The Treatment Of Port Wine Stains With A Dye Laser: A Study Of 644 Patients

Abstract

Between June 1989 and December 1996, the flashlamp pumped pulsed dye laser was used to treat port wine stains (PWS) in 644 patients, age range 3 months-93 years (mean 21). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed after more than one year of follow-up. Each factor that might affect the efficacy was then evaluated statistically. Broad lesions required more laser treatments than narrow lesions and clearing tended to start from the periphery of the lesion, indicating the three-dimensional depth of the broader PWS. Patients who had been given previous treatments such as argon laser required about two more laser treatments than those who had not, but there were no clear differences in the efficacy of dye laser treatment between the two groups.

Clinical Experience in the Treatment of Port-Wine Stains with Blebs

“…The size and location of PWS are also important prognostic factors. A lesions on the head and neck, showing a better response than those at the other sites, and even among those confined to the face, the peripheral face, in particular, the central forehead, confers a better prognosis than the centrofacial areas (V2 distribution)14. Broader lesions (more than 20 cm 2 ) tend to require additional laser treatments, compared with narrow lesions, with clearing tending to start from the periphery of lesions.…”

An Overview of Vascular Malformations in the Oral and Maxillofacial Region

“…Recent studies have highlighted the psychological impact of these birthmarks and suggested earlier interventions to mitigate undesirable psychosocial effects. Pulsed dye laser therapy, utilizing wavelengths such as 577 nm, and more recently, 585 nm, is considered the treatment of choice for capillary malformations (17)(18)(19)(20)(21). The concept of selective thermolysis, which involves coagulating a specific target chromophore (oxyhemoglobin) without damaging surrounding tissues, is crucial for effective treatment.…”