Port-wine stains & haemangiomas

Overview

Port-wine stains (naevus flammeus) are congenital vascular birthmarks, while haemangiomas are benign vascular growths. Spider naevi and other dilated vessels also belong to the vascular skin changes. With modern vascular lasers, such changes can be treated in a targeted and tissue-sparing way.

The most important device for this is the pulsed dye laser. Its light (wavelength 595 nm) is absorbed almost exclusively by the red blood pigment and thus enables a selective treatment of the vessels.

Areas of application

• Port-wine stains (naevus flammeus)
• Haemangiomas
• Spider naevi
• Other dilated superficial vessels

Procedure

1. Assessment of the vascular change

   We assess the type, size and depth of the change and select the suitable system (primarily the pulsed dye laser, complemented by the KTP or Nd:YAG laser).

2. Selective laser treatment

   The laser light is absorbed by the blood pigment and converted into heat; this closes the vessels in a targeted way while the surrounding tissue is spared.

3. Several treatment cycles

   Smaller changes can often be treated with a few light pulses; larger or deeper-lying birthmarks usually require several sessions.

What to expect

• Depending on size and depth, several sessions are required.
• After the treatment, temporary redness, swelling and – typical for the pulsed dye laser – a bluish discolouration (purpura) are possible for a few days.
• The response varies from person to person; not every vascular change can be completely removed.

Risks & notes

• Redness, swelling and bluish discolouration (purpura) are temporarily possible.
• Rarely, pigment shifts, blisters or superficial scars occur.
• Not every infantile haemangioma needs to be treated with the laser – many regress on their own or are initially monitored or treated with medication (e.g. with a beta blocker). In children, a laser treatment requires special preparation (cooling, anaesthesia where appropriate); we determine the suitable approach individually.
• On tanned or darker skin, the risk of pigment changes increases – please come to the treatment as untanned as possible.
• We will inform you personally in advance about the procedure and the risks relevant to your particular change.

Frequently asked questions

Can port-wine stains be removed completely?

The response varies from person to person and depends on size, depth and location. Many port-wine stains can be lightened considerably; complete removal is not possible in every case.

From what age can treatment be carried out?

Treatment is in principle possible at any age. Especially in children with haemangiomas, an early medical assessment is important; we discuss the right timing individually.

What is the bluish discolouration after the treatment?

A so-called purpura – a temporary blue mark that is typical for the pulsed dye laser and subsides after a few days.