Treatment of facial port-wine stains with intense pulsed light: a prospective study

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2008 Jun;7(2):127-31. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2008.00375.x.

Abstract

Background: Intense pulsed light (IPL) has been used for the treatment of port-wine stains for 10 years. There are many IPL systems that have different setting. Some of them have been reported in the treatment of fresh or laser-resistant port-wine stains localized in different body regions.

Objective: Our aim was to conduct a prospective trial to assess the effectiveness of Lynton (The Lumina Family of Medical Flashlamp Systems) of the IPL family in the treatment of fresh facial port-wine stains.

Material and methods: Twelve patients with facial and/or neck port-wine stains without previous treatment were enrolled in the trial. Patient demographics, treatment setting, outcome of clearing, and treatment complications were noted.

Results: The treatment intervals were 4 to 6 weeks for three to six treatment sessions. Moderate improvement (50-75%) was achieved in 47% of the patients. Complete clearing was seen in only one patient (8.3%) after four treatment sessions. Hypertrophic scar formation in two patients occurred after healing blister. Except for the side effects, long-term complications were not seen.

Conclusion: Moderate effectiveness was achieved with IPL treatment in the facial port-wine stains.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / etiology
  • Face / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neck / pathology
  • Phototherapy* / adverse effects
  • Phototherapy* / methods
  • Port-Wine Stain / pathology
  • Port-Wine Stain / therapy*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Skin / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome