Diolite Laser

How does the Diolite Laser work?

A laser generates an intense beam of light to deliver energy to a specific site, through a small hand piece connected to the laser. The laser light is absorbed by blood vessels and melanin/pigment (black or brown pigment found in the skin) causing destruction of facial veins and sun spots by heating unwanted cells while leaving healthy cells intact.

What is a vascular lesion?

A vascular lesion is formed by abnormally large or numerous blood vessels located directly under the surface of the skin. These vessels may be visible through the skin or result in a red appearance of the skin. Spider veins (telangiectsia), shown below, are the most common vascular lesions frequently seen in individuals with acne rosacea. Other vascular lesions amenable to laser therapy include spider angiomas and cherry angiomas.

What are pigmented lesions that can be treated with the Laser?

Melanin is the dark pigment present in skin and is produced by melanocytes. Pigmented lesions occur when an abundance of melanocytes are found in the skin. When dark pigment multiplies, it forms freckles, brown age spots, sunspots and moles. Lentigines, –a flat, brown spots on the skin present on skin with frequent sun exposure–are seen in the picture below. Other Examples of pigmented lesions:
• Keratoses – slightly elevated pigmented spots often found on the back and hands
• Freckles – a brownish spot on the skin common on people with fair skin
• Dermatosis papulosis nigra – small, black marks seen primarily on people of Asian or African descent
(Example : think Morgan Freeman)

What should I expect during the treatment?

The laser handpiece will direct a beam of laser light to the lesion. Some patients report feeling a slight stinging sensation during the treatment, followed by some redness that usually goes away in two to four hours. There will not be any purple skin discoloration or bruised appearance to the treated skin. Postoperative care is minimal. We suggest that you stay out of the sun during the next two to three weeks. Final treatment results should be evident within 10 to days after treatment for vascular lesions and within two to three weeks after treatment for pigmented lesions. In the meantime, normal daily activities can be resumed.