The Laser Unit at the Salford Royal Dermatology Centre has a Candela 595nm Pulsed Dye Laser.
Treatments are administered by experienced medical staff who are fully trained in the use of lasers.
Which conditions can be treated?
We can treat red birthmarks e.g. port wine stain, some telangiectasia (fine facial veins) and some other conditions where there are abnormal blood vessels in the skin including generalised essential telangiectasia, some haemangiomas, radiation telangiectasia, reticulate vascular naevus, angiofibroma’s, inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal naevi, and ectodermal hypoplasia (Goltz syndrome)
How does the laser treatment work?
The lasers produce an intense yellow light which is absorbed preferentially by red blood cells inside blood vessels. This produces thermal (heat) energy which damages the blood vessels.
The surrounding tissue absorbs hardly any of the laser beam and is not usually affected. This means the risk of scarring is very low.
The risk of damage to the surrounding skin is minimised by using a cryogenic spray (cold spray) to freeze the surface of the skin a fraction of a second before the laser treatment.
What are the benefits of laser treatment?
Port Wine Stains
About 80% of port wine stains can be improved by laser treatment. The response to treatment depends on the colour, depth, age and position of the port wine stain.
Telangiectasia
Thread veins on the face and nose usually respond well and &) % clearance is achievable with several treatments
Other Lesions
The response of other lesions is variable. If the initial results are good, treatment will be continued until there is no further improvement.
What happens when I come for treatment?
You will be treated in a designated laser heater and will have to wear protective eyewear.
You may have test patches performed or have a full treatment depending on your condition.
The Laser pulse stings each time it impacts on the skin and many pulses are needed to cover large areas. In most cases no anaesthetic is needed but if skin is very sensitive local anaesthetic or anaesthetic cream will be offered.
Treatments are repeated at eight to twelve weekly intervals and the number of treatments required varies widely.
Small areas may just need one or two treatments and large lesions may require six to twenty treatments.
What happens after treatment?
Immediately after treatment the skin will turn purple and may be swollen. Any treatment near the eye may cause swelling and temporary closure of the eyelids. The discoloration of the skin fades over one or two weeks.
What are the risks of treatment?
The commonest side effect is a temporary change in the colour of the treated skin which can last for several months. Some people develop pale areas and others light to dark brown discolouration depending on the skin type. These changes are more common after sun exposure or in those with pigmented skin. It is recommended that you use a high factor sunscreen (SPF 30) during the summer months. Occasionally the skin can blister and form crusts after treatment. These changes resolve with good skin care and frequent application of moisturisers or antiseptic cream. There is a small risk of scarring but fortunately this is rare.
What if it does not work?
Not everyone will have a good response to laser treatment. If you do not have a good response to treatment or experience side affects you will be reviewed by your consultant.
If you do not feel like you are making good progress or that there are side effects the clinician will be able to discuss with you whether to continue the treatment.
Recommended precautions prior to treatment
- Avoid getting a suntan
- No sunbathing
- No sunbeds
- Do not apply fake tan
- Make sure your doctor knows if you have a medical condition
Dr J.E Ferguson - Consultant Dermatologist
Prof V Madan - Consultant Dermatologist
Dr F Kreeshan - Consultant Dermatologist
Dr C Kwok - Consultant Dermatologist
Dr R Bhutani - Consultant Dermatologist
Secretary’s phone numbers - 0161 206 2479/0523
Date of Review: August 2025
Date of Next Review: August 2027
Ref No: PI_M_2150 (Salford)