Argon laser photocoagulation of port wine stain hemangiomas

A total of 66 patients with port wine stains is reported. All of these were tested and 46 patients treated (80 treatments). Good to excellent results (significant lightening of color and/or smoother texture of skin) was achieved in 74% of tests (0 scar) and in 82% of treatments (4.3% scar). Treatment results correlate well with test spots but vary somewhat as the lesions are not homogenous and skin textures vary. The lowest energy density commensurate with successful treatment should be used to reduce the incidence of scarring. Future methods of manipulating the PWS may make it possible to achieve better results with less scarring. Teenagers fared well in this series, while the problem of successful treatment in the young child remains unsolved.