It is a device that is “tuned” to a specific wavelength of light. It produces a bright light that is absorbed by blood vessels.
The bright light destroys abnormal blood vessels without damaging the surrounding skin.
Show All- Telangiectasias (single dilated blood vessel in a lacy pattern on the skin)
- Port wine stains (birthmarks that darken and thicken as you get older)
- Hemangiomas (noncancer tumor of blood vessels)
Treatment is done in the operating room. An anesthesiologist will give your child medicine to make him or her sleepy. During the treatment, the doctor will hold a wand against the skin and “pulse” the laser. If the doctor is working on the face, the patient wears eye protection. Treatments take 5-10 minutes. Larger lesions may require repeated laser treatments.
The laser light feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin. There is often a tingling or burning sensation for up to 6 hours after the treatment.
Immediately after the treatment, a purple discoloration appears at the treatment site. This lasts for 7-10 days. As this color fades, the treated area may still look red, but will slowly fade to normal skin color over the next few weeks.
Crusting may develop in the first several days and last up to 2 weeks. Some patients may experience a temporary brown discoloration of the skin for several months.
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun in any area of the skin for 3 weeks before the treatment. Sunburn and suntan may absorb the laser light and make the treatment less effective. Treated skin may also be overly sensitive to the sun and should not be exposed for several months. It is a good idea to wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater.
- Avoid aspirin and aspirin-like products for 14 days before treatment
- You can put antibiotic ointment and a bandage on the site right after treatment.
- Bleeding from the area treated
- Fever over 101° F rectally or orally, or over 100° F under the arm
- Pain that does not go away with medication
- Skin blistering or any other concerning skin changes.
