Laser and IPL treatment of port-wine stains: therapy options, limitations, and practical aspects

Port-wine stains (PWS) are congenital, progressive vascular malformations of the dermis that are often disfiguring, particularly when located in a cosmetically relevant area. Thus, the successful clearance of PWS is of highest medical relevance, and laser therapy is the treatment of choice for this indication. Numerous trials have shown the effectiveness of both lasers and incoherent light sources. Laser or IPL treatments achieve good clearance in the majority of PWS, but complete clearance is rare. Thus, new therapeutic options are urgently required. Photodynamic therapy is a relatively new approach in the treatment of PWS. Our review aims to summarize therapy options of port-wine stains, depending on treatment area, patient age, and vessel architecture. Recent developments in this field and new insights into the pathogenesis of PWS are discussed. The review also highlights practical aspects, complications that can occur, and how to prevent them.