Hemangiomas, either flat or textured, can be at the very least worrisome to the parents of a child suffering from it, and sometimes physically disfiguring. Surgery and steroids were the treatment options before the advent of pulsed dye laser therapy. The natural course of these lesions include an early growth phase to about 1.5 years, followed by a slowing and then involution phase. New research has shown that laser treatment as early as 3 months of age can result in a very fine cosmetic result, and avoids the stigmata that children can suffer during the school years. There is very little incidence of permanent color change or scarring, although these can occur. The average number of treatments may range from 5 to 8, with the most resolution coming in the first few treatments.

Fine blood vessels on the face are cosmetically unappealing and can be difficult to treat with conventional therapies. The light of the DIOLITE and pulse dye lasers pass right through the skin with very little damage, delivering their energy directly to the blood vessel. The light is magnetized to the red blood cell, and very little energy is leaked to the surrounding tissue. This decreases the chances of permanent color change and scarring. Most vessels are completely removed in one treatment, although more treatments may be necessary. Once the vessels are gone, they usually do not return; this treatment does not, however, keep you from getting others.

The sensation of the laser has been compared to the sting of a rubber-band snapping the skin, but can be uncomfortable. Children and infants will often be given something orally to relax them for the procedure. Adults are asked to use anesthetic cream to numb the area before the procedure. The Diolite laser leaves very little mark at the treated sites and you are able to return to work with out any special care or precaution. With the pulsed dye there will be bright bruise-like marks at every spot where the laser light is applied. A special green concealer and skin tone can be used to cover the marks until they have completely disappeared. This purpura is temporary and will fade over the next two to three weeks. There may be pinpoint bleeding or crusting after the procedure, leaving a faint darker redness or dark brown appearance at the site. This will resolve before your next visit. An SPF 15 sunblock should be used constantly, until everything has faded.