Excel V Laser Skin Tightening
Excel V laser skin tightening is an FDA-approved treatment that uses a low-level laser to tighten the skin and reduce lines, wrinkles and scars. The Excel V laser is designed to treat a wide range of skin conditions, including acne scars and stretch marks.

In this guide, we review the aspects of:
- How effective is Excel V laser?
- How long does Excel V laser take to work?
- How much does Excel V cost?
- How long does it take to recover from Excel V laser?
- What should I avoid after Excel V laser?

How effective is Excel V laser?
Millions of Americans are affected by vascular skin conditions, such as rosacea, spider veins and telangiectasia, which can cause unsightly broken blood vessels, discoloration and lesions to appear on the skin of the face and legs. People affected by these skin conditions often report embarrassment or self-consciousness, which can deter them from joining social occasions or even going out in public. While much progress has been made in identifying the causes of these conditions, treatment options have been largely limited to procedures that incur adverse side effects on patients, such as electrosurgery, sclerotherapy and surgery.
Excel V is a new approach to treating vascular skin conditions that puts patients’ safety and comfort first. The system uses a unique high power green laser that is absorbed by abnormal blood vessels in the skin. The laser heats and eliminates the abnormal vessels, ultimately restoring normal skin tone and color. Excel V can be customized to each patient’s skin condition, enabling precise and effective treatment of everything from superficial blemishes to deep scars. The system leverages innovative cooling technologies to ensure patient comfort, and there are no long-term side effects or downtime.
The 1064 wavelength of the CUTERA Excel V laser is used for small areas of hair removal. Impulses are transmitted via the hair shaft to inactivate the hair follicles. Typically, 4-6 treatment sessions are required for results to be seen. Patients with lighter-colored hair (other than black) may require more treatment sessions with higher settings to see effective results. Due to the size of the handpiece, we are only able to treat small areas. These areas include the face & neck and the underarms.
How long does Excel V laser take to work?

Excel V Laser by Cutera
Two powerfully precise lasers are combined in the Excel V laser by Cutera, and used to treat the appearance of rosacea, facial veins, brown spots and spider veins on the legs.
- Why? Redness of the skin, whether due to rosacea or sun damage, can be difficult to cover with makeup and difficult to treat with medications. Laser treatments target redness and broken blood vessels without damaging the skin. Similarly brown spots related to years of sun damage can be erased or greatly reduced with laser treatment. This can take years off the appearance of someone’s age and creates a youthful glow. Spider veins on the legs commonly appear due to genetics, pregnancy or prolonged standing. They can cause embarrassment and usually get worse with time. Laser is a non-invasive approach to treat small spider veins, in a way that does not utilize any needles or surgery.
- Are you a candidate? If you flush easily, have a very red face, have freckles or sun spots on the face, chest, arms or hands, you may be a candidate for this treatment. If you are interested in a non-invasive approach to spider vein treatment, you are a candidate for this laser as well.
- Procedure and Recovery: During laser treatment, you will feel a slight stinging sensation. Typically treatments take a manner of minutes. You will be given a cool compress afterwards. Depending on what is being treated, you might have redness or swelling that lasts anywhere from 1 day to 1 week, and makeup can be worn.
- Results: Improvement typically can be seen a few weeks after the first treatment. Depending on what is being treated, anywhere from 1-4 sessions may be desired for full results.
Legs
A non-invasive laser treatment used to treat the appearance of spider veins on the legs.
- Why? Spider veins on the legs commonly appear due to genetics, pregnancy or prolonged standing. They can cause embarrassment and usually get worse with time. Laser is a non-invasive approach to treat small spider veins, in a way that does not utilize any needles or surgery.
- Are you a candidate? If you are interested in a non-invasive approach to spider vein treatment, you are a candidate for this laser as well.
- Procedure and Recovery: During laser treatment, you will feel a slight stinging sensation. Immediately after the treatment, slight redness and swelling is normal and usually disappears in a few hours. Bruising may occur in some patients.
- Results: Improvement typically can be seen a 2-6 weeks after the first treatment. For leg vein treatment, 2-4 treatment sessions are expected.
