VBeam settings

[Melissa W]

Hi,

I just had my 3rd VBeam treatment. This time with the Perfecta.

I asked for the setting info this time since there was some discussion about them a while ago.

The spot size she used was 10
The pulse width was 6
The energy used was 8 Joules
The # of pulses was 34

And under comments/DCD Settings she wrote 30/20
I have no clue as to what that refers to.

She treated only my right and left cheek and a bit of my nose (as per my request as these tend to be the areas that flush and burn).

Does anyone have any comments or other info to add?
I would be interested to know what settings other people had with VBeam.

Thanks,
Melissa

[DJC]

melissa,

what kind of reults did you get from your first 2 VBEAM treatments?

did you have any permanent redness or broken vessels/capillaries?

[Melissa W]

Hi DJC,

My symptoms are flushing and burning with no permanent redness yet. I get the occasional p&p that solodyn seems to keep away.

Before my 1st VBeam I was flushing and burning many times a day. It was unbearable. After my 1st VBeam it was much better. I still experienced flushing/burning but to a much smaller extent. The frequency and intensity was much less and I recovered more quickly. After my 2nd VBeam it was a bit improved but not as great as the 1st.

I had a KTP 532 tx in there which did nothing for me.

My flushing/burning is still way better than before my VBeam txs but it was increasing a bit from the 1st one so I went for my 3rd on Mon. My primary derm wanted me to go to another laser derm who just got the Perfecta. My 1st laser derm just has the regular Candela VBeam.

Anyway, that brings us to the present. I am still swollen and red and blotchy and expect that will last for a while based on my previous txs.

Best wishes,
Melissa

[DJC]

I am still swollen and red and blotchy and expect that will last for a while based on my previous txs.


how long does it take for your skin to fully recover?

[Melissa W]

At least 4-6 weeks.
And that's just appearance based. I don't know how long on a microvascular level.

[dallascowgirl]

After 4 vbeams in 4 months this past winter, ( the last in March) my skin is just now looking really good. I am so pleased.

[DukeCity]

Sharon are you now taking any oral or using any topical meds??

[dallascowgirl]

I quit taking Orecea in April because it was making my skin irritated. I take a antihistimine, aspirin and 1 tums every day. I use Benzaclin on paps once a day if needed. I started using Purex (no fragrance or dye) to wash my sheets and pillow case, as my cheeks were always rosy and a little irritated in the morning and that has helped a LOT. I may have to change all of this when winter comes, but for now it is working great. I may have another vbeam or two next winter just for maintenance on my cheeks and chin instead of full face.

[Melissa W]

Hi Sharon,

That's great!

Do you know what settings were used in your VBeam treatment?

Best wishes,
Melissa

[dallascowgirl]

Hi Melissa,
Sorry, when I was having them, I was as dumb as a stump. The PA would just ask me how long was it before I was out and about the last time and adjust accordingly. I would have them on Thursday and could go out with make-up on by Saturday. Even my Mom didn't notice and I never told her!!!! Sounds like you are having a little rougher time than I did, but I looked horrible. The first afternoon and evening I took antihistmine and kept ice, frozen in sandwich bags covered with paper towel, on my chin and cheeks for 10 or 15 minutes at a time. The PA would have me do that while driving home (about 20 minutes). And the ususal sleeping on 2 pillows for two nights. which I hated. The 4th one was much higher and stung a little more, but I told her to up it. I had the same after experience as before.

[Melissa W]

Thanks Sharon.

I have no clue as to what the settings mean anyway. From what I understand it's different with each different machine. So even the regular Candela VBeam would be different than the Perfecta VBeam.

I had it 3 days ago and I am still pretty red. In fact, my right cheek is crimson in color and I feel a bit itchy. I am worried but hopeful that it will turn out all right in the end.

I am glad you are doing so well! Gives us all hope :D

Best wishes,
Melissa

[DJC]

Sharon,

Did you have permanent redness or broken capillaries at all?

If so, how much has it been reduced after these V-BEAM treatments?

[dallascowgirl]

Yes, I had moderate redness all the time, paps and broken caps. Now I hardly have any paps, about 50 % of the time my face is just a "little pink" on the cheeks and chin and the rest of the time, almost white. I had lots of broken caps on my cheeks and chin. The PA hardly knew where to start. I would say that has improved 90%. Some times I can see a broken cap on my chin--the cheeks are clear. The last time I was in to see the PA, she announced I had a flawless complexion. I wouldn't go that far, as she doesn't deal with it every day, but it is better than it has been in 20 years. My old derm had never mentioned anything about treatments for Rosacea, so when she quit practicing and referred me to this young new Derm I was amazed at the variety of treatments. I had never heard of Vbeam. After having Rosacea for 50 years, I just thought the broken caps, etc., were a fact of life for me. Sharron

Sharron,

Did the vesssels heal over time? Were the results seen right away or did it take time for the skin to heal and for the results to really be seen?

Thanks!

[dallascowgirl]

There was days when my skin looked good and other days when it would look crappy and I would think maybe I shouldn't have had the lazers done. But now after 4 months I think the actual healing has taken place, so I don't have those up and down days. But basically, a week after the first one, I felt like it did some good or I wouldn"t of continued with them. Most of the time my skin tone was more even and now I don't flush nearly as often or as bad. The PA started out zapping the larger caps all over my face and by the 4th visit, it was a hunt and destroy mission to get the very small last one. So she progressed from the more visible caps down to the tiny ones. That is probably why I could see the difference after the first week.

[Alecia]

I have very mild Rosacea, started about 4 years ago with break outs. My face isn't bad, but my chest looks almost like I have a small rash. My VBeam is scheduled for Wednesday and I have client meetings on Friday. I am very concerned that I am going to look like I was in a boxing match. Has anyone with very mild rosacea had the treatment? How bad is the brusing. BTW I have VERY pale skin.

[Melissa W]

Hi Alecia,

Request subpurpura settings.
It depends on the power and pulse duration among other things that I am not knowledgeable about.

But I had 3 VBeams so far, all without (sub) purpura and I have been a red and blotchy mess for at least 4-5 days. I also had swelling for at least 3 days. Of course, it depends on the settings, the machine used and your individual reaction. I am also very pale and sensitive.

Would you be able to reschedule either the VBeam or the client meeting so as not to have undue pressure on yourself?

Best of luck with your treatment!!

Melissa