Port Wine Stains
A port wine stain is a red or purple area caused by increased blood flow just beneath the skin’s surface. Tiny blood vessels under the skin can normally narrow (constrict) or widen (dilate) depending on temperature. In port wine stains a genetic abnormality causes the blood vessels to remain dilated resulting in a permanent localised blush. Most occur on the face but any area can be affected. It is a genetic abnormality that affects 3 in 1000 people.
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Before treatment
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After treatment
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Cambridge Skin and Laser Clinic recommend the Pulsed dye laser as an effective treatment method to significantly reduce the unwanted appearance of Port Wine Stains.
Our expert medical team has in excess of 15 years laser experience and have completed more than 40,000 successful treatments. Rest assured you are in safe hands. All procedures at Cambridge Skin & Laser Clinic are performed by fully qualified doctors and nurses. We do not employ therapists or technicians to operate our laser systems. To ensure the highest ethical standards are maintained at all times, staff at Cambridge Skin and Laser Clinic are never offered bonus incentives to sell treatments.
All consultations are free of charge so why not call our team of experts today?
How does the treatment work?
Cambridge Skin and Laser Clinic recommend the pulsed dye laser to specifically target excess blood (haemoglobin) in the skin without damaging the surrounding tissue. The light energy is absorbed by the blood inside the vein, heating up the vessel wall, which collapses and then dissolves.
How effective is laser treatment?
Port wine stains vary considerably and do not always respond to laser treatment in a predictable manner. The treatment works best on the face but may not clear the port wine stain completely.
How many treatments are needed?
We recommend 4 to 10 sessions at 8 weekly intervals to achieve optimal results. The treatment is moderately painful but made more tolerable with topical anaesthetics and by cooling the skin’s surface during the procedure.
Are there any side effects?
The main side effect is bruising in the form of round purple spots (5mm in diameter) that fade after 7 to 10 days. Occasionally blistering and mild crusting occurs, this settles in a few days. Long term side effects such as pigment change and scarring are rare.
Who performs the treatment?
All procedures at Cambridge Skin & Laser Clinic are performed by fully qualified doctors and nurses. We do not employ therapists or technicians to operate our laser systems.
Is laser treatment safe?
There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest laser treatment can lead to skin disorders or increase the risk of skin cancer. Our laser centre is registered with the Healthcare Commission ensuring the highest level of safety for our patients. Our lasers are cleared by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have full CE clearance for Europe.
| PRICE PER SESSION: | |
| Cambridge Skin and Laser Clinic can advise you on the right treatment for your skin. Prices start from £85 per session. Call now to arrange a free consultation with our experts. |
Please Note: Prices quoted are per session and are an approximate guide only. If you require a more accurate pricing prior to consultation, please contact us directly. Although laser treatment may seem expensive, one must bear in mind the enormous acquisition and maintenance costs of the laser devices.
I have had 4 treatments for rosacea and so far I have found the results very good. There has been a significant reduction in redness, visible veins and flushing is now very minimal. I have found everybody at the clinic very friendly and Dr Holt has been very good at explaining the treatments and effects and answering any questions I have had.
GV
I tried laser treatment again for my Port Wine Stain.
I decided I needed to give myself a present, I searched the internet on my computer for laser cosmetic surgery and found Mr Holts clinic nearby.
There was a deep red blemish on my left cheek, which came in my forties and deepened over the years, about the size of a half a sixpence. I had had injection treatment and some laser treatments in the past, one at a demonstration of a new laser arriving over 20 years ago, which had reduced the appearance, but the red area gradually came back. I still used a make up stick to hide the red blemish.
After one laser treatment, Mr Holt suggested using a pulsed dye laser which would penetrate deeper into the skin, he used this on two treatments you wear eye shields, a quick flash, a sharp prick, its over, then the area is chilled – done.
Later over a few days a burn mark appears, this fades away, don’t touch it don’t cover it, only fresh water near it. It doesn’t hurt you know its there – but then the tenderness gradually fades away.
Thirty five years and now the red mark on my cheek is gone. I can find a shadow in my skin a month later where it was, but no one else can. It was easy, I am happy that was a good present to myself. Thank you Mr Holt.
Ellen from Surrey
Having just completed my final treatment, I am extremely happy with the results.
With the aim of removing a red birthmark I had on my torso, I arranged an initial consultation at CSL whereby the procedure was explained to me in clear concise yet simple to understand terms. I was given an approximate time span so that I knew the idea of pricing.
For others in a similar situation, I highly recommend arranging an initial consultation to see what options are available.
Shaun from Suffolk