Effective Laser Solutions for Birthmarks, Scars & Vein Issues
From S$280 per treatment
MBBS (UK), MRCS (Edinburgh), PGDip Practical Dermatology (Cardiff)
V Beam is also part of how I treat raised scars: see pulsed dye laser for keloids on the keloid treatment page, and the keloid scars guide for how to tell a keloid from a hypertrophic scar.
What is V-Beam Laser
V-Beam is a pulsed dye laser (PDL) known for its efficacy in treating vascular and pigmented lesions. It delivers precise bursts of laser energy that selectively target blood vessels and pigmented areas in the skin, minimising damage to surrounding tissue. This targeted approach makes V-Beam a safe and effective solution for various skin concerns, with minimal downtime.
What Can V-Beam Laser Treat?
V-Beam laser therapy, with its precise targeting of haemoglobin, is effective in treating a variety of skin concerns. It can address the following:
Vascular Lesions:
- Rosacea
- Facial veins
- Port wine stains
- Purple stretch marks
- Cherry angioma
- Poikiloderma
Pigmented Lesions:
- Age spots
- Sunspots
- Acne marks
- Birthmarks
Redness and Broken Capillaries:
- Acne
- Chronic skin inflammation
Red Scars:
- Keloid scars
- Burn scars
Dr Gerard Ee can assess your individual skin condition and advise on the suitability of V-Beam laser treatment for your specific needs.
How Does V-Beam Laser Treatment Work?
The V-Beam laser addresses redness and vascular skin concerns using a precise and non-invasive process. The laser emits gentle pulses of light specifically absorbed by the oxyhaemoglobin within the blood vessels. This light energy from the laser is then converted to heat causing the targeted blood vessels, such as those causing rosacea, port wine stains, or spider veins, to break down and collapse.
Once broken down, the body naturally absorbs and safely removes the treated vessels over time. This highly selective targeting ensures the surrounding skin tissue remains largely unaffected, making the V-Beam treatment both precise and safe.
What to Expect During the V-Beam Laser Treatment
A typical V-Beam laser treatment session involves the following steps:
- Consultation and Assessment: Dr Gerard Ee will first assess your skin condition and confirm the treatment plan.
- Preparation: A topical numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area to ensure comfort, although the V-Beam treatment is generally well-tolerated.
- The Laser Procedure: The handheld V-Beam device is passed over the targeted areas. During this, you may feel mild sensations such as a brief tingling, warmth, or a sensation similar to a light rubber band snap.
- Post-Treatment Care: Immediately following the procedure, you may notice slight redness in the treated area. You will be provided with specific aftercare instructions to optimise healing, primarily focusing on sun protection.
Trusted Care by Dr Gerard Ee
MBBS (UK), MRCS (Edinburgh), PGDip Practical Dermatology (Cardiff)
Dr Gerard Ee is a medical aesthetic doctor with extensive training in medical and surgical disciplines. He earned his medical degree (MBBS) from St George’s University of London, completed further training to become a member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) in Edinburgh, and attained his Diploma in Dermatology (DP Dermatology) from Cardiff University.
Dr Ee has years of experience in aesthetic procedures, with a focus on acne laser treatments in Singapore as well as skin rejuvenation through evidence-based methods like laser therapy. He believes in building strong, trust-based relationships and takes the time to understand each patient’s concerns, ensuring they receive a personalised, patient-centred treatment plan.
Dr Gerard Ee consults and performs this treatment at The Clifford Clinic, 50 Raffles Place, Singapore.
V Beam for red acne marks (PIE) in Singapore
The commonest reason I use V Beam is the flat red or purple mark left behind after a spot has healed. That mark is post-inflammatory erythema, PIE: dilated capillaries in the dermis, not a scar and not pigment, which is why it does not respond to whitening creams and does not fade with a pigment laser. V Beam is a pulsed dye laser at 595 nm, a wavelength absorbed by haemoglobin, so it closes the capillaries that give the mark its colour while sparing the surrounding skin. A course of two to four sessions, from S$280 per treatment, is usual. Marks that are still fresh respond faster than marks that have been present for a year. V Beam is part of my acne treatment as the step that removes the red marks and enhances the result of the core treatments, AGNES RF, AviClear and Gold or Platinum PTT. On its own it is not used to achieve acne control, and it does not treat depressed scars. If you are not sure whether your marks are red (PIE), brown (PIH) or true scars, start with acne marks vs acne scars. The full explanation of red marks, including what happens if they are left alone, is on the red acne marks (PIE) treatment page.
