Vascular Malformation

Vascular malformations are abnormal growths of either arteries, veins, lymphatic vessels and capillaries.   Port wine stain (see photos), is a capillary malformation, and may affect a significant area of the face.  Capillary malformations may be more receptive to laser surgery treatment, though many laser procedures are often required to see a benefit and relapse is unfortunately common.

Arterial malformations are often pulsatile and can be very difficult to treat as recurrence is common.  Surgical therapy is often combined with sclerotherapy (injections to clot off the feeding vessels) to help shrink the malformation and possibly reduce surgical bleeding.