The Pulsed Dye Laser, or PDL, targets blood vessels in the skin with a concentrated beam of light. The light is transformed into heat, causing the blood artery to burst while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed. PDL treatments take only a few minutes.  Usually, there is no need for anesthesia because the machine emits a chilly mist shortly before the laser pulse, which reduces the sensation of discomfort.

 

Most patients will require between 1-3 treatments. Patients with port wine stains, hemangiomas, or severe rosacea may require further therapies. It may take several treatments to improve the appearance of red scars, hypertrophic scars, or keloids. As with any treatment, an incomplete response or recurrence is possible.