Vascular Birthmarks

Portwine Stains

Click on the Medical Magazine to view full article written by Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Edwin Williams.

Testimonials

Click here to view before and after pictures of the laser treatments used to treat port wine stains

Portwine stains are caused by abnormal clusters of capillaries in the skin resulting in a pink patch, most commonly in the head and neck region. Portwine stains are present at birth and if left untreated, the flat, pink discoloration will eventually become raised and dark red/purple. Portwine stains can even develop nodules and bleed.

Various lasers have been used over the years to prevent progressive darkening and thickening of portwine stains. The pulse dye laser is now considered the most effective tool for treating portwine stains and has been shown to be effective in children as well as adults.

Dr. Williams has dedicated almost two decades developing a patient-specific approach to managing portwine stains. Dr. Williams prefers to wait until a child reaches one year of age before initiating treatment of the portwine stain. A single treatment session usually treats the entire portwine stain and is done at our outpatient surgery center in Latham, New York. Typically multiple treatments are necessary to lighten the portwine stain and maintain the result.

If you or a loved one has a portwine stain, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Williams, a facial plastic surgeon who specializes in vascular birthmarks.

Click for more information about the Pulse Dye Laser from the Candella Corp.

Renowned Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Edwin Williams offers treatment for portwine stains. The recommended and usual course of treatments are personalized laser surgeries using a Pulse Dye Laser.

Click for more information about the Pulse Dye Laser.