Excimer Laser Treatment of Psoriasis and Vitiligo
The excimer laser is broadly reimbursed for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis and vitiligo by most major insurance companies. Specific CPT codes (96920, 96921, 96122; © American Medical Association) apply for laser treatment for psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions. If you have any further questions, feel free to call our staff at (201) 525-0057.
Psoriasis
At the office of Dr. Sapadin, we utilize all of the most advanced treatments available. These include topical medications, excimer laser therapy and narrow band UVB.
If you have mild to moderate psoriasis or vitiligo, and you’re unhappy with your current method of treatment, you should consider treatment with the excimer laser system. You may have tried topical medications with disappointing results. You may have experienced remission with numerous sessions of conventional phototherapy, but don’t want to spend the time necessary to manage your skin condition. You’ll most likely get relief faster with excimer laser therapy.
How does Excimer laser work?
Using a carefully focused beam of laser light delivered through a sophisticated fiber-optic delivery system, the excimer laser system is designed to clear unsightly psoriatic skin plaques quickly and effectively. Because it concentrates light on active lesions, excimer laser allows us to deliver the high-exposure doses necessary for rapid clearing without risk of damage to healthy skin.
On the first visit, we may test your skin to determine your optimum dosage level. Then the excimer laser hand-piece is moved over the affected area, applying laser light at your determined dose. Depending on the area to be treated this only typically takes a few minutes.
How quickly will I see results?
Of course, results will vary. However, individuals with mild to moderate psoriasis can often obtain significant improvement generally in 10 or less brief treatment sessions. You may experience relief of symptoms beginning after one or two treatments.
Is there any pain?
Most patients feel no pain or discomfort during the short excimer laser treatment sessions. Sometimes after some treatment sessions, you may experience a sun burn type response. While uncomfortable, this is often a good indicator that a helpful dose of laser energy was delivered. No anesthesia is necessary.
Not only is the excimer laser treatment free of pain, it has few of the drawbacks often associated with other psoriasis treatments, such as premature skin aging, skin thinning or resistance to medication. The excimer laser system can be used successfully on hard-to-treat areas of the body such as elbows and knees.
How long will clearing last?
Each case is unique, but psoriasis sufferers who have experienced excimer laser treatment have found that relief can last for extended periods of time. Remissions are expected to last at least as long as with conventional phototherapy, which is typically several months, but you will probably need fewer treatments per year to remain free of symptoms.
Vitiligo
If you suffer from vitiligo, you know the frustrations – white spots that cause uneven skin color and, until now, no effect treatment.
Finally, you may be able to enjoy effective relief from the unsightly symptoms of vitiligo. With the revolutionary excimer laser system, you can feel good about yourself again. With treatment sessions, which can last just a few minutes, the excimer laser can change your life.
Excimer laser offers:
Targeted 308nm Laser Phototherapy
Successful pigmentation often obtained in 30 treatments or less
Clinical studies have indicated that the excimer laser tends to be most successful treating vitiligo on the face and neck, and least successful in the hands and feet.
Stop suffering and start living free of vitiligo symptoms
For some, you can have the freedom today – thanks to the excimer laser therapy. With excimer laser, you’re less likely to find that you’re spending a lot less time—and less money—managing your vitiligo.
