PRESTON
DERMATOLOGY + SKIN SURGERY

Preston Dermatology is excited to introduce you to KTP, an exciting new treatment option for vascular and pigmented lesions. Spider veins are the most common type of vascular lesion, while pigmented lesions can result in unsightly age spots, freckles, and other skin issues. Although they aren’t typically life threatening, they can make you feel self-conscious, especially when they appear on your face.'

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What Are Vascular Lesions?

A vascular lesion can develop when you have large or numerous blood vessels just below your top skin layer. This results in one of two undesirable problems. The blood vessels on your face may be visible to others or your skin could take on a reddish appearance. Vascular lesions appear most often on the nose. In addition to spider veins, other common types of vascular lesions include:

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• Cherry Angiomas: These lesions are red and slightly raised

• Rosacea: Red facial flushing around the cheeks and nose is the primary characteristic of rosacea Spider veins can take on the form of Telangiectasia or Spider Angiomas. The first occurs due to dilation of the capillary vessels or arterioles. Spider Angiomas are red and slightly raised lesions with the appearance of a spider’s web.

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How Do Lesions Become Pigmented?

Melanocytes produce the dark pigment in your skin called melanin. Pigmented lesions occur when your body has too many melanocytes and they start to multiply. You may recognize one or more of the following skin problems caused by pigmented lesions:

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• Dermatosis Papulosis Nigra: Small, black skin lesions are more common in people with African or Asian ancestry 

• Freckles: Small brown spots often found on people with fair skin

• Keratoses: Elevated pigmented spots normally located on the backs of the hands

• Lentigines: Flat, brown spots that can appear after prolonged sun exposure

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KTP Makes These Skin Problems History

Now that we’ve had a brief medical lesson, it’s time to learn more about what KTP can do for your skin lesions. The laser emits an intense beam of light to the problem area to correct the abnormal or excessive skin cell development. You may feel a slight stinging sensation and notice some redness after your treatment session. Restrictions are minimal after treatment, other than staying out of the sun for a short time. The laser light treats the pigmented area only and has no effect on the skin surrounding it. You can expect to see noticeable results 10 days to two weeks after treatment with KTP for vascular lesions, and two to three weeks for pigmented lesions.

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