Less than 1% of newborns are afflicted with Port-wine stains. These "birthmarks" are caused by a malformation of tiny blood vessels in the upper dermis and can cause both medical and psychological trauma. Fortunately, scientists and physicians have worked together to define treatments to alleviate or limit these maladies. By doing so many of those afflicted can live happy, normal lives; however, the sooner the treatment occurs the better.

Many physicians today, believe it very important to begin treatment as soon as three weeks from birth. The reasons for such early treatment are many. Some PWS may involve nerves controlling vision, facial features, the spinal cord, respiration and finally brain function. Early treatment can improve the responsiveness and thus decrease the number of treatments. These instances do not include the possible psychological damage caused by society. Many children with PWS are subjected to taunts and teasing, resulting in the formation of different personality traits (introverted, shy, etc.) than they might have originally developed. In recent years children have been the primary patients in the treatment of PWS, however, adults can also benefit. Older patients may require more treatments, but the results can be equally gratifying.

When people hear the term "laser", many will automatically think of "Star Wars" or something similar, unfortunately this isn't the case and people are usually surprised in how lasers actually work. The "laser" is simply a pulse of a specific wavelength or color of light. In the case of Candela's VBeam, a Flash Lamp Pulsed Dye laser, that color is yellow. The yellow light is attracted to a specific chromophore or target and heats it. The target in this case would be the oxygen in the blood. When the oxygen absorbs the yellow light it coagulates inside the capillary and prevents the flow of any more blood. The patient usually feels a "rubber band like snap" on the skin and possibly a warming sensation. Once the blood inside the vessel is coagulated it leaves a dark blue or purple color on the affected area of skin. This is called "purpura" and will last from one to two weeks. Some physicians will describe it as a bruise but it will not usually change colors from black to yellow or green. The "purpura" usually fades over the next 14 days.

Patients considering treatment should prepare themselves for a few possible side effects before undergoing treatment:

1. Suntanned patients should not be treated until the tan fades in order to avoid blistering, hypo pigmentation and delayed efficacy. Self tanning creams should be removed prior to treatment.
2. Patients on daily aspirin therapy, iron supplements, anticoagulants, or herbal supplements (gingko, garlic, and ginseng) may bruise more readily.
3. Remove all substances from the intended treatment area including: makeup, lotions, ointments, self tanning creams, perfumes, and deodorants. Treating through these products may induce epidermal damage.
4. Topical anesthetics can be counterproductive because they can be vasoconstrictive. Children 8 years and younger can be sedated by an anesthesiologist.
5. It is very important to avoid premature sun exposure since hyper pigmentation may occur.
6. Swelling may occur following a treatment but should resolve within 24-48 hours. Cold compresses will decrease discomfort and swelling.
7. However slight, there is a risk of blistering and crusting. If this occurs, apply an ointment to keep the area moist and it's very important not to scratch or pick.

Results may vary from patient to patient, from young to old, and multiple treatments are very common. Darker skinned patients will require more treatments than fair skinned patients to accomplish similar results. Responsiveness also depends on the area being treated. PWS near the middle of the face fade less than those areas around the eyes, ears, or forehead. Other areas of poor response include the hands and feet and may be related to the effects gravity has on circulation.