Number 3 Pigment & Lesion Disorders

B. Birthmarks & Congenital Lesions

Number 1 Skin Cancer & Pre-Cancer Care
Number 1 Medical Dermatology
(Chronic & Inflammatory Skin Diseases)
Number 3 Pigment & Lesion Disorders

A. Acquired Pigment Disorders

B. Birthmarks & Congenital Lesions

Number 4 Non-Cancer Growth
Number 5 Surgical Dermatology (Non-Cancer Procedures)
Number 6 Cosmetic Dermatology
Port Wine Stains PDF

• Port Wine Stains

(Capillary malformations / vascular birthmarks)

What Is a Port-Wine Stain?

A port-wine stain (also called a capillary malformation) is a flat, pink-to-red/purple birthmark caused by dilated capillaries (tiny blood vessels) in the skin. Port-wine stains are usually present at birth and do not fade away on their own.

Over time, some port-wine stains can:

  • darken (more red/purple)

  • become thicker or develop bumpy “cobblestoning” in adulthood

Port-wine stains are not contagious and are not caused by infection.

Where Do Port-Wine Stains Occur?

They can occur anywhere, but are common on:

  • Face

  • Neck

  • Arms/legs

  • Trunk

Why We Evaluate Port-Wine Stains Carefully

Most port-wine stains are isolated skin findings. However, some facial port-wine stains—especially involving the upper forehead/around the eye region—can be associated with eye risks such as glaucoma and (less commonly) Sturge–Weber syndrome.

If a port-wine stain involves the forehead/upper eyelid area, we may recommend coordination with ophthalmology for appropriate screening.

Treatment Options

1. Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)

PDL is considered the standard (“treatment of choice”) for most port-wine stains. Multiple sessions are typically needed, and improvement is usually gradual rather than immediate.

What to expect:

  • Lightening often occurs over a series of treatments (not one visit)

  • Some stains lighten significantly; complete clearance is less common

2. Other lasers (selected cases)

If a port-wine stain doesn’t respond well to PDL, other vascular lasers may be considered.

3. Skin care and camouflage

Some patients also choose:

  • Color-correcting makeup

  • Sun protection to reduce darkening and contrast

Pre-Op Instructions (Before Laser Treatment)

(Not surgery—these are “before your appointment” tips.)

  • Avoid sunburn/tanning before treatment (tanned skin increases risk of side effects).

  • Tell us if you:

    • have a history of easy bruising

    • take blood thinners or aspirin/NSAIDs (do not stop prescribed meds unless your prescribing clinician says so)

    • get cold sores (if treatment is near lips—preventive medication may be advised)

  • Arrive with clean skin (no heavy creams, oils, or makeup on the area unless instructed).

  • If treating a child: plan comfort measures and follow age-appropriate guidance from your care team.

Post-Op Instructions (After Pulsed Dye Laser)

After PDL, it is common to have:

  • Redness and swelling

  • Bruising/purple discoloration (purpura) that can last about 1–2 weeks

Care at home

  • Use cool compresses if swollen or warm.

  • Clean gently; avoid scrubs or exfoliants until healed.

  • Apply a bland moisturizer (as directed).

  • Avoid hot showers/saunas/excess heat for 24–48 hours if you swell easily.

  • Sun protection is essential while healing.

Call the office if

  • You develop blistering, significant crusting, increasing pain, pus/drainage, or fever (rare but important).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are port-wine stains dangerous?

Usually no. Most are benign skin findings. Certain facial patterns (especially involving the forehead/eye area) may require eye screening for glaucoma.

Typically, no—port-wine stains do not naturally disappear and may darken over time.

For most patients, pulsed dye laser (PDL) is the standard treatment.

It varies widely. Many people require multiple treatments to achieve meaningful lightening.

Patients often describe it like a quick rubber-band snap. Numbing options and comfort strategies can be discussed, especially for sensitive areas or children.

Purpura is bruising from the treated blood vessels—it’s a common, expected effect with many PDL settings and usually fades within 1–2 weeks.

Yes. Some can thicken or develop bumps/nodules over time, which is one reason some patients choose earlier treatment.

It depends on location, symptoms, and insurance policies. We can help document medical considerations when appropriate, but coverage varies.