VASCULAR LESIONS

OVERVIEW

Vascular lesions are abnormal growths or visible changes in blood vessels that appear on or beneath the skin. They may present as red, purple, or blue spots, patches, or raised growths and can be present at birth or develop over time.

Most vascular lesions are benign, but their appearance, location, or symptoms may prompt medical evaluation. Some lesions are primarily cosmetic, while others may bleed easily, grow, or cause discomfort.

Laser therapy—particularly Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) and Nd:YAG laser treatments—plays an important role in the reduction or destruction of selected vascular lesions when medically appropriate.

COMMON TYPES OF VASCULAR LESIONS

Vascular lesions may include a wide range of conditions, such as:

Broken capillaries (telangiectasias)
Cherry angiomas (small red vascular growths)
Hemangiomas
Port-wine stains
Pyogenic granulomas
Poikiloderma
Vascular components of rosacea
Excessive facial redness or flushing
Certain vascular scars, including hypertrophic or keloid scars

Each lesion type varies in depth, size, blood flow, and behavior, which influences treatment selection.

EVALUATION AND DIAGNOSIS

Proper diagnosis is essential before any laser or procedural treatment is recommended. Vascular lesions may resemble other skin conditions, and some require observation, biopsy, or alternative management.

Evaluation considers:

Lesion type and vascular characteristics
Depth of blood vessels
Location on the body
Skin type
History of growth, bleeding, or symptoms

Not all vascular lesions require treatment.

LASER TREATMENT OF VASCULAR LESIONS

Laser therapy works by selective photothermolysis, a process in which specific wavelengths of light are absorbed by hemoglobin within blood vessels. This targeted absorption causes controlled vessel damage, leading to vessel collapse and gradual clearance while minimizing injury to surrounding skin.

PULSED DYE LASER (PDL)

Pulsed Dye Laser has been considered a gold standard for treating many superficial vascular lesions for decades. PDL uses wavelengths that are selectively absorbed by oxyhemoglobin, making it effective for:

Port-wine stains
Facial redness and flushing
Broken capillaries
Cherry angiomas
Certain hemangiomas
Vascular scars
Poikiloderma

PDL does not cause permanent hair reduction and is safe for use on most body areas, including hair-bearing skin.

Nd:YAG LASER

Nd:YAG laser uses a longer wavelength that penetrates deeper into the skin, making it useful for deeper or thicker vascular lesions that may not respond adequately to PDL alone.

Nd:YAG laser may be considered for:

Deeper vascular lesions
Larger or thicker angiomas
Certain resistant hemangiomas
Lesions with deeper blood supply

In some cases, PDL and Nd:YAG lasers may be used individually or sequentially, depending on lesion depth and response.

CONDITIONS THAT MAY BE TREATED WITH VASCULAR LASERS

Depending on diagnosis and clinical evaluation, vascular laser treatment may be considered for:

Broken capillaries
Cherry angiomas
Hemangiomas
Port-wine stains
Rosacea-related redness
Poikiloderma
Vascular scars (hypertrophic or keloid)
Pyogenic granulomas
Stretch marks with vascular components
Certain inflammatory or post-inflammatory redness patterns

Not all listed conditions are treated the same way, and not all patients are candidates for laser therapy.

TREATMENT COURSE AND EXPECTATIONS

Multiple treatment sessions may be required
Improvement is often gradual, not immediate
Temporary bruising or purpura may occur, especially with PDL
Redness, swelling, or discoloration may last several days

Treatment response varies based on lesion type, depth, and individual healing response.

SAFETY AND CONSIDERATIONS

Laser treatment is generally well tolerated when performed by an experienced physician using appropriate settings. However:

Not all vascular lesions should be treated with laser
Some lesions may recur or require maintenance
Individual risks vary based on skin type and lesion characteristics

Careful evaluation and appropriate laser selection are critical for safe outcomes.

Evaluate Vascular Skin Changes

Dr. Jozef Tryzno, MD, has extensive experience in the evaluation and laser-based treatment of vascular lesions using PDL and Nd:YAG laser technologies. Treatment plans are individualized based on diagnosis, lesion characteristics, and patient-specific factors.

📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to schedule a dermatology evaluation.

Medical Disclosure
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a personalized medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations vary based on individual findings. Outcomes may vary, and no specific cosmetic or medical result can be guaranteed. Laser treatment may not be appropriate for all vascular lesions or all patients.

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