How can I treat a Port Wine Stain (vascular birthmark)?
Asked by: Anonymous
Answers (3)
Pulsed dye laser for port wine stains
The best way to treat a port wine stain is with a pulsed dye laser. This type of laser specifically targets the red pigment of the blood, targeting the stain and not the skin.
Depending on the size and location of the port wine stain, you may need multiple treatments and you may be able to get close to 100% resolution.
Camouflage Is One Way to Cover
Aside from aesthetic or surgical treatments there are a couple of other options with makeup.
You could consider permanent makeup (tattooing) or makeup coverage. The first option depends also on the location and size and whether it's worth the cost. But tattooing is certainly a good option if it works for you.
The second option is to use a product like Dermablend or Cinema Secrets with the appropriate finishing powder to lock in the colour and to waterproof it. I've successfully covered many such stains and a variety of tattoos for weddings, special events and TV with these very products.
Equalize your opportunities with either of these fantastic camouflage makeup products.
Multiple treatments with a pulsed eye laser often work best
Port Wine Stains or vascular birthmarks can be effectively treated with pulsed dye lasers. This type of laser seeks out the cutaneous blood vessels in the lesion.
Unfortunately, this type of skin condition may require as many as ten treatments if not more to receive the best possible outcomes. Although there may not be complete resolution in many cases - a moderate to dramatic lightening of the lesion is seen in many patients.
The location of the birthmark also has a role in the expected outcomes as some areas will respond more readily than others. We've also had good outcomes using a 532 nm wavelength for those that are smaller and less dense. These types of lasers are ideal for most vascular conditions such as spider veins, rosacea, cherry hemangiomas, etc. It is important for the practitioner to choose an appropriate treatment plan based upon your skin type and condition.
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