What is Telangiectasia?
Especially as we age, our veins can become visible below the skin, resulting in unsightly patterns. Telangiectasia, or small patterns of facial veins, are particularly undesirable because of their highly visible location. Fortunately, Cutera’s CoolGlide system is the perfect treatment, not just for facial veins, but also for spider veins and large blue leg veins.
What is the CoolGlide system?
Like Cutera’s other outstanding treatments, the CoolGlide system is laser-based. One of our providers will move the xeo handpiece over the affected area. The handpiece emits pulses of light that causes the blood in the targeted vein to coagulate. Eventually, the vein disintegrates and is reabsorbed into your body. Blood flow is redirected to different veins that lie deeper beneath your skin and are invisible. With the CoolGlide’s long wavelength, treatment is effective on all skin tones: dark, light, and tanned. Since the treatment is minimally invasive, expect little to no bruising or blistering.
The CoolGlide system is adaptable to most types of veins, including spider and leg veins. Though knotty varicose veins are not good candidates for treatment, CoolGlide is very effective against blood blisters, which usually require only a single treatment, plus port wine stains. One or two treatments are usually sufficient, but treatment time can vary due to several factors, particularly the number, color, and size of the veins being targeted.
What does CoolGlide treatment feel like?
Unlike sclerotherapy, no painful injections are required, and for that reason, most physicians and patients prefer the CoolGlide system. As the handpiece delivers its pulses of energy, many patients do feel a stinging sensation and opt for a topical anesthetic. However, after the treatment, there is little to no pain. Your skin may redden and swell around the treated area, but the effect should last no more than 24 hours. Patients are also advised to avoid vigorous physical activities for 24 hours, and use sunscreen on the targeted areas. Within 2-6 weeks, the treated veins should be significantly improved.
CoolGlide is one of the best systems on the market for treating visible veins and telangiectasia. Our staff can help advise you on what type of treatment fits your needs.