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Overview

Capillary malformations, or port wine stains, result from abnormally formed capillaries just under the skin. The tiny blood vessels dilate, making the extra blood appear initially as smooth and pink, then gradually turning to dark red or purple and often thickening with age. While port wine stains don’t generally pose health issues, patients who have cosmetic concerns may choose to treat CM with Dye VL (IPL), a safe, proven procedure that eliminates the blood vessels while leaving the surrounding skin intact.

Summary

Procedure time
A Few Minutes; Delivered Over Several Sessions
8062749
Hospital or In-Office
Outpatient/In-Office
Anesthetic
No Anesthetic Needed
Local anesthetic
Recovery time
Recovery time
Minimal

About Capillary Malformations

Capillary malformations or CMs are very common, occurring in 3 out of every 1,000 babies born. They happen because small blood vessels in the skin don't form normally before birth. These spots start out fairly flat but slowly thicken and darken over time.

CMs themselves are harmless and generally don't impact health or function. But when located on visible facial areas, they can attract attention and questions from others, resulting in confidence issues or social challenges with peers. 

 

While some smaller CMs fade on their own, deeper or more spread out CMs often persist without treatment. If this causes cosmetic concerns, you can pursue treatment with specialized laser therapy used to diminish thicker blood vessels causing the red color — a solution that can provide psychological and emotional benefits.

The doctors at The Plastic Surgery Center have extensive experience in treating patients of all ages for aesthetic concerns due to capillary malformations. Our team is here to help restore your appearance and confidence.

physician explaining chart to patient

Envision What’s Possible

Our experienced surgeons have helped many patients use laser therapy to treat capillary malformations. See their impressive transformations. 

Treating Capillary Malformations: Laser and IPL

Alma Harmony Dye VL — Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

At The Plastic Surgery Center, we offer the advanced Alma Harmony Dye-VL system to treat capillary malformations effectively without injuring surrounding healthy skin. This breakthrough device uses gentle pulses of optimized light energy to precisely target and fade skin imperfections.

The unique technology of the Dye-VL allows our providers to choose the best settings to customize a patient's therapy for the most effective treatment. The device’s high wavelength settings also help address vascular and pigmentary components of some capillary malformations.

Over a series of brief monthly sessions, the treated areas gradually shrink and fade away. During the rapid light pulses, children may experience a snapping sensation that only lasts an instant. If desired, we can use topical numbing creams to maximize comfort.

This non-invasive approach avoids incisions, sutures, or bandages, providing a revolutionary way to improve childhood vascular conditions.

Questions
about this procedure?

Our

Surgeons

At The Plastic Surgery Center, our team believes that every patient deserves to feel beautiful in their own way. We’re proud to use our extensive experience to perform advanced procedures that enhance confidence, bring out your gorgeous features, and provide results that you love.

Frequently Asked Questions About Capillary Malformations

What are capillary malformations?

Capillary malformations are very common flat, red birthmarks made up of dilated capillary blood vessels. They are sometimes referred to as capillary hemangiomas. These typically appear on the face or neck area.

What causes capillary malformations?

Capillary malformations are caused by abnormalities in blood vessels that are present at birth. The size and location is determined during fetal development. The exact reasons why capillary malformations form is unknown, though genetic factors may contribute.

Are capillary malformations dangerous?

While capillary malformations may grow proportionately to the child's development, they are benign. They represent a cosmetic issue rather than a medical issue. Most do not require any medical intervention unless they frequently become irritated or bleed excessively.

Are capillary malformations permanent?

Most capillary malformations persist indefinitely if left untreated. However, some smaller ones located off the central face area have been known to fade over time during child development in up to 10-15% of cases. Larger, thicker, darker red capillary malformations tend to persist into adulthood without treatment. 

Financing & Insurance

Concerned about costs and payment options for treating capillary malformations? Our staff will work with you to help you understand your insurance coverage, when relevant, as well as any financing opportunities for qualified patients. We understand your desire for beauty and comfort, and our team will support you however we can to make your treatment possible.

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Map of Locations

Laser Therapy in New Jersey

Shrewsbury 535 Sycamore Ave Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Flemington 194 NJ-31, Pavilion 2, Suite 102 Flemington, NJ 08822
Hackettstown 57 Route 46E, Suite 201 Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Lehigh Valley 1401 Fairmont Street Whitehall, PA 18052
Montclair 1 Bay Avenue, Suite 4 Montclair , NJ 07028
Phoenixville 826 Main Street, Suite 203 Phoenixville, PA 19460
Brick 74 Brick Boulevard, Building 4, Suite 205 Brick, NJ 08723
East Brunswick 192 Summer Hill Rd, Suite 201 East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Florham Park 83 Hanover Road, Suite 260 Florham Park, NJ 07932
Hopewell 2 Capital Way , Suite 390, 3rd Floor Hopewell, NJ 08534
New York City 635 Madison Ave, 14th Floor New York City , NY 10022
Bridgewater-Greymark 1200 US Route 22 East, Suite 19 Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Edison 102 James Street, Suite 202 Edison, NJ 08820
Freehold 3499 Route 9 North, Building 2, Suite 2C-2 Freehold, NJ 07728
Egg Harbor Township 4096 English Creek Ave Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Hackensack 20 Prospect Ave, Suite 903, 9th Floor Hackensack, NJ 07601
Montgomery 700 W Germantown Pike, Suite 200 Montgomery, PA 19401
Union 950 West Chestnut St, Suite 102 Union, NJ 07083
Marlton 11 Eves Drive, Suite 170 Marlton, NJ 08053
Linwood 222 New Road, Suite 6 Linwood, NJ 08221
Jersey Shore University Medical Center 19 Davis Avenue, 7th Floor Neptune City , NJ 07753
Phone
Paramus 305 Rt 17 South, Suite 3-100A Paramus, NJ 07652
Abington 2701 Blair Mill Road, Suite 10 Willow Grove, PA 19090
East Windsor 300B Princeton-Hightstown Road, #101 East Windsor, NJ 08512
Westwood 260 Old Hook Rd, Suite 304 Westwood, NJ 07675
Forked River 730 Lacey Road Lacey Township, NJ 08731
Cape May Court House 106 Court House South Dennis Road, Building 200, Suite 200 Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

Show Off Your Beauty

Take the first step toward greater comfort and confidence. Contact us today to learn more about our capillary malformation treatment.

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