Port Wine Stains

A port wine stain is a permanent birthmark that usually appears on the face. It starts as a smooth, flat, pink or red patch on a newborn. Over time, it may get larger, darker and thicker. Some port wine stains are associated with syndromes involving the blood vessels. Laser treatments may help fade the birthmarks. It’s also called nevus flammeus.

Port wine stains result from abnormally formed capillaries (tiny blood vessels under your skin). The capillaries dilate, which means they’re more open or stretched out than normal.

But scientists aren’t sure what causes the abnormal capillaries. There have been cases where multiple family members have it, even if there are no known genetic mutations.

A port wine stain is a pink, red or purplish splotch on the skin. It has clear borders where the birthmark starts and stops.

These birthmarks can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the:

• Face
• Neck
• Scalp

Port wine stains are usually harmless and don’t lead to any medical problems or pain. But for many children and teenagers, the birthmarks can be embarrassing, especially large, dark spots on the face. This can lead to problems with self-esteem and socialization.

Port wine stains that aren’t associated with other medical concerns don’t require medical treatment. But some people choose treatment because of:

• Increased risk of bleeding with trauma and associated risk of infections.
• Potential for thick, bumpy skin and disfigurement later in life.
• Self-esteem and socialization.

The most common treatment is laser therapy to shrink the blood vessels and fade the birthmark. The treatments are most effective in younger patients when the blood vessels are smaller.

Laser therapy treatments are brief, lasting a few minutes. Most people get repeat treatments every couple of months. The laser may make the skin red and sore, like a sunburn. If the treatments are very uncomfortable, you can ask for a numbing spray or cream.

An Nd:YAG laser is a solid state laser capable of producing a near-infrared wavelength that penetrates deep into the skin and is readily absorbed by hemoglobin and melanin chromophores. The lasing medium of Nd:YAG (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) is a man-made crystal (solid state) that is pumped by a high intensity lamp and placed into a resonator (a cavity capable of amplifying the power of the laser). By creating a variable long pulse duration and an appropriate spot size, it is possible to significantly heat deep skin tissues, such as large blood vessels and vascular lesions.

Nd:YAG laser energy is selectively absorbed by the deeper levels of the dermis and allows for treatment of deeper vascular lesions such as port wine stains, telangiectasias, hemangiomas and leg veins. The laser energy is delivered using long pulses which are converted into heat in the tissue. The heat impacts the vasculature of the lesions. In addition, the Nd:YAG Laser can treat at a more superficial level; by heating the subcutaneous skin (in a non-ablative manner) it stimulates neocollagenesis which improves the appearance of facial wrinkles.

Lumenis long pulsed Nd:YAG laser is available as part of the M22™ multi-application platform.

By utilizing the same power supply for both the IPL and the Nd:YAG laser, Lumenis is able to provide more treatment versatility in a single platform. Multiple Sequential Pulsing (MSP™) is available in both the Nd:YAG and the IPL modules on the M22™ platform. MSP™ allows for cooling between a sequence of pulses which protects the epidermis and allows for safe use of higher fluence. The MSP™ offers safe treatment of all skin types, including dark skin, and significantly reduces side-effects in treatment of vascular lesions.

IPL PHOTOREJUVENATION - An effective treatment for birthmark removal and port wine stain removal.

The IPL technology in the Lumenis M22™ machines sends light energy into the skin cells that contain deformed blood vessels and heats them up. It is non-invasive, safe and effective. The heat closes the vein’s walls, eventually causing them to disappear. IPL is very precise and can treat the specific blood vessels only, without affecting or damaging the surrounding skin.

Our expert doctors will apply a few pulses of light energy on each blood vessel source and the treatment is likely to take 10 to 20 minutes depending on the size of the birthmark being treated. Improvements can usually be seen from the first treatment and our clients report that there is minimal discomfort. You will be able to go straight back to your day after our treatment without delay making it ideal for people with busy lives.

During the procedure, the patient will see brief flashes of light and feel momentary pulses of heat. The treatment will typically take only 15 to 20 minutes. Most people need around three treatments, with each one being four to six weeks apart.

The best candidates for IPL therapy are people who are sick and tired of the appearance of their port-wine stains on their bodies. IPL can also be used to treat rosacea, age spots, wrinkles, vascular lesions, and much more. The treatment is extremely safe, and there is no downtime involved. Good candidates have overall good health as well as realistic expectations for what the treatment can do.

The best way to determine if you are a candidate for IPL therapy is to come in for a consultation at Anew Cosmetic Clinic in Dover. Contact our clinic today to schedule your appointment to learn more.

The treatment can be tailored unique needs and may range from superficial to deep. Most patients will find that the treatment takes anywhere from 30mins to achieve the desired results

There are no side effects as the device Lumenis is US FDA approved. After the procedure, patients can get back to their daily activities completely. Some patients may experience some mild redness depending upon their skin type

Depending on the laser system used, one can expect different post-procedure changes. If the traditional pulsed-dye laser system is used, the treated areas will appear dark purple or black immediately following the laser treatment. This darkening may remain for 5-14 days after treatment. The area around the treatment site can become red and itchy for a few days. If the upper cheek or eye are treated, there can be some swelling as well.

Some of the newer light systems can be used effectively on port-wine stains, such as the intense pulsed light systems. These do not cause the same darkening, but instead may cause the birthmark to appear redder for a few days. Your dermatologist will discuss with you as to which laser system is best for your individual case.

Direct sunlight before or after the laser treatment increases your risk of potential side effects from the procedure and will decrease the effectiveness of the laser. Any tan on the skin “blocks” the laser light from reaching the blood vessels of the port-wine stain, and additionally can increase your risk of temporary or permanent lightening of the background skin. Strict photo-protection of your birthmark with a sunscreen of at least SPF 50 and re-application every 2-3 hours is a necessity.

Port-wine stains can be treated every 4 weeks in very young children. In older children and adults, we typically wait 4-6 weeks to treat again.

Every patient and every birthmark is different. The earlier a birthmark is treated, the better the chance of achieving clearance. Most patients will see lightening of their birthmark and a small percentage may become clear. It is not possible to predict how someone will respond to laser treatment.

ANEW Cosmetic Clinic is renowned for its state-of-the-art internationally acclaimed services offers affordable and cost-effective cosmetic procedures. To know more about the cost of your procedure requests a consult by filling the form below. Your consultation is your chance to ask questions about Port wine stain treatments and put your mind at rest. Our surgeons and cosmetologists will be there to offer full explanations and answers to all of your queries.

1. Board-Certified – The head doctor of the clinic is a Board-certified Celebrity Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon and the clinic is the recipient of many awards.
2. Easy Location – ANEW is located in a reachable and fairly populated area, hence easy to come and go.
3. Technology – The clinic is the place for US FDA approved technology and traditional deep care.
4. Great Hospitality – From the staff to the doctors, ANEW has the best service to offer.
5. Fast Treatment – ANEW does not take any extra time or money that it asks for the treatment.
6. Affordable Pricing – Being a constant location for celebrities, ANEW does not charge any more than what is legitimate.