How much does Excel V cost?
The Excel V Laser System is a new and state-of-the-art laser technology for treating vascular skin conditions and pigmented lesions including sunspots. The Excel V Laser System uses a high power green laser to target abnormal blood vessels and pigment in the skin. As these vessels or pigment cells are targeted, they are eliminated and skin is returned to it’s natural color and tone. Excel V is can be altered to be compatible with each patient’s skin condition. Excel V also has an adjustable spot size which allows for precise and effective treatment from both superficial and deeper problems. To ensure patient comfort, this laser uses new cooling technologies which produce continuous cooling before, during, and after the laser pulse.
The vast majority of people are affected by some kind of skin condition, either chronic or cosmetic, which cause unsightly broken blood vessels to appear on the face and leg.
Traditional approaches to treating these conditions are largely limited to electrosurgery, sclerotherapy and surgical destruction of veins and vessels, each of which pose significant disadvantages. For example, electrosurgery, a procedure in which an electrode needle is used to destroy skin lesions, is rather painful and may cause craters in the skin. Similarly, sclerotherapy, commonly used to treat spider veins, is an invasive procedure that requires patients to wear compression stockings after treatment and includes an injection.
Which Conditions Does it Treat?
- Spider veins
- Leg veins
- Rosacea, Diffuse Redness
- Facial Telangiectasias
- Port Wine Stains
- Sun Spots
- Brown Pigmentation
- Scars
- Hemangiomas
- Cherry Angiomas
- Large Pores
- Wrinkle Reduction
- Uneven Texture
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
The number of treatments depends on various parameters, including the size, thickness and color of the vascular lesion. Superficial vascular lesions are usually easiest to treat. Some patients might see significant improvement after just one treatment.
How Much Does Excel V treatment Cost?
Excel V cost varies depending on the size of the area and the condition being treated. It can range from $100 to $800 per treatment. During your consultation our high level medical staff will customize your treatment needs and disclose final pricing.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
Although many patients report few if any side effects, those most commonly noticed are slight reddening and local swelling of the skin. Some patients may experience bruising and, in rare instances, blistering may occur. These side affects resolve after about one week.
Post Treatment Instructions
- No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment
- Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing)
- History of cold sores may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment
After Vascular and Pigmented Lesion Treatment Instructions
- Avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to prevent further sun damage
- Bruising, redness, and swelling are common and resolve with time
- A “Bug bite look” is common and usually resolves in 1-2 days
- Avoid heat and hot tubs for 1-2 days
- Avoid irritants for two weeks post treatment such as products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide and glycolic/salicylic acids
- Leg vein treatments only: Compression stockings are optional. Avoid high impact for 3-5 days. Rarely, hemosiderin staining (brown staining) may occur after a treatment and usually resolves with time (1-2 years) but, on a rare occasion, it may be permanent.
How long does it take to recover from Excel V laser?

The Cutera Excel V is a new approach to treating vascular and benign pigmented conditions, including rosacea, spider veins, leg veins, port wine stains, cherry angiomas, and bruising. The laser has a cooling mechanism to minimize discomfort and protect the skin. A majority of the treated veins show significant improvement within two to six weeks. These treatments use a highly focused laser or beam of light to penetrate the skin and deliver heat energy into the vein, causing it to be sealed from its blood source.
Once the vein no longer receives incoming blood, it dissolves and is no longer visible.

Bruising Treatment
Skin bruising can sometimes be slow to resolve and may last 2 weeks or even longer before it disappears. This can be frustrating when it delays one’s return to work or social activities after cosmetic injectable procedures to the face, such as filler injections. Now the natural process of bruise fading can be sped up dramatically with the Cutera Excel V.
Until now the only treatments available to speed up the removal of bruising have been creams such as Arnica. Now, with the Cutera Excel V we can laser the bruise as soon as it is detected.
A superficial lighter bruise can usually be cleared within 24 hours. Deeper bruising that is more dark or purple can usually be removed fully within a few days which are around 3 times quicker than with traditional methods used. A light bruise will usually only need one.
