Use of Lasers to Treat Port Wine Stain Birthmarks

Abstract

Before the development of the laser there was no effective treatment for port wine stain birthmarks. This review considers the basic principles of laser-tissue interaction as applied to port wine stain treatment. Developments leading to the theory of selective photothermolysis and its implementation using pulsed dye lasers are described. Treatment results and recent developments in the field are discussed.

Keywords:

• Port wine stains
• Selective photothermolysis
• Pulsed dye laser