Pulsed dye laser treatment (PDL)

What is Pulse Dye Laser?

Pulse Dye laser is a machine which produces a short burst of concentrated light. This light passes through the top layer of your skin and is absorbed by the blood cells and vessels beneath. The light destroys the blood vessels which will firstly cause a bruise and then over time as the bruising settles a reduction in the redness to the skin.

Pulse dye laser treatment is used to lighten redness and improve the texture of skin and scar tissue.

What will it feel like?

The laser is a handheld device that will be pressed lightly against your skin. You will feel a cool spray and then the laser will deliver a pulse of light. When the light hits the skin it may cause a stinging sensation similar to a rubber band being snapped against your skin.

If the area of your body is very sensitive then your practitioner may give you some numbing cream to use before you have your treatment.

Are there any risks?

Eye damage - During your laser treatment you will be given protective glasses to wear during the treatment to protect your eyes.

There is a small risk of changes in pigmentation or colour of your skin. The risk of this is minimised by doing the initial test patch.

Pre-treatment advice

Laser treatment cannot be carried out on suntanned skin. In the weeks before laser treatment you should avoid fake tan, sunbathing or sun exposure without protection or sun block.

On the day of your appointment please do not wear aftershave, perfume or hair gel.

What will happen at my appointment?

Your first appointment will be for a small test patch to assess the scar and see how a small area of your skin reacts to the laser. If there are no concerns following your test patch you will be booked in for a treatment session.

Repeat sessions of laser therapy are normally required and will be a minimum of 12 weeks apart.

What are the side effects?

Immediately after treatment your skin may feel warm and look bruised similar to mild sunburn.

Over the first 1-3 days bruising and possibly blistering will probably occur. Scabs will form over these blisters and it is important that these are not removed but should be allowed to fall off naturally.

Bruising and redness will begin to fade and it is normal for this to take several weeks.

What should I do after my treatment?

After your laser treatment you will be given an Aloe Vera gel to sooth the treated areas. You should use this immediately and for the first 24 hours.

Ice or gel packs may be used to ease discomfort and swelling in the area that has been treated.

You can bath and shower as normal but avoid hot water, saunas or swimming until swelling has resolved.

Avoid sports or high risk physical activity until bruising has resolved.

Apply a simple moisturiser 3-4 times daily.

If you wear pressure garments, silicone or make up products you should wait a minimum of 5 days before using them again.

Use sun block for a minimum of 6 months post treatment.

If you experience any discomfort then simple painkillers can be used for the first 2 days. Aspirin should be avoided.

For advice on medication please discuss with your Consultant or practitioner on the day of your appointment.

Laser Therapy

For any concerns or problems after laser treatment please contact:

Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have concerns or wish to give feedback about services, your care or treatment, you can contact the PALS office on the Ground Floor of the hospital just behind the main reception.

Alternatively, you can send us your comments or suggestions on one of our comment cards, available at the PALS office, or on a feedback form on our website www.chelwest.nhs.uk/pals.

We value your opinion and invite you to provide us with feedback.

T: 020 3315 6727
E: cwpals@chelwest.nhs.uk