Laser treatment of congenital vascular birthmarks

Abstract

Congenital vascular birthmarks, classified as either hemangioma or vascular malformations (portwine stains), can now be cleared successfully using certain lasers. Since their introduction into medicine in the mid-1960s, several types of lasers including the argon, carbon dioxide, neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) and pulsed tunable dye lasers have been used to treat benign cutaneous vascular lesions such as portwine stains. After extensive research examining the effects of specific laser parameters on tissue, a set of parameters was identified which together selectively destroyed blood vessels in the skin. Application of this laser technique for the treatment of benign cutaneous vascular lesions, such as portwine stains, meant that it was possible to destroy only the abnormally ectatic vessels which are inherent in these birthmarks. Because of the specificity of the laser injury, only the abnormal blood vessels are destroyed and healthy adjacent structures such as epidermal pigment and dermal collagen are left intact. Thus, unwanted adverse effects such as scar formation and pigmentary abnormalities at the laser-exposed site have been minimized. Skin treated using this combination of laser parameters normalizes in color, texture and its markings, and adnexae are maintained at the treated site. Not only has this new laser treatment provided a way of removing these disfiguring birthmarks with the return of normal-appearing skin at the treated site, but the lack of adverse effects following this treatment has meant that not only adults but children of all ages can now be treated using this technique.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)