lasers work by flashing a brief pulse of light on the skin that is strongly absorbed by the red, purple and blue colors of blood. The targeted vessels are microscopically heated by this process and the body reacts by eliminating the intentionally injured vessels, reabsorbing them over a period of days to weeks. This type of treatment specifically minimizes unwanted blood vessels without harming the surrounding healthy skin. The laser's energy is delivered in short, adjustable pulses accompanied by a cooling spray that acts to minimize discomfort and allows for the safer use of higher, more effective energy levels.

Our newest generation pulsed dye laser is the state-of-the-art way to improve this issue. It is also clearly the gold standard laser treatment for common vascular birthmarks. This device is best for specific individual visible linear or branching vessels commonly seen on the face. Prominent red or purple facial vessels are traced with the chilled transparent laser tip and light of a wavelength that is strongly attracted to the color of blood vessels flashes on the skin. The treated vessels are heated by this process and gradually reabsorbed by the body over a period of days to weeks. This very safe and effective procedure produces minimal discomfort and generally requires very little social down time.

Treatment for Spider Veins of the Legs involves the GentleYAG® laser. This laser treatment of spider veins may be recommended for patients whose vessels have either been resistant to sclerotherapy or are too fine to inject with a needle. The laser produces a beam of light that penetrates relatively deeply into the skin where leg spider veins are often found. This treatment is also popular among patients who are concerned about the idea of sclerotherapy using needles for the spider veins of their legs.

Treatment for unwanted blood vessels at U-M Health is offered by two expert clinical teams: 

• Cosmetic Dermatology & Laser Center
• Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery

The pulsed dye laser may be used to treat a wide variety of vascular skin conditions such as port wine stains, hemangiomas, spider angiomas and facial redness from rosacea, sun damage and other causes. This device has also been shown to be effective in softening certain types of scars and minimizing the redness associated with these scars. 

Many patients are concerned about the appearance of facial skin that flushes easily and always seems to look red in the mirror. The treated skin will feel warm for up to a couple of hours and it may appear blotchy red for a few days.