In 1996 the Midwest Vein Center became the first phlebology practice in Illinois to offer PhotoDerm. Today, it is still used at the center to treat spider veins of the legs and face, birthmarks and other pigmented vascular lesions on the face. PhotoDerm technology takes advantage of Selective PhotoThermolysis to specifically target certain tissues with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL).

The light energy is delivered to the skin in pulses, through a delicate, computer-controlled hand piece. Hemoglobin found in red blood cells directs the light energy to the facial spider veins during the treatment, leaving the surrounding skin untouched. Treatments are quick and require no anesthetic.

PhotoDerm is a breakthrough technology that takes advantage of a discovery termed Selective PhotoThermolysis to specifically target certain tissues with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). Intense Pulsed Light is similar to laser technology, but goes beyond lasers to emits a broader, and thus more controllable, spectrum of light which allows computer manipulation to target specific tissue components of the skin. The PhotoDerm is appropriate to treat spider veins of the legs and face. In the case of lesions spider veins of the face or legs, the target tissue is hemoglobin in the blood. A computer is then used to selectively pulse the light source in a specific wavelength range, heating the spider vein blood vessels, while sparing all the surrounding normal skin. This technique is most effective for patients with fair complexions, and is much less effective in patients with recently tanned skin, or in patients with darker complexions.

The Benefits and Expected Results

- Little, if any, pain

- No anesthetic needed

-Little bruising or swelling

-No down time

-Quick, easy treatments

-Excellent aesthetic results