Efficacy of Sequential Combination of Long-Pulsed Potassium Titanyl Phosphate 532-nm and Quasi Long-Pulsed 1,064-nm Nd:YAG Laser Therapy for Port-Wine Stain Treatment: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION

Port-wine stains (PWS), congenital vascular malformations affecting approximately 0.3-0.5% of live births, present as pink to red patches that darken and thicken over time, potentially leading to disfigurement, functional complications, and significant psychosocial distress. While pulsed dye lasers (PDLs) are considered the standard treatment, they often require multiple sessions and exhibit variable clearance rates. Alternative laser modalities, such as the 532-nm potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser, have shown promising results, particularly in PDL-resistant cases. However, managing complex PWS with diverse vessel calibers, hypertrophy, and scarring remains a challenge, highlighting the need for tailored treatment strategies.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 22-year-old female presented with a complex PWS affecting the V2 dermatome of the left hemiface, including the lower eyelid, inner canthus, and associated lip/gingival hypertrophy and scarring from previous surgical intervention. She underwent five monthly sessions of a novel sequential laser protocol. This protocol combined long-pulsed KTP 532-nm laser treatment with quasi long-pulsed 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser treatment to target both larger and smaller superficial vascular structures. In the final two sessions, ablative Er:YAG 2,940-nm laser treatment was added to address existing scars. Fluence and pulse duration were dynamically adjusted throughout the treatment course. Post-treatment care consisted of gentle skincare, emollients, and broad-spectrum sunscreen. The patient achieved significant lightening of the lesion, reduced vascular prominence and hypertrophy, improved facial symmetry, and softening of scars, with minimal and transient side effects.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates the potential of a tailored, sequential combination of long-pulsed KTP 532-nm, quasi long-pulsed 1,064-nm Nd:YAG, and ablative Er:YAG 2,940-nm lasers for effectively managing complex PWS with associated hypertrophy and scarring. This multimodal approach, adjusting parameters to target specific lesion characteristics, suggests a promising strategy for achieving superior esthetic and functional outcomes in challenging PWS cases and improving patient quality of life.