Treatment of vascular lesions targets small vessels visible at the surface of the skin: facial telangiectasia, redness across the nose and cheeks, cherry angiomas and thread veins on the legs. Energy is delivered at a wavelength absorbed by haemoglobin, which coagulates the target vessel while sparing the skin around it. The treated vessel is then cleared by the body over the following weeks.
What responds and what does not
Fine superficial vessels on the face generally respond well. Thread veins on the legs are less predictable, are sometimes better suited to sclerotherapy, and can be the visible sign of underlying venous insufficiency. Assessing that before treating the surface matters, otherwise the vessels return. Diffuse, permanent facial redness belongs to the wider management of rosacea, in which laser is one component rather than the whole answer.
How sessions work
Several spaced sessions are usual. Afterwards, redness, mild swelling and a transient purple discolouration along the treated vessels are common. Sun avoidance and daily sunscreen are part of the treatment rather than general advice. On darker skin the risk of a lasting pigmented mark is higher, which calls for an experienced practitioner and a test patch first.
What to ask
Ask which device is being used and why it suits your lesion and your skin, how many sessions are realistically likely, and what is offered if the vessels come back. Vascular lesions do tend to recur over time, particularly on skin that flushes easily, so the sensible expectation is periodic maintenance rather than a permanent cure. A clinic that says this openly is being straight with you.