The Cutera Excel® V device is an advanced aesthetic technology that combines two powerfully precise lasers (KTP 532nm and 1064 Nd-YAG) to target and eliminate vascular concerns (unsightly veins, reduce redness) and benign pigmented lesions (age spots, sun spots, discoloration) on the face and body. At the Aesthetic Surgery Center, all laser treatments are performed by physicians only. We have several laser modalities in our armamentarium. Depending on the condition that you are trying to treat, our physicians will select the appropriate device to accomplish your goals.
The Excel® V treats nearly twenty unique aesthetic and dermatologic skin concerns. However, in our practice, the most common Excel® V treatments are used to address rosacea due to capillaries, facial and small leg veins, periorbital and temporal blue veins, age/brown spots, and to improve complexion. Our plastic surgeons will select one of Excel® V’s two lasers (KTP 532nm or 1064 Nd-YAG) and customize treatment settings to target the vessels/pigmented lesion based on their depth and your skin color.
The treatments are performed while awake in our office, and may or may not benefit from topical anesthetic cream prior to treatment. Most treatments require one to two treatment sessions. The number of treatments will vary based on your condition. During the treatment, a cooled treatment tip will be applied to the skin to cool and protect the skin. The treatment can feel like a hot rubber band snapping against the skin.
After the treatment, redness and/or swelling are expected and generally resolve within a few days. It is possible to have bruising after treatment of vascular lesions and sometimes this can stain the skin. Treatment of pigmented lesions such as brown spots causes darkening initially, then the spots slough off within the first 2 weeks. Make-up can typically be worn immediately although sun protection/avoidance is recommended. Please call us at 239-594-9100 to schedule our consultation.
Advanced medical lasers are ideal for treating a wide variety of different aesthetic issues, ranging from wrinkles to unwanted hair. Today’s lasers, such as the Cutera Excel® V, are gentler and more effective than ever, offering incredible results with few side effects. At the Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, FL, Dr. Anurag Agarwal, Dr. Richard Maloney, and Dr. William A. Ross offer Cutera Excel® V treatments for several skin conditions, including facial veins, capillaries and brown spots.
What is Cutera Excel® V?
Cosmetic lasers are extremely versatile and use light energy at different wavelengths to destroy pigment or damaged skin cells and improve the appearance of the skin. The Cutera Excel® V laser combines two different medical lasers (KTP 532nm and 1064 Nd-YAG) and is designed to treat vascular issues (such as veins and redness) and unwanted pigmentation.
The Cutera Excel® V offers two different handpieces that can be switched out depending on the patient’s goals. The CoolView™ handpiece is used for treating pigmentation and concentrated vascular issues, while the Genesis V™ is designed for microvascular problems and signs of aging. This handpiece can also stimulate collagen production for a more youthful appearance.
Why Choose Cutera Excel® V?
Cutera Excel® V treatments can be a great option for patients with a range of skin issues affecting the face or body. Advanced laser treatments can help address the following and more:
- Facial veins/spider veins
- Redness related to vasculature
- Broken capillaries
- Small leg veins
- Blue veins
- Age spots/brown spots
- Benign pigmented lesions
Both men and women can benefit from a refreshed complexion. Small, visible veins and brown spots are unsightly and can affect a person’s confidence and self-esteem. By choosing an effective, minimally-invasive procedure like Cutera Excel® V, patients can face the world without embarrassment, self-consciousness, or the need for heavy concealers and photo filters.
Are You a Candidate for Cutera Excel® V?
The Cutera Excel® V is a safe and advanced laser. However, this doesn’t mean that the treatment is appropriate for everyone. Men and women who are in good health but struggle with vascular issues and uneven pigmentation are the best candidates.
Cutera Excel® V is not appropriate for those who are pregnant or undergoing skin cancer treatments. Complications are rare but are more likely to occur in patients with darker skin tones. Some medications, such as Accutane, may affect candidacy or may require a waiting period after pausing the medication.
Your Cutera Excel® V Consultation
At the Aesthetic Surgery Center, laser treatments are administered ONLY by physicians. Before you schedule your first Cutera Excel® V treatment, you will need to meet with one of our expert plastic surgeons to discuss your aesthetic concerns and cosmetic goals.
During your consultation, one of our physicians will examine your skin and ask you questions about your health history. You will be asked to provide a list of medications and health conditions to ensure that you are a good candidate for the treatment.
