Anon, I am Holly, the 57year old who has had several laser treatments for my VL which I have had for over 30 years. I too have heard that having it cut out will leave a scar. I opted first to have laser treatment. Here in the states, it is considered 'cosmetic' so insurance does not cover it either however I would check and see how much it will cost you as the price here has fallen as I stated in one of my earlier posts from $200 per treatment to $75. I finished my 4th laser treatment in May.
Each person will experience a different outcome as you may have seen in this forum. After my treatments:
1. It doesn't throb like it used to when bending over.
2. It is not as blue nor puffy so a well pigmented lipstick covers it.
While it is not gone, it is less noticeable. I still have not decided whether I will eventually have it cut out as I too would hate to have a scar (albeit a small one) only to have it return. I was told that it is not a straight incision but more circular, as if they cut out a section the circumference of the VL. I'm not too keen on that.
While I am pleased with the results as stated in 1 and 2 above, it is not gone and I have noticed that there is some additional 'bruising' or 'bleeding effect' that has occurred sometime after healing. I am waiting to see if this is a side affect from the 4 treatments I had or if it will fade in time as I was told that it takes awhile for the blood to reabsorb. It is still coverable with lipstick.
I am not trying to talk you out of it as I am still pleased with the laser results, just disappointed that it is not entirely gone. If I was asked if I would do the treatments again, I would. The biggest improvement with the treatments was the bump that was quite puffy is now gone.
Everyone will have different results and your doctor, whether it is a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or vascular surgeon will be the best person to advise you. All you can get from us here is support in knowing what you are going through. Hang in there!
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Anon, I am Holly, the 57year old who has had several laser treatments for my VL which I have had for over 30 years. I too have heard that having it cut out will leave a scar. I opted first to have laser treatment. Here in the states, it is considered 'cosmetic' so insurance does not cover it either however I would check and see how much it will cost you as the price here has fallen as I stated in one of my earlier posts from $200 per treatment to $75. I finished my 4th laser treatment in May.
July 14, 2010 - 8:41pmEach person will experience a different outcome as you may have seen in this forum. After my treatments:
1. It doesn't throb like it used to when bending over.
2. It is not as blue nor puffy so a well pigmented lipstick covers it.
While it is not gone, it is less noticeable. I still have not decided whether I will eventually have it cut out as I too would hate to have a scar (albeit a small one) only to have it return. I was told that it is not a straight incision but more circular, as if they cut out a section the circumference of the VL. I'm not too keen on that.
While I am pleased with the results as stated in 1 and 2 above, it is not gone and I have noticed that there is some additional 'bruising' or 'bleeding effect' that has occurred sometime after healing. I am waiting to see if this is a side affect from the 4 treatments I had or if it will fade in time as I was told that it takes awhile for the blood to reabsorb. It is still coverable with lipstick.
I am not trying to talk you out of it as I am still pleased with the laser results, just disappointed that it is not entirely gone. If I was asked if I would do the treatments again, I would. The biggest improvement with the treatments was the bump that was quite puffy is now gone.
Everyone will have different results and your doctor, whether it is a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or vascular surgeon will be the best person to advise you. All you can get from us here is support in knowing what you are going through. Hang in there!
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