Thread Veins & Rosacea Treatment

The Harmony XL Pro treatment for vascular conditions utilises Dye-VL (Dye Laser-like) technology, which is a form of advanced intense pulsed light (AFT) therapy. It involves targeting and destroying unwanted capillaries and blood vessels of the skin without damaging the surrounding skin.

1. Targeting Blood Vessels/Facial Thread Veins

The Dye-VL hand-piece emits light at specific wavelengths designed to target the pigment in red blood cells. The light energy is then absorbed by the blood vessels, causing them to heat up (without harming surrounding skin tissues). The absorbed energy causes the vessel walls to coagulate (close off) and break down over time. These damaged vessels are then naturally cleared away by the body’s lymphatic system.

2. Reducing Redness in Rosacea

For rosacea, the technology works to minimise the visible redness by shrinking dilated capillaries and reducing inflammation.

The laser selectively targets only the abnormal blood vessels. So your normal skin structures remain intact. When used properly by trained practitioners, the procedure is extremely safe and effective.

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes blushing or flushing and visible blood vessels in your face. Rosacea is a relapsing condition, meaning that there are periods when symptoms are particularly bad, followed by periods when the condition is less severe. It tends to be more common in women, and people aged 30-50.

Thread veins are small, visible dilated blood vessels that form near the skin's surface. They frequently take the form of thin, red, blue or purple lines or web-like patterns that resemble threads or spider webs. They are also known as spider veins, broken capillaries, or telangiectasias.  Thread veins are normally painless and innocuous, however they can be unsightly for certain people.

Preparation:

A cooling gel is applied to the treatment area to enhance comfort and protect the skin. Protective eyewear is used to shield the eyes from the light pulses.

Light Pulses:

The handpiece delivers light pulses directly to the affected area. Patients may feel a mild warming sensation or a snap-like feeling on the skin.

Post-Treatment Cooling:

After the session, the area may be cooled further to reduce any mild redness or swelling.

• Thread Veins: Patients typically notice visible veins fading within a few weeks as the body clears the damaged vessels. Multiple sessions may be needed.
• Rosacea: Redness and inflammation decrease progressively over several sessions, with visible improvement after the first few treatments.

While the Harmony XL Pro is safe and effective, some minor side effects might occur:

• Immediately after the treatment, the treated area might appear slightly red or feel warm (typically resolves in a few hours to a day). This is normal and will subside. Apply a cooling pack or soothing gel (e.g., aloe vera) if needed to reduce discomfort.
• Temporary darkening of thread veins before they fade.
• Rarely, slight blistering or pigmentation changes (more common in darker skin types, which is why skin type assessment is critical).

• Avoid direct sun exposure, and always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to the treated area.
• Wear protective clothing or hats if outdoors.
• Steer clear of hot showers, saunas, or any heat-inducing activities like exercise for 24–48 hours.
• Avoid products with harsh chemicals, fragrances, or exfoliating agents, including facial scrubs, retinoids, or chemical peels for about a week post-treatment.
• Wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup or skincare products unless your practitioner says otherwise.
• Avoid sunbeds and self-tanning products for at least 2 weeks before and after treatment.
• Do not scratch or pick at the treated area to prevent irritation or scarring.

Thread Veins:

Small veins may fade after 1–2 sessions, but multiple sessions (typically 3–5) spaced 4 weeks apart might be needed for more extensive areas.

Results improve gradually as the body clears the damaged vessels over 4–6 weeks.

Rosacea:

Patients generally see improvements in redness and inflammation after 2–4 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart, with continued improvement over time.

Maintenance treatments every 6–12 months may be recommended to keep symptoms under control.