If you have been searching for Vbeam laser treatment for redness, rosacea or broken capillaries, you are in good company. Vbeam is one of the best-known vascular lasers, and for years it was the name most people heard for treating facial redness.
Today there are newer options that treat the same concerns. At our Upper East Side office we use DermaV, a dual-wavelength laser that treats redness and also treats brown spots and sun damage. Here is how the two compare, and how to decide what is right for your skin.
Key takeaways
- Vbeam is a pulsed dye laser that targets red blood vessels.
- DermaV combines two laser wavelengths, 532 nm and 1064 nm, in one device, so it can treat redness, deeper vessels and brown spots.
- Both can work well for redness, rosacea and broken capillaries.
- Most people with redness also have some sun damage or uneven tone, which is where DermaV stands out.
- DermaV is offered at our Upper East Side office. A consultation is the best way to see if it fits your skin.
What is Vbeam?
Vbeam is a pulsed dye laser, often called a PDL, made by Candela. Its main wavelength, 595 nm, is absorbed by hemoglobin, the part of the blood that makes vessels look red. When the laser heats the vessel, the body gradually clears it and the redness fades.
Vbeam has been used for decades for:
- Facial redness and rosacea
- Broken capillaries on the nose and cheeks
- Cherry angiomas and other small red spots
- Port wine stains and other vascular birthmarks
- Red scars
Because it focuses on blood vessels, it has long been a reliable choice for vascular concerns. At some settings, especially for stubborn vessels, a pulsed dye laser can leave temporary purple bruising called purpura that lasts about a week or two.
What is DermaV?
DermaV is a laser workstation from Cynosure Lutronic that puts two wavelengths in one device. The 532 nm wavelength treats surface redness, fine vessels and brown spots. The 1064 nm wavelength reaches deeper, so it can treat larger or deeper vessels. Built-in cooling and temperature sensing help keep the skin comfortable and protected during treatment.
With both wavelengths in one session, DermaV can treat:
- Facial redness, flushing and rosacea
- Broken capillaries and visible facial veins
- Brown spots, sun spots and age spots
- Uneven skin tone from sun damage
- Redness and spots on the neck, chest and hands
Learn more about DermaV on our service page.
DermaV vs. Vbeam: the key differences
How they work
Vbeam uses one main wavelength aimed at red blood vessels. DermaV uses two wavelengths, so your provider can treat red vessels, deeper vessels and brown pigment with the same device.
What they treat
Vbeam is mainly a vascular laser for redness and red spots. DermaV treats redness and vessels plus brown spots and sun damage, which makes it more versatile for the way most people's skin actually looks.
Number of devices and visits
If you have both redness and brown spots, a vascular-only laser may need to be paired with another treatment, such as IPL, on a different day. DermaV can often treat both concerns in the same visit.
Downtime
Both treatments are quick. DermaV usually leaves mild redness or slight swelling that settles within a few hours to a day, and most people go back to their normal routine right away. Brown spots may darken for a few days before they flake and fade. Pulsed dye laser treatment is also usually well tolerated, though bruising can happen at some settings.
Which is better for redness?
If your only concern is redness, both lasers can be effective, and the right choice depends on your vessels, your skin type and how your skin responds.
Most people do not have redness on its own, though. Many also have:
- Sun spots or brown spots
- Uneven tone or a blotchy complexion
- Early signs of sun damage on the face, neck or chest
- Patchy pigment that needs a careful plan, such as melasma
This is where DermaV has the edge. Because it can treat red and brown concerns together, it often gives a more even, complete result with fewer separate treatments. For most of our patients who come in asking about Vbeam, DermaV is a very good fit, with the added benefit of treating more than redness.
Why we use DermaV
At Mandel Dermatology we choose treatments for the overall result, not just one spot or one color. DermaV lets your provider:
- Adjust the treatment to your exact mix of redness, vessels and spots
- Treat surface and deeper vessels in the same session
- Treat sun damage on the face, neck, chest and hands
- Cut down on separate devices and appointments
Your provider will still look at your whole skin picture. If a different treatment would serve you better, such as IPL or a prescription plan for rosacea, we will tell you.
What to expect from DermaV treatment
Before your visit
Avoid sun exposure, self-tanners and tanning beds for about two weeks before treatment. Your provider may ask you to stop retinoids and exfoliating products a few days ahead. Come with clean skin, free of makeup and lotion.
During treatment
You will wear protective eyewear. Most people feel a quick snap or warmth with each pulse, and the built-in cooling keeps the skin comfortable. Sessions usually take 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the area.
After treatment
Mild redness or swelling is normal and usually settles within a few hours to a day. Use a gentle cleanser and a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and avoid hot showers, saunas and hard workouts for about 24 hours.
Results
Many people see a difference within one to two weeks of the first session. A series of two to four treatments spaced several weeks apart usually gives the best result, and occasional maintenance helps keep redness and spots from coming back.
Who is a good candidate?
DermaV is a good fit for adults with facial redness, rosacea, broken capillaries, cherry angiomas, sun spots or uneven tone. Your provider will review your skin type, medicines and history at your consultation, and confirm that laser treatment is safe for you. If you have active rosacea flares, we may pair laser treatment with medical care to calm your skin first.
Frequently asked questions
Is DermaV the same as Vbeam?
No. They are different lasers from different companies. Vbeam is a pulsed dye laser aimed at blood vessels. DermaV combines 532 nm and 1064 nm wavelengths, so it treats redness, deeper vessels and brown spots.
Does DermaV hurt?
Most people describe a quick snap or warm feeling, like a light rubber band. Built-in cooling makes it comfortable for most people, and numbing cream is often not needed.
How many DermaV treatments will I need?
Most people get the best result from two to four sessions spaced several weeks apart. Your provider will suggest a plan based on your skin.
How much does DermaV cost?
Pricing depends on the area and the number of sessions. See our upfront pricing for starting prices, and your provider will give you a personal plan at your consultation.
Where is DermaV offered?
DermaV is offered at our Upper East Side office in Manhattan.
Book a DermaV consultation
If you are considering Vbeam or looking to treat redness, broken capillaries, rosacea or sun spots, we can help you decide if DermaV is right for you. Book a visit at our Upper East Side office, or start with a cosmetic consultation.