Q: What is Excel V?
A:Excel V is the most advanced aesthetic technology that combines two powerfully precise lasers to target and eliminate vascular concerns (redness, unsightly veins, etc)
Q:What does Excel V treat?
A:Excel V treats nearly twenty unique aesthetic and dermatologic skin concerns. The most common include rosacea, facial and leg veins, and scars.
Q:How does it work?
A:Dr. Sobel will select one of Excel V’s two lasers and customize the treatment settings to target the color and depth of your skin concern. Most treatments are finished in just a few minutes.
Q:What are the benefits?
A: For most procedures, Excel V provides quick treatments with best results within just a few days. Most procedures only take 5 to 10 minutes but some may take up to 45 minutes.
Q:How many treatments are required?
A: Most treatments require only one to two treatment sessions. The number of treatments will vary based on your condition. Dr. Sobel will discuss a customized treatment plan during your consultation.
Q:Is the treatment painful?
A:Excel V treatments can feel similar to a rubber band snapping against skin. Depending on the procedure, a cooled treatment tip will be in contact with the skin to protect and provide comfort to the area. No numbing cream is required.
Q:Are there any side effects? What about downtime?
A:Redness and/or swelling can be expected following treatment and will resolve within a few days. Treated brown spots will darken and slough off within 3 to 6 days. For full face treatments, swelling will peak 24 to 48 hours post treatment and usually resolves within a few days. Typically, you can wear make-up and return to normal activities immediately.
What should I avoid after Excel V laser?
*Please Note: Your first planning appointment is of utmost importance, and you will ultimately achieve a much better outcome for your skin long-term with a proper skin analysis. For our providers to perform this analysis your skin needs to be clean of dirt, oils and makeup. Additionally, safety is Dr. Holland’s priority and removing makeup prior to in-office treatments aids us in providing you with safer, more efficient care. For your convenience, we have a face washing station available if you are unable to arrive with a clean face. Additionally, if you are receiving laser treatments you cannot be in the sun. If you have any tan OR self-tanner present to the skin, our specialists will not be able to treat you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: WHAT IS LASER GENESIS?
A: Laser Genesis is a breakthrough laser treatment that stimulates the skin’s natural processes to reverse the signs of aging and sun damage and promote a vibrant, healthy looking complexion.
Q: HOW DOES LASER GENESIS WORK?
A: Micro-pulses of laser energy activate collagen remodeling to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and target unwanted brown spots and facial redness. Although the individual treatment results are subtle, the overall effect of a treatment series can be quite dramatic.
Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LASER GENESIS?
A: Laser Genesis helps restore your skin’s youthful glow and appearance by improving common concerns like facial redness, brown spots, and fine lines and wrinkles. With quick treatments and no downtime, Laser Genesis can fit into your busy schedule and is considered the perfect lunchtime procedure by many patients.
Q: WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?
A: Laser Genesis is an ideal treatment for the face and neck, and other areas of the body with noticeable signs of aging, sun damage or scarring.
Q: HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED?
A: A series of four to six Laser Genesis treatments are recommended to achieve an optimal outcome, and ongoing maintenance treatments are encouraged to sustain results over time. Your Laser Genesis provider will discuss a treatment plan during your consultation.
Q: WHAT DOES LASER GENESIS FEEL LIKE?
A: You will experience a gentle warming of your skin’s surface during the procedure. Patients often describe the treatment as relaxing and therapeutic.
Q: WHAT ARE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?
A: You may notice a slight redness which will resolve within a few hours. Apply sunscreen and makeup, and return to your normal daily activities immediately.
Q: IS LASER GENESIS FOR ME?
A: If you have been seeking a quick, no-downtime procedure to gently improve your overall complexion that gives you that #cameraready appearance, Laser Genesis is the treatment for you!
Q: What are the costs of treatment?
A: As with any procedure, the costs depend on the specific condition for which treatment is being provided. For minor conditions only requiring a single cycle of treatment, the cost generally ranges between $250-$1,000. For conditions that affect a large portion of the skin and require additional treatment sessions, the price increases proportionally.
*Disclaimer: Individual results and experience may vary.
