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 become darken to a reddish-purplish hue and become thicker and may lose its smooth texture, to become bumpy. 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 be 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 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 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 laughing gas during treatment to further enhance their discomfort. The treatment is relatively quick and 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. It will return to baseline after approximately one week. Use a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and avoid scratching or numbing. Over time, you will see and feel the port wine stain become less apparent. This hopefully will allow you to feel more confident in your skin.
Dr. Shelin Tkatch, MD, FRCSC, DPD
Dr. Shelin Tkatch, MD, FRCSC, DPD, is a distinguished board-certified gynecologist-surgeon with a diploma in dermatology, exhibiting a unique blend of medical expertise. Renowned for her keen eye for facial aesthetics, she combines surgical precision with an artist's touch to achieve facial harmony and beauty for her patients.Dr. Tkatch's commitment to research in vitality-enhancing medicine underscores her dedication to providing cutting-edge, non-surgical rejuvenation treatments. As an active staff member at Peace Arch Hospital and a Clinical Instructor at the University of British Columbia, she's at the forefront of medical education. Dr. Tkatch's holistic approach to healthcare and her membership in esteemed medical associations reflect her unwavering commitment to patient well-being and satisfaction. Dr. Tkatch's compassionate demeanor at MD Wellness Solutions fosters a safe and relaxed environment, allowing patients to embrace self-care and enhance their confidence through tailored treatments.