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Port Wine Stains / Vascular Birthmarks / Hemangiomas

Port Wine Stains (PWS)

Vascular birthmarks called port wine stains affect about 3 in 1,000 children and are typically present at birth. Unfortunately, if left untreated, these vascular lesions do not go away on their own and may darken and thicken over a lifetime. PWS birthmarks may even develop small vascular "bumps" within them, which may bleed.

Our dermatologists are highly experienced in providing pulsed dye laser treatment for PWS birthmarks in patients of all ages. At your initial appointment, your physician will explain our treatment approach. 

Most patients are treated within the Cosmetic Dermatology & Laser Center (CDLC) office, with treatment provided over a period of just a few minutes. For certain younger patients, we work with the Pediatric Anesthesia team to provide "pain-free" treatment under sedation in the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

Although treatment of port wine stains is encouraged as early in life as possible, it is never too late to minimize a PWS birthmark. Patients whose prior treatment was unsuccessful (perhaps from old style lasers and other therapies) may enjoy substantial benefits from current laser treatments.

Hemangiomas

Hemangiomas are vascular growths in skin that often grow quickly during infants' first six months of life. Because many small, noninvasive hemangiomas will shrink (involute) on their own, treatment is usually not necessary. If a hemangioma interferes with eating, breathing, vision, or otherwise impairs a child's development, specialized medical therapies are offered by Vascular Anomalies specialists at the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

In addition, Dr. Jennifer Mancuso and Dr. Jeffrey Orringer offer laser treatment for hemangiomas which bleed or develop open sores (ulcerated hemangiomas) in infants and children.

Make an Appointment

Ready to pursue treatment? Call 734-936-4054 to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists.