Lasers
Vascular / Pigment Laser
Laser and light-based devices used for visible blood vessels, redness and pigment concerns.
Free consultation, no obligation.
- 15-30 min
- Typical session time
- Several, a few weeks apart
- Typical sessions
- Minimal downtime (1-3 days)
- Downtime
On this page
In brief
Vascular / Pigment Laser covers the light-based devices Kaiteki uses on visible blood vessels, facial redness and pigment: Pro Yellow, M22 IPL and the dedicated DermaV platform. Which one a doctor uses depends on whether the target is a vessel or a pigment, and how deep it sits, which is decided at examination.
Results from Kaiteki patients
Before and after photos of patients treated at Kaiteki for pigmentation, dark eye circles, birthmark and vascular lesions. A plan may combine more than one treatment.
10 photos · tap one to enlarge
Facial pigmentation, before and after a course of treatment at Kaiteki
Under-eye area, before and after a course of treatment at Kaiteki
Pigmented birthmark around the mouth, before and after laser treatment at Kaiteki
Facial redness on the cheek, before and after a course of treatment at Kaiteki
Facial pigmentation, before and after a course of treatment at Kaiteki
Under-eye hollowing, before and after treatment at Kaiteki
Port-wine stain on the back of the neck, before and after vascular laser at Kaiteki
Fine thread veins, before and after a course of vascular laser at Kaiteki
Uneven tone on the cheek, before and after a course of treatment at Kaiteki
Under-eye hollowing, before and after treatment at Kaiteki
Photographs of Kaiteki patients, published with consent. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed. These images are not a promise of outcome. A doctor will assess whether any treatment is suitable for you.
What is Vascular / Pigment Laser treatment?
Vascular / Pigment Laser is a group of light-based devices, not a single machine. Each wavelength is chosen to target either visible blood vessels or pigment in the skin. The group is commonly considered for facial redness and thread veins, sun spots and other pigment marks, and rosacea-associated flushing as part of a wider plan.
At Kaiteki the group is Pro Yellow (a QuadroStar 577nm yellow-light laser), M22 IPL (intense pulsed light) and the dedicated DermaV vascular-pigment platform.
How does one wavelength target a vessel and another a pigment?
Pro Yellow delivers 577nm yellow-light energy, a wavelength associated with absorption by blood vessels, and is generally considered for vascular concerns such as redness and visible vessels. M22 IPL delivers broad-spectrum light that can be filtered for either vascular or pigment targets, offering flexibility across different skin concerns in one platform.
The doctor selects the device, wavelength and settings for your concern and skin tone. The target, a vessel or a pigment particle, absorbs the energy, which may gradually reduce its visibility or prompt the body to clear it over time.
Concerns this treatment addresses
Each of these pages covers what the concern is and every option considered for it, not only Vascular / Pigment Laser.
Who should postpone or avoid it
Suitability also depends on which of the three devices is being considered, so bring your full medical and skincare history. With rosacea, mention your triggers, current treatment and any previous vascular laser.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Treatment is deferred.
- Recently tanned or sunburnt skin.
- Active infection or inflamed skin in the area to be treated.
- Photosensitising medication, including oral isotretinoin and certain antibiotics.
- A history of keloid scarring or a light-sensitive condition.
What a session involves
Consultation and assessment
Your first visit is a consultation, not a treatment. The doctor examines whether the target is a vessel or a pigment, and how deep it sits, before choosing a device.
A test area, where useful
A patch or test area may be done before treatment goes ahead.
The treatment
The skin is cleansed, eye protection is fitted and the light is applied. Most people describe each pulse as a brief hot pinprick or warm snap.
In the treatment room
A practitioner in protective eyewear works on the patient's face with a fine laser handpiece.
A practitioner applies the light-based handpiece to the patient's cheek.
A practitioner directs a laser at the patient's forehead; the patient wears eye shields.
After a session
Downtime is usually limited. Temporary redness or mild sensitivity typically settles. Use sun protection and gentle skincare afterwards.
The first day or two
Redness, warmth and mild swelling are common. Treated vessels can look temporarily darker or greyish, and treated pigment can darken or crust slightly before flaking away.
Use daily sun protection, keep skincare gentle, and avoid heat such as saunas and hot showers for as long as your doctor specifies.
Risks, side effects, and what Vascular / Pigment Laser cannot do
Temporary effects can include redness, swelling or changes in pigmentation. Treating a vessel with a wavelength meant for pigment, or the reverse, is the mistake that causes the rest, and it is what the assessment and any test patch exist to prevent.
Common and temporary
Redness, swelling, bruising and small crusts over treated vessels.Less common
Blistering, burns, scarring and longer-lasting pigment change, more likely on unsuitable or recently tanned skin.Pigment change and Malaysian skin
These devices are used across a range of skin tones, but some skin types and concerns need particular care to reduce the risk of pigment change, so your skin type and history are assessed first.What it cannot do
- Vessels can recur, because the tendency behind them remains.
- Rosacea and a tendency to flush are chronic: treatment addresses visible vessels, not the condition.
- Very deep or large vessels may respond differently from fine superficial ones, and may need another approach.
Tell your doctor about recent sun exposure and every medication you take.
What affects the number of sessions, and the cost
Sessions and cost depend on the device, the concern and how your skin responds. The three platforms are not priced alike, so the cost follows the doctor's choice of device rather than preceding it.
- Which device the doctor selects.
- How extensive the concern is: a few discrete vessels, or diffuse redness.
- The size of the area.
- Whether a chronic concern needs occasional maintenance sessions.
Devices used at Kaiteki
Which platform is used depends on your individual assessment.
Common questions
How is this different from DermaV?
DermaV is a dedicated dual-wavelength vascular-pigment device, used alongside Pro Yellow and M22 IPL.
Is this suitable for darker Asian skin tones?
These devices are used across a range of skin tones, but some skin types and concerns need particular care to reduce the risk of pigment change, so your skin type and history are assessed first.
How many sessions will I need?
A course of several sessions spaced a few weeks apart is common. Vessels can recur because the tendency behind them remains, so the doctor will say whether you are looking at a course or an ongoing arrangement.
Does vascular laser hurt?
Most people describe each pulse as a brief hot pinprick or warm snap. The devices cool the skin surface as they work, which is intended to keep sessions comfortable.
Is there downtime after laser for redness or pigmentation?
Usually little. Redness and mild swelling for a few hours to a day or two are common, and treated vessels or pigment can look temporarily darker before settling. Sun protection matters afterwards.
Read next
Where to go next
Back to all treatments
Book a free consultation
The consultation is free, takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and there is no obligation to book treatment afterwards. A doctor will examine your skin and tell you whether Vascular / Pigment Laser is appropriate, and if it isn’t, what would be.
Ask about this treatmentMedically reviewed by
Dr Jeremy Low Jia Wei
Partner, Aesthetic Physician
MBBS, MAC, LCP Board Certified · MMC 91193
Dr Jeremy graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) from Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia. After completing his compulsory housemanship, he served as a medical officer in the Dermatology department and undergone training under a renowned dermatologist. He has vast knowledge and experience in dealing with a broad spectrum of skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and pigmentation. Dr Jeremy is also a distinguished speaker for several dermatology workshops associated with acne. With his years of experience in the hospital treating patients, improving their well-being and appearances, Dr Jeremy decided to venture into aesthetic medicine, aiming to broaden his horizons and achieve new heights in this field.
View full profile- Reviewed by
- Dr Jeremy Low Jia Wei, MMC 91193
- Last reviewed
- 13 Jul 2026
- Next review due
- 13 Jul 2027