Q: How does Excel V work?
A: Excel V, which was developed by Cutera, is a new laser system for providing treatment of a variety of vascular skin conditions. Many skin conditions manifest in the form of broken or abnormal blood vessels in the skin, such is the case with rosacea, in which the facial blood vessels dilate excessively causing redness and flushing. Excel V treats these conditions by administering a unique high power green laser that is absorbed by the abnormal blood vessels in the skin. The laser heats the abnormal vessels until they are removed. At the end of treatment, the patient’s natural skin tone and color are restored.
Q: What specific conditions does Excel V treat?
A: Excel V has been shown effective at treating a number of conditions, including rosacea, telangiectasias, leg veins, port wine stains, and cherry angiomas. Excel V treats mild and severe forms of these conditions. The system may also have a cosmetic benefit for patients who have skin lesions or scars from past injuries or surgeries.
Q: What are the benefits of Excel V compared with other treatment options?
A: The benefit of Excel V is that the treatment can be highly adjusted to ensure that the physician is delivering a level of treatment that specifically matches the patient’s skin condition. The system contains various wavelength modes, allowing the delivery of both short pulses for superficial blemishes, such as small lesions and skin discoloration, and longer pulses for deeper vascular conditions, such as leg veins and nodular port wine stains. It also offers a wide range of laser spot sizes to ensure that small treatment areas can be targeted at greater precision and larger areas can be treated in a shorter period. This high level of customization is what makes Excel V so effective at treating, often in one session, so many different conditions, which, in the past, would have required several different systems or procedures.
Q: Are there other laser treatment options available for these skin conditions?
A: Yes, there are other laser treatment options available for skin conditions. The challenge usually associated with laser treatment is tailoring the treatment to precisely match the patient’s unique skin condition. Some existing lasers may be effective for treating a condition at one size and depth, but may not work effectively on conditions that affect a larger area.
Q: What is the level of demand for treatment of skin conditions?
A: The prevalence of vascular skin conditions varies greatly. Rosacea is one of the most common conditions, affecting about 14 million Americans. Many people with Rosacea may not even realize they have it even when common symptoms are present such as redness in the face and flushing after consumption of alcohol, caffeine or spicy foods.
Another fairly common condition is cherry angiomas, which are small red bumps that spontaneously appear on the skin. These kind of lesions are commonly found in middle-aged populations—more than 85% of people over 45 years of age have several cherry angiomas. [1]
Spider veins also is a fairly common condition although the exact prevalence varies according to different sources. Port wine stains, another condition which Excel V treats, is a more rare condition, occurring in about 3 out of every 1,000 people. These are a type of birthmark often appearing on the face in which swollen blood vessels cause a reddish-purplish discoloration of the skin.[2]
Although these conditions represent some of the most common cases for which the Excel V laser system provide treatment, the robust customization of the system makes it ideal for also treating more general cosmetic problems such as superficial blemishes, discoloration and even scars. Given that the large majority of people have one or more of these conditions to varying degrees, almost anyone could potentially benefit from treatment with Excel V.
Q: How is the procedure performed?
A: After an initial consultation with the patient, the physician determines if treatment with the Excel V is appropriate. Unlike other procedures, injections or topical anesthesia are not required throughout the duration of the 15 – 30 minute procedure. Depending on the condition, the physician places the Excel V hand piece over the affected areas of the skin until the abnormal vessels diminish. To minimize discomfort and protect the patient’s skin, the Excel V uses a proprietary cooling mechanism.
Q: What skin types does Excel V treat?
A: All skin types indentified in the Fitzpatrick skin type classification can be treated with the Excel V system. This classification denotes 6 different skin types, ranging from very light (type I) to very dark (type VI). The 532nm wavelength is ideal for treating skin types I – IV and the 1064nm mode can be used on all skin types I – VI.
Q: How many treatments for vascular concerns are needed?
A: The number of sessions depends on various parameters, including the size, thickness and color of the vascular lesion. Superficial vascular lesions such as small telangiectasia and diffused redness are easiest to treat; some patients might see significant improvement after just one treatment.