Contact us
Pulsed Dye Laser for Birthmark Removal
What is a pulsed Dye laser?
These lasers are produced with help of dyes in pulsed mode, hence are called Pulsed Dye lasers or PDLs.
The wavelength is absorbed in blood capillaries and melanin pigme nts, leading to their destruction. hence they are useful in treatment of capillary malformations ( Angiomas, PWS or Portwine stains and pigmentations etc ).
Which is the best wavelength?
As per current practice, 595 nm Pulsed Dye Laser is the gold standard of vascular birth marks treatment.
What defects are treated with a pulsed dye laser?
- Red birthmarks e.g Capillary Haemangiomas or PWS
- redness of the face and neck
- telangiectasia (broken or dilated vessels)
- rosacea
- Rhinophyma
- spider naevi
- Early scars and red stretch marks
- warts
- early changes of sun-induced ageing
How is treatment done?
Once you are comfortable, lying on the table, Your doctor will give necessary position depending upon the location of lesion. Both the patient and wear protective eye glasses.
Laser is calibrated and parameters set as per requirement of treatment, in consultation with the patient.
During and after treatment, you may feel tingling, redness and swelling etc. which may last for several days. With aggressive doses, sometimes it may result in spotty bruising resembling sun burns.
Treatment for conditions like port wine stains may result in whole area appearing bruised or blue discoloured following treatment.
Does it Pain?
Usually no anaesthetic is required, but most patients feel stinging sensation on the skin. The skin is additionally protected by Ice cooling, air cooling or contact chillers to protect the skin and minimise any side effects. Inhalational anaesthesia can be used in children who do not co-operate or are too young.
Is Pulsed Dye Laser Surgery treatment safe?
Yes. In fact, it is is so safe that it has been successfully used for last 2-3 decades for the treatment of port wine stain birthmarks.
Are the results permanent?
It depends on many factors, such as the condition and lifestyle of the patient. Spider naevi and facial blood vessels usually clear with therapy. Other conditions, like Rosacea and port wine stains may tend to recur due to internal factors.
However, excellent results are seen for years to come following successful therapy.
How soon can one see the results of Pulsed Dye Laser treatment?
The results depend on the condition and the number of sittings required for treatment, depending upon the energy used to treat the condition. Usually one notices improvement within the 4 to 8 weeks following treatment.
