Port-wine Stain
Your Questions Answered
- What is port-wine stain?
- What causes port-wine stains?
- What is the treatment for port-wine stains?
- Does the injection hurt?
- How many treatments will I need?
- Is there any downtime?
- Who performs the treatment?
- What happens now?
What is port-wine stain?
A port-wine stain is a red or purple mark on the skin and is usually present from birth. Mostly it will occur on the face but any area of the skin could be affected. Port-wine stains vary in size from a few millimeters across to many centimeters.
Apart from their appearance, no other symptoms or problems occur in most cases.
About 3 in 1000 babies are born with a port-wine stain. They are not hereditary and affect both males and females.
What causes port-wine stains?
A port-wine stain is caused by the underlying blood vessels (capillaries) being permanently dilated (wide). The reason why this occurs is thought to be due to a damaged or faulty nerve supply to the affected blood vessels. The nerve impulses that make the blood vessels narrower are lost so they then stay wide all the time. It is like a permanent localised blush.
If left untreated, port-wine stains tend to darken over the years. The overlying skin is smooth and flat at first, but by middle age it can become thickened and lumpy.
What is the treatment for port-wine stains?
Occasionally, port-wine stains improve and fade without treatment, particularly when the forehead and eyelids are affected. If not, a laser treatment is usually the best choice for port-wine stains, depending on its size and location.
At The Private Clinic we use the latest laser technology form Cutera – the Limelight – which can treat a full face in just 30 minutes as opposed to over 45 minutes required with older technologies.
A special fine laser is used to destroy the tiny widened blood vessels. Treatment tends to work best on smaller port-wine stains of the face and less well on the arms and legs. Generally, the paler the port-wine stain, the greater the chance of excellent results.
After a consultation with a doctor the treatment option to suit you will be discussed.
Does the injection hurt?
Our patients report mild discomfort. Local anesthetic can be applied to easy the discomfort.
How many treatments will I need?
For the best results, we usually recommend a course of at least six treatments.
Is there any downtime?
No, but you should avoid sun exposure for 24-48 hours and moisturise the treated area. There might be some slight reddening of your skin in treated area immediately after the procedure, but this should disappear rapidly.
Who performs the treatment?
Our treatments are carried out by nurses and laser practitioners who are amongst the most experienced in the Country in the use of lasers.
What happens now?
We offer no obligation consultations in London and Birmingham. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about what you want to achieve and for you to ask any questions you may have. As well as talking you through your treatment options, our friendly staff will give you more information on the treatment process and what you can expect as a patient of The Private Clinic.
You can book your consultation online or call 0800 599 9911
