Questions and Answers for Port Wine Stain Treatment
Why laser treatment for port wine stains?
We
are fortunate that in 2007 the treatment of port wine stains is
generally effective and safe. Laser therapy is considered the
treatment of choice for port wine stains although intense pulsed light
sources can also be used for this purpose. Typically, a series of
treatment sessions are required to obtain the maximum benefit of laser
treatment in port wine stains. The degree of success in the treatment
varies based upon the anatomical location of the port wine stain.
Which lasers should be used for treatment?
There are several lasers available for port wine stain treatment. The
most commonly used is the pulsed dye laser. In the United States there
are two commonly used devices which would include the V-Beam made by
the Candela Corporation and the V-Star made by Cynosure. There is also
a new combined pulsed dye and Nd:YAG laser made by Cynosure known as
the Cynergy laser.
How effective is laser treatment?
The data from the treatment of port wine stains is variable in terms of
the clinical response. Recent published studies have shown an
improvement ranging anywhere from 75 – 100% following a series of
treatment sessions. More recently, improved technology and treatment
protocols have allowed for a tendency towards more lightening and
clearing of port wine stains. A recent study from our Center revealed
close t0 90% clearing when treatment begins in infancy.
When should treatment begin?
Treatment protocols and choice of technology may vary from physician to
physician. In my experience, early intervention makes a significant
difference. I prefer to initiate treatment during early infancy with
treatment parameters that approximate those given to adults at
relatively short intervals of three to four weeks. This “window of
opportunity” during infancy allows for more complete clearing than is
seen with older patients in all anatomical sites.
Do all areas respond the same to treatment?
There are some areas that are more difficult to treat than others.
Typically, the central portion of the face and the lower arms, hands,
lower legs and feet are much more resistant to therapy that other
anatomical sites.
What does the skin look life after treatment?
In almost all cases there is bruising following each treatment session
that will last for approximately seven to fourteen days. The risks
from these laser treatments are small. Textural and pigmentary changes
following treatment are not common.
What are the options for anesthesia or pain control?
We are often asked by parents and patients to comment on the choices
for anesthetics for port wine stain treatment. For young infants, we
typically will not give topical or general anesthesia unless we are
dealing with a very large area. We defer the use of topical anesthesia
until the child is one or two years of age, depending upon the choice
of topical anesthetic. We sometimes use general anesthesia on a
same-day surgery basis for those children who are uncooperative in the
office setting or have large birthmarks that require a significant
amount of time. In adults, topical anesthesia is usually sufficient to
achieve a comfortable treatment.
Are there support groups available for patients with birthmarks?
Children and adults undergoing laser treatment of their port wine
stains often require significant support by their family and friends as
this is a long process that usually leads to significant physical and
psychological benefit. (Support Groups for Birthmarks)
What are the qualifications of the physicans at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of NY
The physicians at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of NY are amongst
the most experienced in the world in the treatment of port wine
stains. We continually upgrade our technology to offer our patients
the best treatment possible. We lecture nationally and internationally
regarding our experience. We also publish extensively in peer reviewed
literature.