What is a port wine stain?
Port wine stain is a form of birthmark that looks like spilled red wine on the skin. Port wine stains are the result of abnormal blood vessels under the skin that are dilated and stretched. At birth a port wine stain may look pink, flat and smooth, and as the person matures, the birthmark will darken to a reddish-purplish hue, become thicker, and may lose its smooth texture. Port wine stains are painless and usually harmless, but occasionally they can be part of a more serious medical condition. Depending on the size and location of the port wine stain, it may be barely noticeable. Port wine stains on the face, however, may cause the individual to feel self-conscious or embarrassed. Most large port wine stains on the face are now being treated soon after birth, but there are many adults who have port wine stains they would like reduced.
What therapies improve port wine stain?
Port wine stains don’t fade on their own, but they can be made much less noticeable with the use of laser therapy. Laser treatments shrink the blood vessels in the port wine stain and cause it to be less noticeable. Multiple treatments may be required, especially if the port wine stain is large, dark, or located on the face. The longer a port wine stain has been present, the more treatments will be required. Maintenance treatments will be necessary to maintain the fading of the port wine stain.
Does laser therapy of a port wine stain hurt?
A numbing agent can be applied to the area prior to treatment to ease discomfort. We also offer our patients the use of Nitronox laughing gas during the relatively quick treatment to further enhance their comfort. Immediately after you may feel like you have a sunburn.
How will I feel after laser therapy of port wine stain?
Your skin will feel inflamed and may be swollen but will return to baseline after approximately one week. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, and avoid scratching or numbing. Over time, you will see and feel the port wine stain become less apparent. Hopefully this will allow you to feel more confident in your skin!
