Recent advances in laser technology all began because of the previous lack of safe and effective treatment for children with red vascular birthmarks (port wine stains). Prior to the development of "pulsed" lasers, scarring was a real concern. The pulsed dye laser is the industry gold standard for treatment of skin and blood vessel problems such as dilated blood vessels, port wine stains, hemangiomas, and facial veins – but onlyin hands of experienced laser physicians. This yellow light laser feels like a rubber band snap on the skin with each pulse, and specifically heats up the tiny blood vessels, without damaging the normal skin. A discoloration appears immediately, and fades in 5-7 days. Within 4-6 weeks, the treated blemish fades away. For facial blood vessels, 1-4 treatments might be required

Can any area of the body be treated with lasers for dilated blood vessels?
Almost all dilated blood vessels on the body respond to laser treatment,
however,  leg veins that are greater than 1 mm in size, or blue in color, respond poorly to this kind of treatment.  These leg veins are best treated with injection sclerotherapy.

How long does it take to see the effects from each treatment?
The full effect from each laser treatment is usually not seen for up to 8 weeks or even longer .

What are the side effects from this type of treatment?
The pulsed dye laser is safe enough to use on new born babies with birthmarks. Therefore, in trained hands, there should be no side effects. There is the short term discoloration that fades after 5- 7 days, but is considered a normal reaction that is expected.