Question 1

How It Works

Accepted Answer

The Cutera XEO uses a laser beam that targets blood vessels and pigment in the skin. The system is optimised for effective hair removal, treating vascular lesions on the face and lower extremities.  Deeper and larger red and purple vascular lesions may also be treated, including lip venous lakes and birthmarks such as port wine stains, venous malformations and haemangiomas.

When we use the XEO laser for broken capillaries, the laser is absorbed by an abnormal blood vessel and the light is converted into heat energy, which causes the vessel to collapse and seal shut. Eventually, the unwanted vessel is absorbed by the body and the skin returns to its natural colour.

Question 2

Treatment Areas

Accepted Answer

The XEO can safely and effectively treat a wide range of vascular lesions and unwanted hair.

Angiomas
Hair removal
Lentigines
Birthmarks
Veins on face and legs
Venous lakes
Spider and thread veins

Question 3

Treatment Process

Accepted Answer

When you visit Beauty Lab & Laser, you will first have a consultation to determine if treatment with XEO is right for you. Your cosmetic nurse will use this time to examine your skin and discuss your goals, and to select the appropriate treatment settings for your concerns.

XEO treatments do not require topical numbing. Your cosmetic nurse will pass the handpiece over your skin while it delivers pulses of laser light to the targeted pigment or blood vessel.

Some patients feel a sting, similar to the snap of a rubber band against the skin, or a warming sensation during the procedure. The device contains a built-in cooling mechanism that protects your skin and minimizes discomfort for the duration of the treatment.

Question 4

Post Treatment & Aftercare

Accepted Answer

The treated area will be red for 1-2 hours. If you develop purplish discolouration, this may last for 1-2 weeks.

If you have had lasering near the eyes, you may develop some swelling over 2-3 days which may lead to partial (rarely complete) closure of the eye. Using ice packs (or frozen peas in a bag) every hour for 10-15 minutes on the day of the procedure can reduce swelling.

You may develop some small scabs or blisters over the 1-2 days following the laser treatment. These will heal completely over 7-10 days on the face. Do not pick at these scabs or apply bandaids to the area. You may wash gently and apply Vaseline frequently during this time. There may be some residual pinkness that fades over 2-3 months.

It is important to avoid sun exposure and use sun block for 3 months following the laser treatment to prevent uneven pigmentation (brown discolouration).

Question 5

Post Birthmark Treatment

Accepted Answer

Birthmarks are usually treated more strongly so extra care is required post procedure. Shower and bathe the treated area as normal but gently pat the skin dry. Avoid shaving until the bruising and swelling has settled. A moisturiser (e.g. aqueous cream) is often soothing and reduces the likelihood of crusting. If crusting does occur, use an antibiotic ointment (Bactroban ointment) 3 times daily to reduce the risk of infection.

If bruising is present, make up should be avoided for 1 week as removing it may produce damage to the skin which is fragile during this time. Avoid sports involving physical contact and do not take aspirin-containing compounds or anti-inflammatory medications until the bruising has faded.

The laser light is delivered in circles thus the first treatment may produce circles of lighter redness in a background of darker redness. Subsequent treatments will even out these obvious differences in colour but there may be some persistence of this patterned appearance. If the entire area is too large to be treated, there will be a line of demarcation between treated and untreated skin.

Question 6

Risks & Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Scarring is a rare complication of laser treatment for telangiectasia but may occur in the stronger treatments needed for birthmarks. Changes in skin colour (lightening or darkening) may occur but will usually resolve with time and good sun protection. These problems are more common in olive or darker complexions.

Here are some other symptoms, to keep an eye on:
Discomfort/Pain: some discomfort maybe experience during treatment. Pain may include the feeling of burning, stinging and radiating pain.

Redness/Swelling: Short-term redness (erythema) is common and swelling (edema) of the treated area may occur. A hive like reaction may occur with smaller vessels. Purpura/Bruising is a transient phenomenon that usually resolves with time.

Hemosiderin Staining: (iron leaking into the tissue from blood breakdown) may occur and usually results over time, but it may be permanent.

Skin Colour Changes: During the healing process, there is a slight possibility that the treated area may become either lighter(hypopigmentation) or darker (hyper pigmentation) in colour compared to the surrounding skin. This is usually temporary, but, on a rare occasion, it may be permanent.

Epidermal Crusting: Pigmented lesions my crust as part of the healing process. Epidermal crusting may develop over vascular lesions. It is important not to disturb the crusts. You may require medication if sensitivity or redness occurs. Crusts will typically slough off 7 to 14 days after treatment.

Wounds: Treatment can result in burning, blistering or bleeding of the treated areas. If any of these occur please call the clinic on 0405 706 011.

Burns & Infections: Infection is a rare possibility whenever the skin surface is disrupted, though proper wound care should prevent this. If signs of infection developed, such as pain, heat or surrounding redness please call our clinic on 0405 706 011.

Scarring: Scarring is a rare occurrence, but is a possibility if the skin surface is disrupted. To minimise the chances of scarring, it is IMPORTANT that you follow all post-treatment instructions provided by your treating clinician.

Textural Changes/Cutaneous Indentations: May occur as a result of heat diffusion and thermal injury to tissue surrounding vessels.

Undesirable Hair Reduction: Hair reduction may occur at treatment sites. This is usually temporary but maybe permanent.

Sun Exposure/Tanning Beds/Artificial Tanning: May increase risk of side-effects and adverse events.

Eye Exposure: Protective eyewear (shields) will be provided to you during the treatment. Failure to wear eye shields during the entire treatment may cause severe and permanent eye damage.

Question 7

Pricing

Accepted Answer

45 Minute Session | $250Packages available on request.

Question 8

Questions or Concerns

Accepted Answer

If you have received treatment at our clinic and wish to speak to your treating nurse, please call the clinic on (03) 6243 4632. For any medical emergencies only, you can call 0405706011. If you are experiencing very serious side effects, please call 000.

If you have any further questions regarding laser treatment, please book a free consultation via the book now button on our website or call the clinic directly on (03) 6243 4632.

cutera Vascular laser