The Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) is a highly effective and low risk laser for the treatment of a wide range of vascular lesions. PDL releases brief pulses of selectively absorbed optical radiation which can cause selective damage to pigmented structures (blood vessels) and cells. The PDL is used to treat port-wine stains, facial telangiectasias and haemangioma. Newer PDLs with longer wavelengths and extended pulse durations have made deeper tissue penetration possible and improved clinical outcomes with reduced risk. PDL treatments are performed with a topical anaesthetic.
The Ablative Fractional Laser (AFL) is a wounding laser, which delivers micro fractional columns of laser light to the top layers of the skin. This treatment works by creating thousands of microscopic areas, through heat, where the top layer of the skin is ablated (removed). These tiny areas of damage are surrounded by untreated skin, this allows healing of the skin. Traditional ablative laser resurfacing can take on average up to three weeks to heal. Types of ablative treatments include the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and the erbium laser. AFL is performed under local anaesthesia.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is not the same as a laser. IPL releases pulses of energy through light in a broad wavelength range which produces heat on the skin. A laser projects energy in a very narrow wavelength range which is more focused and therefore produces bleeding (purpura). Thanks to the broad wavelength range, IPL gives less focused heat which reduces the amount of bleeding. The light targets haemoglobin in red blood cells which aims to close the local vessels and reduce the blood supply to the growth of the scar tissue.
