The pulse dye laser has been used successfully for many years and is my first line choice for skin-vascular lesions. The size and depth of the vascular lesion will determine how many treatments you will require. Go to a board certified physician with a strong laser background. I hope this helps you! Stephen... more







5 posts
23 Nov 2008
Many thanks for your answers. I found all comments to be very helpful and feel like I am now able to take an educated step forward! One other question: What is the average cost for one session? Thanks again:)
81 posts
20 Nov 2008
Although Pulsed Dye Laser is considered the standard of care it really depends on the size of the angioma. For lesions 3mm and less it is hard to beat the safety and efficacy of the Pulsed Dye. However many lesions that are greater than 4mm extend deeper into the tissue than a Pulse Dye Laser will reach. For those hemangiomas (and for venous lakes) the 1064nm Nd:YAG is a better choice. Any provider who knows the procedure well should be able to remove it in a single treatment, two at the absolute most. Concerning some of the comments about who should be doing the procedure, unfortunately board certification is not a good measuring stick of how well a provider understands these procedures. Dermatologist probably get the best overall training in residency but programs differ wildly in what they teach and the equipment they have. It is probably better to focus on your providers training and experience (including complications) with the specific device for the procedure which interests you.