Gemini KTP laser - Broken Capillaries, Redness of the Chest, Face and Neck

The Gemini KTP laser emits two different wavelengths - 532nm and 1064nm.  The laser wavelength is attracted to a particular target (red/brown), but not attracted to normal skin and is therefore very specific in its treatment.  The 532nm wavelength is targeted to treating broken capillaries and rosacea.  The 1064nm wavelength is targeted to treating facial veins and venous lakes.  The Gemini is considered to be more efficacious in the treatment of facial broken blood vessels than the pulse dye laser.

Benefits

• Removes or reduces broken capillaries on the face, neck and chest. 
• Minimal down-time
• Minimal risk
• Other benefits include improvement of sun damage and wrinkled skin and stimulation of new collagen synthesis to improve skin tone.

Alternatives

• Cynergy pulse dye laser
• Revlite

How Does it Work?

The Gemini laser is a non-ablative laser and emits two different wavelengths - 532nm and 1064nm.  Each is targeted to treating different blood vessels - 532nm for broken facial capillaries and rosacea, and 1064nm for larger facial blood vessels and venous lakes.

Who is a Candidate?

Non-tanned, light skin types are the best candidates.

What Could I Expect?

Reduction in the number of broken blood vessels.

Safety and Side-Effects

• Soreness and redness - in rare instances, soreness and redness may occur.
• Swelling - this is common, especially on the upper cheeks and forehead, and ususally subsides within a few days.  Ice is applied after treatment to limit swelling and a further application at home might be helpful.  Sleeping a little bit more upright for extensive procedures is recommended for the first two nights.
• Pain - there may be some pain during the procedure.
• Pigment loss - in most patients, the risk of pigment loss would be small.
• Hyperpigmentation - there may be a risk of increased pigmentation as a healing reaction occurs in olive-skinned patients.  If this occurs, the increased pigment usually fades over a period of months and may require the use of bleaching creams.  Occasionally, it may last longer but rarely is this permanent.
• Scarring - there is a very small incidence of scarring.
• Incompete result - the condition being treated may not be completely or even effectively treated with one treament and may require another session or sessions of the same or a different modality.

Recovery Time

There is usually significant swelling for the first 24 - 48 hours and it is recommended that patients have at least two days off work.  Treatments are usually scheduled on a Friday to avoid this as a problem for working patients.

Does it Hurt?

We minimize the amount of pain patients experience through the use of a Zimmer cold air machine, which is applied to the skin in the regions we are lasering, in conjunction with a cold tip laser handpiece to the skin surface to reduce discomfort as well.  Patients are always given the option of a topical anaesthetic cream, applied to the pre-treated area 45 minutes prior to treatment.

Before Treatment Instructions

Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure for four weeks prior to the treatment.  It is also beneficial to avoid any anti-inflammatory pills or Aspirin.

After Treatment Instructions

Ice packs should be applied to the area for the first 48 hours.   To reduce the redness, a mild topical steroid will be prescribed.  The area should be washed with a mild soap and gently patted dry.  Vigorous cleansing or rubbing of the area should be avoided.  If scabs develop, they usually last around a week.  Once the redness has settled down, make-up can be used as well as effective sunscreen.  It is important to avoid sunlight and solariums in the healing phase. 

Who Performs the Treatments?

Dr McKerrow and his registered nurse.