Written by Dr. Ringpfeil
Port wine stains are birthmarks characterized by wine-colored areas on the skin, which may or may not be accompanied by swelling. They tend to gradually increase in size during the first year of life and do not fade over time.
Various laser treatments can be used to address port wine stains, including PDL (Pulsed Dye Laser), Nd:YAG (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet) laser, and KTP (Potassium Titanyl Phosphate) laser.
Laser treatment can be performed at any age, but it is more effective in newer birthmarks, as they have a higher chance of complete color eradication. Multiple treatments are often necessary to achieve desired results, and bruising may occur after each treatment.
In individuals with darker skin types, there is a possibility of lighter-colored skin remaining at the site of the original birthmark. However, scarring is extremely rare.
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