Extended Application of Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser in the Treatment of Port Wine Stain Birthmarks with Hypertrophy: A Case Report.

Background

Conventional treatments of port wine stain birthmarks often do not achieve the desired outcome in patients with hypertrophy. Potential reasons include deeper and larger blood vessels, abnormal arrangement of blood vessels, and darker or thicker epidermis. However, these factors may not significantly limit the efficacy of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. The aim of this case report was to examine the extended application of fractional CO2 laser in treating patients with hypertrophic port wine stain birthmarks.

Methods

Two cases with hypertrophic port wine stain birthmarks treated with fractional CO2 laser for 5 years are described in this case report.

Results

When compared with conventional treatment, both cases reported better outcomes, including a reduced risk of infection, pigmentation, and scarring, a decrease of clinical erythema, and much less pain.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate that fractional CO2 laser has the potential to be an effective modality for the treatment of patients with hypertrophic port wine stains.