Background: Approximately 50-75% lightening of port-wine stains is achieved within two to three treatments with pulsed dye laser therapy, but the incidence of complete clearing is variable.
Objective: This study was designed to: 1) assess the ability of continued repetitive pulsed dye laser treatments to further lighten persistent port-wine stains; 2) evaluate the factors contributing to the resistance of port-wine stains to laser therapy; and 3) determine the relative risk of adverse effects following repetitive treatments to the same area.
Methods: A retrospective photographic analysis was performed of 69 patients that failed to achieve greater than 75% lesional lightening within nine treatment sessions. The percentage improvement was assessed by comparing the degree of lightening at the last treatment to that of the midway point of treatment.
Results: Significant improvement in port-wine stain lightening, from the midway to last treatment, was seen in patients who had 10-25 repetitive treatments.
Conclusion: Repetitive treatments with the pulsed dye laser can lead to improvement in the overall lightening of persistent port-wine stains without an increased risk of adverse effects.