Recent advances in laser treatment of port-wine stains

Abstract

The pulsed dye laser is the treatment of choice for port-wine stains, with proven efficacy and low incidence of side-effects. However, in the majority of cases complete clearance cannot be achieved, and a significant proportion of lesions is resistant to laser treatment. In recent years, increased understanding of the interaction between lasers and port-wine stains has led to modification of the original pulsed dye laser design, producing treatment responses even in those lesions resistant to first-generation pulsed dye lasers. Other lasers and noncoherent light sources also appear to have a potential role in treatment. In this review we discuss these recent developments.

Vascular malformations

“…49 Although intense pulsed light such as that of the Photoderm VL laser has been shown to have a lower overall response rate than PDL, it may have a role in treatment of PDL-resistant port-wine stains. 50,51 Long-term studies will need to be undertaken to investigate the effectiveness and risk of scarring associated with treating children with these newer technologies.…”

Re-emergence of Port Wine Stains Following Treatment With Flashlamp-Pumped Dye Laser 585 nm

“…The effectiveness of the lasers depends in part on the depth and the diameter of the vessels being treated. 12 Laser penetration is only for a 1-2 mm and has limited effect on vessels of more than 150 m in diameter. 13,14 The deficiency of the innervation is segmental and so larger deeper vessels might not be affected by the lasers, and as a result, PWS might recur.…”

Clinical efficacy of the 595 nm pulsed dye laser in the treatment of childhood superficial hemangioma – analysis of 10-year application in Chinese patients

“…This approach causes less damage on the lesion surrounding dermal structures or the epidermis. Therefore, PDL is now regarded as the first line treatment for port wine stains whenever possible (9).…”