After performing their examination and asking about your health and goals, one of our plastic surgeons will provide recommendations and build a customized treatment plan for you. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Don’t be shy—come with a list of questions and take advantage of the opportunity to consult with an expert!
Preparing for Your Laser Treatment
Once you are cleared for Cutera Excel® V treatments, you’ll schedule your first treatment with our office in Naples. You’ll be given preparation steps to ensure that you’re ready for the day of the treatment.
As with any laser treatment, it’s very important to avoid tanning the skin prior to each session. You should stay away from tanning beds, artificial tanning methods, and unprotected sun exposure for at least 4 weeks before each treatment.
Come to your appointment with clean skin and no makeup. You may also be asked to shave before you come in for your session, depending on the area to be treated. Other than that, very little preparation is needed. Follow all instructions provided by the staff at the Aesthetic Surgery Center for your safety and optimal results.
The Cutera Excel® V Procedure
During your consultation, our physician will determine the laser type that will work best for your goals. Before starting the procedure, they will customize the laser settings to precisely target your unique concerns.
The laser handpiece contains a cooling tip, but the sensation can feel similar to a hot rubber band snapping against the skin. Your physician will pass the laser over your skin and target any unwanted veins and/or pigmentation. This process takes about 30 minutes, on average.
Once your treatment is complete, you can go home right away. Our staff will provide you with aftercare instructions, which you should follow closely. You might also want to schedule another appointment, depending on your plastic surgeon’s recommendation. Some patients see satisfactory results with just one treatment, but most need multiple sessions.
Recovering from Laser Treatments
Cutera Excel® V is a non-invasive procedure. No downtime is required after treatment, although most patients can expect some minor side effects during the first few days. Redness and swelling are normal and should resolve quickly. Makeup can be worn immediately, but patients must protect their skin from the sun after each treatment.
Some patients notice bruising after a Cutera Excel® V treatment for vascular issues, which can sometimes stain the skin. For dark spots, it is normal for the skin to darken even further after treatment until the damaged skin flakes off, revealing fresh new skin.
After about two to four weeks, you should be able to see your full results. If you notice any complications or unusual side effects during the recovery period, contact our office right away.
Why Choose Aesthetic Surgery Center?
At Aesthetic Surgery Center, patient safety and results are the top priorities. Dr. Anurag Agarwal, Dr. Richard Maloney, and Dr. William A. Ross are skilled and experienced surgeons with the ability to customize each procedure to suit the patient’s needs.
While many practices have technicians perform laser treatments, Aesthetic Surgery Center does things differently. At our office, only expert physicians use the Cutera Excel® V laser in order to offer patients great results and peace of mind. Our Naples office is welcoming and renowned for its compassionate staff.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cutera Excel® V
Laser treatments can be uncomfortable, but tolerable. A cooling crystal on the laser handpiece helps to reduce discomfort.
Most patients need two sessions to clear up their skin concerns. With that said, some people can get good results with just one treatment, while others might need up to four sessions if their skin problems are severe.
Your plastic surgeon will be able to give you an estimate of how many sessions will be needed, though they will evaluate your skin before each treatment. Generally, treatments are spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart.
It’s important to follow all aftercare instructions provided by your physician. For your comfort, you can use cold compresses on the treatment area shortly after your session. It’s a good idea to avoid hot environments (i.e. saunas and hot tubs) for 2-3 days after treatment. Treat your skin gently after the procedure and protect it from the sun.
The Cutera Excel® V offers two different lasers in one device. Several parameters can be customized including energy, pulse duration, spot size, and temperature. This allows a surgeon to customize the treatment based on the patient’s needs and more precisely target unwanted pigment or vessels.
While Cutera Excel® V can be used on all different skin types and skin tones, complications are more common in patients with darker skin tones. During your consultation, be sure to bring up any concerns you have with your physician. They can advise you on how to proceed safely.
As with any cosmetic treatment, complications can occur following laser treatments, but they are rare with advanced lasers. Cutera Excel® V is overall extremely safe for patients who are deemed to be good candidates.
Your physician will explain all risks to you during your consultation. You can minimize these risks by being honest about your health history and by following all pre- and post-treatment instructions as closely as possible.
Schedule a Laser Consultation at Aesthetic Surgery Center Today
If you’re struggling with unsightly veins, facial capillaries, dark spots, or another skin issue, then it might be time to consult with an expert physician about your options. Our plastic surgeons have years of experience and can help you face the world with confidence. Please call Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, FL, at 239-594-9100 to schedule your consultation.