DESCRIPTION: There are three major types of vascular birthmarks: port wine stains, strawberry hemangiomas, and cavernous hemangiomas. They can appear anywhere on the body, and may be small or large enough to involve an entire extremity.
Birthmarks that occur on exposed parts of the body, such as the face or neck, may cause a person emotional or social burden. As can be seen by the example above, laser treatments performed by Dr. Hanke can work wonders on vascular birthmarks.
The pulsed dye laser is ideal for removing vascular birthmarks on an outpatient basis. Infants younger than 18 months, teens, and adults can usually be treated without anesthesia. Large birthmarks in children may require pulsed dye laser treatment under general anesthesia.
Each of the three types of vascular birthmarks behaves differently over time. A strawberry hemangioma is characterized by a gray or pink macule found on the skin at birth or shortly thereafter. This macule rapidly progresses to a red vascular nodule, or ectasia, that may bleed following minor trauma. These birthmarks are usually responsive to the pulsed dye laser.
A port wine stain is also characterized by a pink macule or patch which is present at birth. This type of birthmark will gradually darken and thicken throughout life. Early laser treatment is the best way to improve this type of birthmark.
A cavernous hemangioma is a blue papule or nodule which is present at birth. This birthmark will increase in size with the normal growth of the child. Laser treatment is usually not effective.
AFTER CARE: Depending on the type of laser used, the treated area may be discolored after treatment. It may darken in the first several hours after treatment. The discoloration will begin to clear in five days or less.
Make-up can be used to cover the laser treatment site as long as a crust is not present. Make-up should be removed carefully to avoid irritating the skin. If blistering or crusting develops following treatment, the area should be cleaned twice daily with mild soap and water followed by Polysporin or Bacitracin ointment and a Telfa dressing. Crusting is uncommon and lasts only a day or two when it occurs.
Patients should avoid direct exposure to sunlight because tanning interferes with the effectiveness of laser surgery. The treated site will be evaluated in six to eight weeks to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired result.
DESCRIPTION: Many patients develop multiple unsightly, fine, red blood vessels on the nose and cheeks, giving a premature aged look to the face. These vessels, also known as telangiectasia, appear as a result of aging, sun exposure, rosacea, radiation or surgery.