Treat Capillary Malformations With
Laser Therapy

Capillary malformations (CMs), commonly known as port wine stains, are permanent birthmarks on the face, neck, or scalp, appearing as red or purple spots that can grow larger and thicker over time. At The Plastic Surgery Center, we offer laser treatments to help your birthmark fade and deliver the aesthetic result you desire.

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

Hospital or In-Office

Outpatient/In-Office

No Anesthetic Needed

Local anesthetic

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.

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.

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.

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PHYSICIAN

Deborah Yu

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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Laser Therapy in New Jersey

Shrewsbury 535 Sycamore Ave Shrewsbury, NJ 07702

Treat Capillary Malformations WithLaser Therapy