We have extensive laser experience and have provided laser services to our patients since 1985. We offer treatment for numerous conditions with lasers. Below we discuss some of the conditions that are easily treatable with the Cynosure PhotoGenica V, KTP Surgica K1, CO2 Laser and others. Hair removal is discussed elsewhere in the Alexandrite Hair Removal section.  Laser treatment of wrinkles, acne, acne scarring, stretch marks and Photofacials are discussed elsewhere in their respective sections as well. Photoderm VL/PL/HR IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment may also treat many of these problems and is discussed in the Photoderm section.

Port Wine Birthmarks

    Often an acute source of psychological stress, these lesions are present at birth and usually occur on the face or neck. If untreated, port wine birthmarks can deepen in color and increase in size and depth with age. They can become raised, increasing their susceptibility to abrasion, ulceration, bleeding, chronic infections and circulatory problems. Therefore, port wine birthmarks are best treated as early as possible.

    There are two phases to laser treatment. The first phase determines the proper laser energy to clear the lesion. This involves a test consisting of several laser pulses with differing energy density. At your next appointment, Dr. Sabean will evaluate which test spot shows the best results to determine the proper energy setting for your skin type. You will then be ready to begin your treatments.

    The use of the pulsed-dye laser causes bruising of the skin known as purpura, which lasts for about ten days. However, it is agreed throughout the medical community that when the purpura has faded, the pulsed-dye laser offers the most effective treatment available for port wine stains. The KTP Surgica K1 laser can also be used successfully for the treatment of port wine stains. It takes more time for a treatment than pulsed dye laser, but it does not cause bruising. It is also better suited for port wine stains that have thick areas or a predominantly purplish color.

    It is important to note that lasers do not always eliminate port wine birthmarks completely. In about 25% of patients, laser therapy will completely clear the lesion, while 75% will result in a dramatic improvement. For reasons that are not well understood, a small number of patients will not respond to laser treatment.

Hemangiomas

Hemangiomas are vascular malformations which appear like raised, red birthmarks. The majority occur in infants and young children. Most lesions resolve spontaneously by age 7. However, while most of these lesions are superficial, hemangiomas can spread rapidly, and be disfiguring and prone for ulceration, bleeding and infection. They can cause significant mental anguish for patients and their families. On occasion hemangiomas can be internal with life-threatening results if they interfere with the function of vital organs. Therefore, it is important that the nature of the lesion be determined early. Laser treatment should be considered at the earliest stages to arrest the progression of superficial hemangiomas, especially if they are in areas that might interfere with vision or breathing if they were to become bigger. These lesions may require many treatments.

Warts

Every year over 3.5 million people in the United States are treated for warts. Clinical studies have shown that laser treatment of recalcitrant (resistant) warts is successful even when treatment with acids, liquid nitrogen, chemical agents, CO2 lasers and surgical excisions have failed. In one study, over two thirds of the patients with recalcitrant warts had their warts successfully removed in as few as two treatments. In previously untreated warts, ninety per cent respond to pulsed dye laser treatment. In addition, patients benefit from the laser's easy treatment. Because there are no open wounds and minimal pain following the procedure (which is easily controlled with a few minutes of ice application), patients can resume their active lifestyles immediately, even when treating warts in very sensitive areas. The treated areas require no special treatment, can be exposed to water and usually do not have “open” areas during healing.
 

Pulsed-dye laser treatment works by selectively targeting and curtailing the blood supply which feeds the wart and helps stimulate your body's immune response to help "kill" the wart. Two to three weeks after treatment, the warty area separates from the dermis (the layer below the epidermis where the wart grows) and gradually sloughs off. Pulsed Dye laser treatment of warts sometimes requires more treatments than other methods for plantar warts, but unlike most other effective treatments, has little or no downtime.
 

Telangiectasia (Broken Capillaries) and Rosacea

Dramatic treatment for traumatic or post-surgical scars

Raised or hypertrophic scars, which are the result of traumatic injury, surgery, or radiation therapy are often associated with numerous unpleasant side effects. These include pain, burning, tingling, and intense itching within the scar itself.

Until the PhotoGenica V pulsed dye laser, there have been few treatments that effectively diminish the appearance and accompanying symptoms of scars. Not only does laser treatment significantly reduce the height and redness of scars, it actually improves the pliability of the scar and alleviates painful symptoms. Other treatments may be used in conjunction with laser therapy to enhance the benefit of the laser.

While results vary with the age and severity of the scar, prompt treatment helps return the skin to its normal color and texture in about one month.

Some excellent recent research has shown that NLite or Pulsed Dye laser treatment of post-surgical scars at low, non-bruising energy levels the day stitches come out and two and four weeks later significantly enhances the cosmetic appearance at six weeks compared to similar non-laser treated scars.

© 2006 Joel A. Sabean, M.D.  Privacy Statement  Disclaimer