As Seen on NBC's The Today Show, February, 2013

What Is Excel V?

From Cutera, one of the leading laser and light-based aesthetic systems providers, comes the Excel V Laser System which addresses pigmentation, skin rejuvenation and above all, vascular issues in the face and the lower extremities (such as varicose and spider veins). Designed to treat dilated blood vessels, the vascular Excel V supports two types of lasers to address different sizes of vessels and types of pigment:

• 532 nm laser for more superficial vessels (0.1 mm to 1 mm in the face ) and lighter pigment
• 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for deeper vessels (up to 4 mm in the legs) and darker more intense pigment such as port wine stains.

How does Excel V Work?

To treat blood vessels with laser technology, the targeted vessels are heated with the laser light which then damages the undesirable vessels, causing them to eventually be re-absorbed into the body. Since varicose veins are larger and deeper than facial vessels, they are often more difficult to treat successfully with laser technology. FDA approved in 2010, the Excel V 1064 nm laser has effectively treated leg veins up to 4 mm in diameter.

To treat veins with laser technology, selective photothermolysis is necessary: the targeted veins must undergo to right wavelength, pulse width, and fluence. The laser must penetrate to a certain depth with enough energy to coagulate the blood in the vein. To effectively close down the vessel, the laser must also have adequate fluence and pulse width. Excel V also has a larger spot size that may treat larger areas in less time.

Lasers with the wavelengths in the 520-600 nm are ideal for more superficial vessels but will scatter when used to treat deeper veins. The Excel V with the long pulse 1064 nm wavelength offers deeper penetration to treat varicose veins.

To protect the epidermis during the laser treatment, the Excel V hand-piece incorporates continuous and parallel cooling with the CoolView, which also allows the physician to control the temperature for greater patient comfort. Treatment time is approximately 15 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. There is no downtime associated with Excel V.
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How Much Does Excel V Cost?

Depending on the size of the area and type of veins that require treatment paired with geographic location of the practice, patients can expect to pay under $1,000 per treatment.
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What Are The Risks Of Excel V?

Short-term risks of laser treatment for veins may include redness or swelling of the treated area. This typically lasts for less than a day. There have been less prolonged pigment changes, blistering or irritation associated with newer models of laser vein treatments. Long-term risks may include hyperpigmentation, blistering or bruising but usually these side effects resolve themselves in a few weeks.
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What Are Excel V Alternatives?

Other spider and varicose vein treatment alternatives include:

• Sclerotherapy
• Asclera