Port Wine Stains Laser Treatment in New York

Port wine stain is a type of birthmark that appears as a flat, pink, red, or purple patch on the skin. These birthmarks are caused by a capillary malformation in the skin, which means that there is an abnormality in the blood vessels that causes them to expand in size and turn the skin red. Port wine stains typically appear at birth and persist throughout life. Some grow with age and develop thick plaques.

While port wine stains are generally harmless, they can be associated with certain syndromes involving the blood vessels. If a port wine stain is located on the eyelid or forehead, it may require treatment to prevent vision or neurological problems. In most cases, laser treatments can help fade the birthmarks.

Port wine stains have nothing to do with a woman’s health or actions during pregnancy. They are the result of a mutation in a specific gene that causes the abnormal blood vessel growth. If you or your child has a port wine stain, we recommend consulting with Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, who is a double-board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, and fellowship trained in laser surgery. who can assess the mark and provide appropriate treatment options with lasers based on individual circumstances.

Port wine stains are birthmarks that result from abnormally formed capillaries, which are tiny blood vessels located under the skin. These capillaries dilate, which means they’re more open or stretched out than normal. This dilation allows more blood to flow through the capillaries, resulting in the distinctive red or purple color of the birthmark. The exact cause of the abnormal capillary formation is not yet fully understood by scientists, but it is believed to be a genetic mutation that occurs in utero.

While port wine stains are usually harmless, they can sometimes be associated with other medical conditions, such as Sturge-Weber syndrome or Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome. Therefore, if you or someone you know has a port wine stain, it’s important to have it evaluated by a board certified dermatologist to rule out any underlying health issues. Treatment options for port wine stains include laser therapy, surgical removal, or camouflage makeup.

Port wine stains are a fairly common birthmark. They occur in about 1 out of every 1,000 people. These birthmarks are caused by an issue with capillaries, which are very small blood vessels. Usually, capillaries are narrow, but in port wine stains, they’re overly dilated, allowing blood to pool in the affected area.

Port wine stains can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the face, neck, scalp, arms, or legs. They can be any size, and usually grow in proportion as a child grows. Early stains are usually flat and pink in appearance, and as the child matures, the color may deepen to a dark red or purplish color. The stained skin may be drier than the surrounding skin; however, there is rarely itching or bleeding associated with the stain.

While port wine stains are typically harmless, they can be associated with syndromes involving the blood vessels. Therefore, it’s essential to have your child evaluated by a dermatologist or medical professional to rule out any underlying conditions.

There are several treatment options available for port wine stains, including laser therapy. Laser treatments may help fade the birthmarks over time, but it’s important to understand that complete removal may not be possible. Monthly treatments are needed with the pulse dye laser (Vbeam laser). The area of treatment can turn dark purple, which may take up to two weeks to resolve. Dr. Rokhsar is considered an international authority on laser treatment of port wine stains. A consultation with Dr. Cameron Rokhsar can help determine the best treatment options for you or your child.