Argon laser treatment of port-wine stains: A report of 321 cases from China

Abstract

This paper describes the treatment of port-wine stains in 321 patients, by using the argon laser. A power of 1.0–1.5 W on a spot of 1.2–2.0 mm diameter was used freehand, and with continuous exposure the lesions were ‘painted’ until blanching was achieved. In all cases test patches were done, and were assessed after three months. Fair to excellent results, in which the colour of the lesion was reduced without scar formation, were achieved in 79% of patients. A poor result was achieved in the remainder, in whom there was either scar formation or no significant reduction in colour of the birthmark. Scarring occurred in 29 patients, pigmentation in eight and skin atrophy in six. Immediate and delayed histological effects were also observed. As reported in published work, the best results were obtained in older patients with darker marks. The need for better prediction of results and improved techniques is stressed.