Skin blemishes due to abnormal blood vessels located directly under the skin are called vascular lesions. They are also called telangiectasias, broken blood vessels, and spider veins. Some individuals have had these since birth or shortly thereafter, while others develop vascular problems such as telangiectasias of the face as they grow older. Rosacea is a skin condition associated with broken blood vessels. Brown spots and pigmented lesions are present in many areas of the body and have different forms.

Most of these lesions, as well as warts, can be treated under local anesthetic in the office. The congenital vascular problems such as port wine stains, especially in children, usually require an anesthetic in the hospital. Pigmented lesions, warts, and many vascular problems do well with one or two laser or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments. The larger vascular problems and port wine stains can take 6-8 treatments, spaced 6-12 weeks apart. Although the vascular lesions and vessels usually respond well to the laser treatments, there can be skin irregularities, scarring, lightening of the skin, loss of normal skin color, and other skin changes after treatment. Usually these skin changes are not as noticeable to others as the treated vessels were, but they can be.

Port wine stains in children are occasionally covered by insurance, but Dr. Taylor does not accept most insurance plans. The Office will help file the claim, but payment is required at the time of treatment. If a small child requires a general anesthetic, the costs can be $1,500.00 or more per treatment, since there are additional anesthetic and hospital charges.

Following the laser or IPL treatment the areas heal in 4-10 days. Most areas have minimal discoloration and problems and can be covered with makeup after healing. The pink skin that develops usually fades in 7-21 days, depending on the area treated. The final results develop over the next few months. Additional treatments may be required.

The costs for treatments vary tremendously, depending on the area treated and how many treatments are required. Most people with significant rosacea or telangiectasias require 2 to 4 treatments to have significant change. Although laser or IPL treatments can delay the development of vessels, the treatments do not eliminate the process that causes new vessels to develop. 

Most small areas treated, such as brown spots on the cheek or patches of vessels cost $225-450.00 per laser treatment. A  laser treatment of large areas, such as Rosacea of the cheeks, costs $850-1,600.00. or more.

Call 210-490-1757 to schedule a consultation.