Can port-wine stains be removed completely?

The response differs 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. In children with haemangiomas in particular, an early medical assessment matters; we discuss the right timing with you.

What is the bluish discolouration after the treatment?

A so-called purpura: a temporary blue mark, typical for the dye laser. It fades after a few days.

Port-wine stains & haemangiomas

We treat congenital and acquired vascular changes such as port-wine stains (naevus flammeus), haemangiomas and spider naevi with the dye laser and other vascular lasers.

Overview

Port-wine stains (naevus flammeus) are congenital vascular birthmarks, haemangiomas are benign new growths of vessels. Spider naevi and other dilated vessels also count among the vascular skin changes. Vascular lasers can treat such changes while largely sparing the surrounding tissue.

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. That allows the vessels to be treated selectively.

Areas of application

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

Procedure

Assessing the vascular change
We assess the type, size and depth of the change and choose the suitable system (mainly the dye laser, complemented by the KTP or Nd:YAG laser).
Selective laser treatment
The laser light is absorbed by the blood pigment and converted into heat; this closes the vessels while the surrounding tissue is spared.
Several treatment cycles
Smaller changes can often be treated with a few light pulses; larger or deeper-lying birthmarks as a rule need several sessions.

What to expect

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

Risks & notes

Redness, swelling and bluish discolouration (purpura) are possible for a time.
Rarely, pigment shifts, blisters or superficial scars occur.
Not every infantile haemangioma has to be treated with the laser. Many recede on their own, or are first monitored or treated with medication (e.g. with a beta blocker). In children a laser treatment needs particular preparation (cooling, anaesthesia where appropriate); we settle on the suitable approach with you beforehand.
On tanned or darker skin the risk of pigment changes rises. Please come to the treatment as untanned as possible.
We explain the course and the risks relevant to your particular change to you in person beforehand.

Frequently asked questions

Can port-wine stains be removed completely?: The response differs 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. In children with haemangiomas in particular, an early medical assessment matters; we discuss the right timing with you.
What is the bluish discolouration after the treatment?: A so-called purpura: a temporary blue mark, typical for the dye laser. It fades after a few days.