Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is a non-invasive skin treatment for port-wine
stain birthmarks, rosacea, scars, sun damage, spider veins, and warts. The
pulsed dye laser specifically targets the red protein hemoglobin in your blood without
damaging the surrounding tissue. Treatment is quick, doesn’t require
anesthesia, and most people will see results after one to three treatments.
How pulsed dye laser treatment is performed
Pulsed dye laser treatment is a quick outpatient procedure
that doesn’t require anesthesia.
You will be given protective goggles and the PDL hand piece
will be passed over your skin. Most PDL devices have a built in function that sprays
a cooling mist on your skin before each laser pulse to make the treatment more
comfortable. The laser pulse will feel like a rubber band snapping against your
skin, but it isn’t painful.
Recovery and results
You may have some mild redness, pain, or
bruising for about two days after treatment, and most people will heal
completely by one week. It’s important that you apply sunscreen and moisturizer
to the treatment area. You may need multiple sessions for best results,
depending on the condition being treated. Darker skin markings like port-wine
stain birthmarks may require three or more sessions. Read More