Port Wine Stains

Simply put, a port wine stain is a network of abnormal blood vessels in varying shapes and sizes just under the skin's surface.
Port wine stain treatment begins with a consultation. During this consultation, we will assess the size and location of the port wine stain along with individual factors, such as colour and texture of your skin.

Today the majority of port wine stains are removed using lasers. Earlier techniques such as argon lasers, dermabrasion, where the skin was sanded to remove both the surface and middle layers of skin, and excision, where the port wine stains were removed with a scalpel and the wound closed with stitches, usually resulted in excessive scarring.

How many treatments are required?

• The number of treatments required varies for each person and is related to the unique characteristics of the PWS. Since each case is unique, the number of treatment sessions will vary.
• Six to twelve treatments are the norm, although don't be surprised if removing your port wine stain requires more.
• The process requires a substantial time commitment, since you must allow 2 months between each treatment session.
• The average final degree of lightening once all the treatment sessions are completed is variable and ranges from 60 - 100%.

How painful is the treatment?

• Pain is an individual experience affected by a variety of factors.
• Each laser impact on the skin has been described as "an elastic band slapping your skin".

How do the lasers eliminate a port wine stain?

• Lasers work by producing short pulses of intense, pure, one color of light that pass through the top layers of the skin to be selectively absorbed by the blood's hemoglobin (red component.)
• This laser energy causes the blood vessel to be clotted, sealed off, and then destroyed and absorbed by the body.

Is there an age limit for children to be treated by the laser?

• No, but you need to ask if this is something the child wants to do.
  Some children may find it daunting or painful, and therefore not be able to go through with the treatment.

Can I have treatment if I am pregnant?

• There is no long-term data available that laser is harmful to the fetus, but we recommend waiting until after the birth of your child.

Will there be any scarring?

• Scarring is uncommon with this procedure.
• As with any skin treatment, there is a slight risk of side effects but most of these are reversible with time.
• Some skin types are more prone to side effects than others, and this will be addressed during the consultation.