Using the Copper Bromide Laser

What is the Copper Bromide Laser?

The copper bromide laser was developed in Australia and has multiple purposes. It emits both a yellow and green light, allowing for the treatment of blood vessels as well as pigmented lesions. The CUB laser yellow light is an excellent tool for the treatment of facial spider veins as well as chest wall and leg veins. Other vascular lesions that can be treated with this laser include port-wine stain, birthmarks, and cherry angiomas.

The CUB laser also has green light, which is more specific for pigmented lesions. It is used to treat actinic keratosis (sun damaged lesion), benign pigmented lesions, which include conditions such as seborrheic keratosis, skin tags, and lentigines (liver spots on hands and face), and small pigmented moles.

Is it painful?

The majority of patients require no anesthesia, but in specific areas such as around the nostrils, where there is increased sensitivity, a topical anesthetic cream is used pre-laser therapy to make the procedure comfortable and acceptable to our clients. If small skin tags or moles are removed, local injection anesthesia is utilized. Emla, a topical anesthetic, can also be applied to areas where leg spider veins are to be treated, reducing any possible discomfort.

Do I need to take time off work?

The copper bromide laser treatment results in no bruising to the skin. There will be a small amount of redness post-laser therapy, and this may or may not be accompanied with a mild amount of tissue swelling. If present, this will last for approximately 24-48 hours. On occasion, when larger vessels are treated, there may be very small scabs remaining post-therapy, which will be present for five to seven days. Make-up can be applied post-therapy, and clients may resume use of their regular moisturizers. Of note, alphahydroxy acid products and Retin A products should not be applied directly to the areas of laser treatment for seven to fourteen days after a treatment session.

How long does it last?

Frequently, clients will enjoy years of clear skin upon resolving their spider vein condition, but due to hereditary factors as well as environmental ones such as excessive sun exposure, new vessels may develop. These vessels can then, of course, be treated on patient request.

How much does it cost?

At the time of consultation, your physician will advise you of the approximate cost of this procedure as well as how many visits will be required.