Cutera Excel®V+

Pros

• The laser has a spot size that adjusts between 2 mm and 12 mm, so it can treat a wide range of skin conditions very precisely. Some doctors on RealSelf consider the Excel V the new gold standard for treating abnormal blood vessels on the face.
• It’s safe for all skin types and skin tones, and it can be used anywhere on the face and body to treat pigmentation issues.
• Each treatment session is fast, usually taking 15–20 minutes.
• There’s minimal discomfort. Patients usually feel a stinging sensation like a rubber band snap. A topical anesthetic, applied prior to treatment, can help numb the skin, and the handpiece’s proprietary cooling mechanism prevents overheating.
• Side effects, including redness and swelling, usually resolve within a few days. You can typically wear makeup and return to normal activities immediately.

Cons

• Swelling can be significant if the treatment is performed aggressively, so be sure to discuss aftercare with your provider.
• It’s normal for blood vessels to become darker—“bruise-like”—or more noticeable following treatment, before resolving after a few weeks.
• Avoiding direct sun exposure on the treated area for two weeks before and after treatment is recommended.
• The intense pulsed light (IPL) might be better treatment options for addressing diffuse redness.

It takes time for the full results to develop, but many patients see an immediate and significant improvement in pigmented lesions after just one session. This has earned Excel V + a reputation as the laser that wows.

However, results aren’t permanent, and touch-up treatments every one to three years may be necessary to maintain them.

Treatment time depends on the area of the body being treated. However, most treatments should take less than one hour.

The laser works by delivering high-power pulses of green laser light energy that cause the blood within the vein to coagulate. This eventually destroys the vessels, which are gradually resorbed by your body. Blood flow is then redirected to veins deeper below the skin’s surface. Removing telangiectasia and other vascular lesions may require multiple sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart.

Treated brown spots will darken and slough off within three to six days. If only certain spots were treated versus a broad area, it’s quite normal to have some bumpiness from swelling. Swelling should calm down within one to three days, though your provider may recommend a topical steroid, to reduce swelling.

One major advantage of the Excel V laser is that it can be dialed down to precisely treat small areas, making it possible for the laser to eradicate some veins or brown spots in one or two sessions. While most lasers take multiple sessions to achieve noticeable results, many procedures performed with the Excel V will require the least number of treatments.”

To minimize discomfort and increase safety, the Excel V + provides continuous, adjustable cooling.