Scar Care Therapy (with VBeam Laser) after FTM Transgender Surgery
The VBeam Laser is one of our most commonly used lasers at San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center. This laser provides a concentrated beam of light targeting oxyhemoglobin contained within blood vessels, vascular lesions, scars, and much more. This light is converted to heat, treating the targeted lesions while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
This device is FDA approved for over 20 medical indications, including post-procedural bruising, inflammatory acne, vascular lesions such as cherry angiomas and hemangiomas), spider veins, telangiectasia (commonly seen in rosacea), scars, striae (stretch marks), port wine stains, and more.
Our Vbeam laser has been especially helpful in reducing the appearance of scarring after FTM/N chest reconstructive surgery. FTM/Non-binary Top Surgery is a procedure in which the breast tissue is removed in order to masculinize the chest of a transgender man or non-binary trans masculine individual. This procedure aligns a patient’s physical appearance with their internal sense of self, helping them feel more comfortable and confident. There are several incision techniques used to minimize scarring, including keyhole incision, periareolar incision, however, other techniques such as the inverted T, buttonhole, lollipop and fish mouth technique may be used in order to preserve innervation and blood supply to the nipples. These latter incision techniques may create larger scars. Individuals with reddish undertones are typically great candidates for VBeam Laser, and may see significant improvement in their post FTM/N Top Surgery scarring. Patients can receive better, long term results when the VBeam Laser treatments are started within the first few weeks after surgery. We recommend approximately 4 weeks after surgery.
VBeam Laser treatments are quick, safe, and effective. Unlike other laser devices, no topical anesthesia is required for this procedure. The Vbeam machine features a distinctive Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD), which delivers a cold spray prior to the laser pulse, minimizing discomfort, and decrease bruising. Typically 3-6 treatments are needed, and sessions be spaced anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks apart.
The most common side effects of VBeam include bruising, purpura, and redness. Some of these side effects are actually desired endpoints of an effective treatment. Typically, these side effects subside within 3-10 days. Scarring is extremely rare with our Vbeam laser. To reduce the risk of pigmentary changes (hypo- or hyperpigmentation), we recommend the use of a daily, physical SPF (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) and avoidance of excessive sun exposure.
Aftercare for VBeam is pretty simple. We recommend avoidance of makeup for 24 hours. To speed healing and enhance comfort, you may use a moisturizer or emollient like Aquaphor 2-3 times daily. To avoid scarring, avoid picking at your treatment area!
If you’re interested in booking a consultation with Taylor Szupiany, PA-C, please fill out the contact form or call our office at 415-392-3333.
