CO₂ Laser Treatment of Port‐Wine Stains: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

A preliminary report of the effectiveness of the CO2 laser in the treatment of port‐wine stains is presented. A comparison of this system with the argon laser is made and the benefits and drawbacks of both are discussed.

6 Lasers in Facial Plastic Surgery

“…16,17,18 However, to eradicate the dermal vessels the overlying epidermis and a portion of the dermis must be likewise vaporized and this can lead to scarring and hypopigmentation. 19 The argon laser has been used extensively for the treatment When using the copper vapor laser to treat port-wine stains a test spot is also performed.…”

“…The beading technique is performed by placing successive pulses of laser energy in a pattern of nonoverlapping circles to cover the desired treatment area. 15,18 The vessel blanching technique is often termed the Australian method and is similar to that described for the copper vapor laser. The individual vessels are treated under 63 magnification.…”

“…5,8,22,55 The vascular specificity of the KTP and argon lasers enhances the selectivity of the photocoagulation. 18 Nevertheless, the Nd:YAG laser is useful in nodular lesions when a greater depth of coagulation is desired (Fig 6.13). 8 The maximum tissue penetration is about 1 cm which limits telangiectasias because its effects are superficial and vaporization of the overlying mucous membrane covering the lesion may cause bleeding.…”

Laser Treatment of Port Wine Stains

“…The frequency of scar for mation is in the range of 5-10% of treated patients [3,7,12], Another approach to port wine stain therapy is su perficial vaporization by means of the C 0 2 laser. Good or excellent results could be obtained in 57% of patients and the carbon dioxide laser may improve treatment results in pink lesions [13],…”

Limitations of Carbon Dioxide Lasers for Treatment of Port-wine Stains

“…13,14 Histologic results for some of these laser treatments have been published and are summarized in Tables 1 through 5. 13,14 Histologic results for some of these laser treatments have been published and are summarized in Tables 1 through 5.…”