Vascular lesions.

Most cutaneous vascular abnormalities can be successfully, and in fact preferentially, treated with lasers. The field is evolving rapidly. It is important that the appropriate laser be used. In addition, many of the early references in this field are quite out of date. We are treating lesions at a much earlier age and our expectations are much higher. We expect the result to be virtually normal-looking skin with complete resolution of the problem. Capillary vascular malformations (port wine stain) are the most frequent indication for laser treatment in both children and adults. With the advent of the flashlamp pumped pulsed dye laser, these lesions can be treated in infancy and early childhood. This represents a significant breakthrough, because unlike with previous lasers, scarring is a rare side effect of treatment with yellow light lasers. The psychologic trauma of growing up with a facial deformity can be minimized with early treatment. It is hoped that the hypertrophy and permanent deformity associated with these lesions can be mitigated. The various lasers currently available to the plastic surgeon provide treatment options not previously available. Lasers are expected to play an increasing role in cutaneous abnormalities in the field of plastic surgery.