What is DermaV?
DermaV combines two laser wavelengths to treat selected vascular and pigmentation concerns at different depths within the skin. This allows us to address small superficial vessels, certain deeper visible veins and selected sun-related pigmentation. Controlled laser energy targets the blood within unwanted vessels or pigment within suitable brown spots. Integrated cooling helps protect the skin’s surface and improve comfort during treatment. At Continental Skin Clinic, we build your treatment around the changes you want to achieve, whether that means reducing redness, treating a prominent vein or improving the overall appearance of sun-damaged skin.
Rosacea and persistent facial redness
Rosacea can cause persistent redness across the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead, often accompanied by visible blood vessels. DermaV can target the vascular component of rosacea, helping reduce visible vessels and, in suitable cases, background redness. Your practitioner will assess whether your concern is persistent redness, individual vessels or a combination of both. Rosacea is a long-term condition. Laser treatment can improve selected visible signs, but ongoing skincare, trigger management and prescribed treatment may also be needed. It does not cure rosacea or guarantee that flushing will stop.
Visible veins around the eyes and mouth
Prominent veins around the eyes or mouth can be noticeable even when the surrounding skin is healthy. At Continental Skin Clinic, we assess selected periorbital and perioral veins for DermaV treatment. These delicate areas require careful planning. Suitability depends on the vessel’s exact position, depth and size, as well as the surrounding anatomy. Not every visible vein in these areas is appropriate for treatment. Your consultation will establish whether treatment can be offered and explain the precautions required, including appropriate eye protection for treatment near the eyes.
Facial thread veins
Fine red or purple vessels commonly appear around the nose, across the cheeks and on the chin. They may occur individually or alongside more widespread redness. DermaV targets suitable vessels to help make them less visible. Treatment can focus on an isolated area or form part of a broader plan for facial redness. The number of sessions depends on the extent of the vessels and how they respond.
Spider veins and non-varicose leg veins
Spider veins and other small visible leg veins can appear as fine red lines, purple clusters or more noticeable blue vessels beneath the skin.
We use DermaV to treat selected spider veins and non-varicose leg veins following assessment. Vessel size, depth, colour and location all influence whether laser treatment is appropriate.
This treatment is not intended for bulging varicose veins. If you have leg swelling, aching, skin changes or signs of an underlying circulation problem, you may need a vascular assessment before cosmetic treatment. Some leg veins are better suited to other treatments, which should be discussed during consultation.
Sun damage and uneven skin tone
Sun exposure can leave brown spots and uneven colour on the face and body. DermaV can target selected benign sun-related pigmentation to help create a more even-looking skin tone.
Treatment may be considered for suitable areas such as the face, neck, chest and hands, depending on your skin and the type of pigmentation present.
Brown marks must be assessed before treatment. New, changing or suspicious lesions require medical evaluation rather than cosmetic laser treatment.
Skin rejuvenation for the face and body
Skin rejuvenation is about improving the overall appearance of your skin. For some people, the main concern is redness; for others, it is sun-related pigmentation or a combination of uneven colour and visible vessels. DermaV can bring these concerns into one personalised treatment plan. By addressing suitable vascular and pigmentation changes, treatment aims to leave the skin looking clearer and more even. Your practitioner will explain which improvements are realistic for your skin and whether additional treatment would be needed for concerns such as deeper wrinkles, laxity or textural scarring.
Your personalised consultation
We begin by discussing your concerns and reviewing your medical history, medication, previous treatments and skin’s response to sun exposure or procedures. For visible veins, we assess their location, size and depth. For pigmentation, we assess the type of mark and whether it is suitable for laser treatment. We then explain the recommended approach, likely recovery, potential risks and whether a course is appropriate. A test patch may be recommended before proceeding.
What happens during treatment?
Your skin is prepared and suitable protective eyewear is provided. Treatments close to the eyes require additional assessment and protection appropriate to the treatment location. Your practitioner applies the laser to the selected areas. You may feel brief heat or a snapping sensation with each pulse. Cooling helps improve comfort, although sensitivity varies between treatment areas. The length of your appointment depends on whether we are treating a small group of vessels or a larger area of the face or body.
Recovery and aftercare
Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising can occur. Treated pigmentation may darken before gradually shedding, and recovery varies with the area and intensity of treatment.
You will receive personalised instructions on cleansing, skincare, sun protection and returning to normal activities. Avoid picking or rubbing healing skin and follow the advice provided by your practitioner. Potential complications include burns, blistering, pigment changes and scarring. These risks, together with any precautions specific to your treatment area, will be discussed before you proceed.
Frequently asked questions
Can DermaV treat both the face and body?
Yes. At Continental Skin Clinic, we use DermaV for suitable facial and body concerns, including redness, selected visible veins and sun-related pigmentation. Each area is assessed individually.
Can it treat veins around the eyes?
Selected periorbital veins may be considered after careful assessment. The vein’s position and surrounding anatomy determine suitability. Treatment near the eyes requires specific protective measures and is not appropriate for every vessel.
Can it treat veins around the mouth?
Selected perioral veins can be assessed for treatment. Your practitioner will examine the vessel and explain whether laser is appropriate for its location, size and depth.
Can DermaV treat varicose veins?
Our DermaV leg vein treatment focuses on suitable spider veins and non-varicose vessels. Bulging varicose veins and symptoms suggesting underlying venous disease require a different assessment and treatment approach.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the concern, treatment area and response. Some isolated vessels may improve after a single treatment, while more extensive concerns may require a course. We review your progress before recommending further sessions.
Will treated veins return?
Successfully treated vessels may remain less visible, but new vessels can develop. Underlying factors such as rosacea or a tendency to develop leg veins may mean further treatment is needed over time.
Is DermaV suitable for darker skin?
Suitability depends on your skin tone, the concern and the wavelength required. Darker skin can be more susceptible to pigmentation changes after laser treatment, so settings and treatment selection require particular care. An individual assessment is essential.
Book your DermaV consultation
Whether you want to address rosacea, facial redness, visible face or body veins, or sun-related changes, start with a personalised assessment at Continental Skin Clinic in King’s Cross, London.
We will explain your options and create a treatment plan suited to your skin and the areas you would like to improve.