Intense laser light has been used to treat vascular lesions for many years. A vascular lesion is an abnormal collection of small blood vessels at the surface of the skin, causing a visible spot or patch. The Cynosure Pulse Dye Laser can be used on port wine stains, red marks, hemangiomas, rosacea, spider veins and other vascular lesions of the skin.
The pulse dye laser functions by targeting the problem blood vessels while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. This laser uses energy that travels through the skin resulting in its absorption by the blood within the vessel. The resultant heat causes coagulation of the vessel thereby destroying its function. Over time, the body absorbs the vessel which then disappears.
On average, patients require two treatments spaced four weeks apart. However, patients with port wine stains or larger hemangiomas may require multiple treatments. There is some minor discomfort associated with the procedure, however, an air-cooling device is used to minimize this.