Frequently Asked Questions About V-Beam
What’s the difference between V Beam Laser vs IPL?
While both aim to improve your complexion, the V-Beam laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) utilise different technologies.
V Beam is a laser device that emits a single wavelength (595nm) or yellow light. More specifically, it is a pulsed dye laser — a type of dye that is used to generate laser beams delivered in pulses. The emitted light is selectively absorbed by haemoglobin in blood vessels, collapsing them while leaving the surrounding skin intact. It is frequently called a vascular laser. On the other hand, IPL does not utilise laser but a broader spectrum of light to address multiple issues simultaneously.
While both are good treatments, most doctors in Singapore prefer one over the other, largely depending on the condition being treated. For patients with rosacea or redness, the V-Beam laser is the better choice. Besides targeting the haemoglobin in the veins, the V-Beam laser also helps to clear the acne flare-ups. IPL will take 6 or more treatments to achieve the results that the V Beam provides in as few as 3-4 treatments.
To combat pigmentation and sun damage, IPL may be a better option.
Is V Beam laser safe?
Much like Q Switch laser treatments, V Beam laser therapy is recognised for its exceptional safety profile. While side effects are uncommon, some individuals may experience mild and temporary redness immediately after treatment, which typically subsides within a few hours.
Dr Gerard Ee prioritises patient safety and utilises the advanced V Beam technology with precision and expertise. He will discuss potential side effects and aftercare instructions with you in detail during your consultation.
Is V Beam laser treatment painful?
Most patients report a sensation similar to mild sunburn after the treatment. However, the treatment is generally well-tolerated, and anaesthetic cream is usually not required. To further enhance your comfort, V Beam incorporates a patented Dynamic Cooling Device™ (DCD™), which delivers a cooling burst of cryogen before the laser pulse is delivered. The DCD increases comfort during treatment and minimises side effects such as redness.
Is V Beam suitable to treat acne scars?
V Beam treats the red marks left after acne (post-inflammatory erythema, PIE), not depressed scars. It diffuses the dilated capillaries that give a healed spot its red or purple colour. It can also combat active acne as the light emitted reduces Cutibacterium acnes (formerly P. acnes) bacteria that reside within the sebaceous follicle, which is why I use it alongside the core acne treatments rather than on its own. For what the trials actually show across the light-based options, including do LED treatments help acne?, I have reviewed the evidence separately. Pitted or rolling scars need the treatments on the acne scar removal page. The full plan is set out in my acne scar treatment guide.
What is the downtime for V Beam laser treatment?
There is no real downtime associated with the V Beam laser. You may see some redness at treated immediately after treatment but that will completely subside within 48 hours. Patients can resume their normal activities right after treatment, but Dr Gerard always advises patients to protect their skin from the sun and to wear good sunblock post-treatment.
How many sessions of V Beam laser treatment will I need?
The number of V Beam sessions required can vary based on the specific condition being addressed and individual factors such as skin type and the severity of the concern. Dramatic and permanent results can be achieved with only a single treatment. However, a series of V Beam treatments may be required for ideal and lasting results. For instance, those with facial redness and blood vessels will typically require an average of 2-3 treatments. Patients with port-wine stains may need 6-10 treatments to lighten a port-wine stain, while those undergoing treatment for scarring may need up to 6 treatments. Dr Ee will advise you on the estimated number of sessions based on your unique needs and goals.
How much does V Beam laser cost?
A V Beam laser treatment in Singapore is from S$280 per treatment. A course of two to four sessions is usual for facial redness.
How long does a V-Beam laser treatment session take?
A typical V-Beam laser treatment session usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and number of areas being treated.
Ready to find out if the V-Beam laser is right for you? Please contact us at 6532 2048 or WhatsApp us to book your appointment.
This page is written from published research and from clinical experience in Singapore since 2012. It is for general education, not medical advice. Whether a treatment suits you, what it may achieve and what it may risk can only be established at a consultation. Dr Gerard Ee is the Medical Director of The Clifford Clinic, a private clinic in Singapore, and treatments discussed on this site are provided commercially.
Book a consultation with Dr Gerard Ee at The Clifford Clinic
Dr Gerard Ee consults and performs V Beam laser treatment at The Clifford Clinic, 50 Raffles Place, Singapore. Consultations are by appointment. Message the clinic on WhatsApp, or call 6532 2048.
