The Psychological Impact of Port Wine Stains

Port wine stains (PWS) are birthmarks caused by abnormal blood vessels in the skin. They appear as flat, reddish-purple patches and are present from birth.

While harmless in terms of physical health, they can become darker and more pronounced with age. Especially when the mark is in a prominent place like the face or neck, a PWS can present psychological challenges.

Many people with port wine stains learn to live with their ‘imperfection’.  They feel no need to seek treatment. Others, however, find the emotional and social impact can be significant.

Emotional and Social Effects

One of the most common issues reported by people with noticeable port wine stains is low self-confidence.

From a young age, children with port wine stains may be subject to teasing or unwanted attention. While this may diminish into adulthood, the impact can be sizeable. The feeling of standing out for the wrong reasons can sometimes lead to social anxiety and lack of self-esteem.

Comments from strangers – even well-meaning ones – can be difficult and exhausting to deal with. These types of interactions may lead people to avoid social situations, limit career opportunities, or withdraw from relationships due to embarrassment.

People with PWS might also experience some body image confidence problems. For example, they may spend extra time and money on makeup to conceal the birthmark, which can become a daily burden.

What can make matters worse is that port wine stains appear from a very early age to be permanent. The good news is that there are solutions if you have a PWS, the most common being laser therapy.

Treatment Options: Laser Therapy

One of the most effective treatments is laser therapy, specifically the Nd:YAG laser. This is a medical-grade laser that targets the abnormal blood vessels causing a port wine stain without damaging the surrounding skin.

It works by delivering pulses of light energy into the skin. This is then absorbed by the blood in the affected vessels which causes them to collapse and, over time, they gradually fade from view. A series of treatments is generally needed but, after several sessions, the port wine stain may become significantly lighter and less noticeable.

As with most solutions of this type, laser therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The number of treatments required will depend on the size, depth, and location of the port wine stain, as well as skin type. Some people see excellent results after a few sessions, while others may need a longer course of treatment.

Book an Appointment Today

At the London Vein Centre, we provide tailored laser treatments for individuals with port wine stains. All our cosmetic procedures are led by experienced doctors, ensuring a high standard of care and personal support throughout the process. Each case is carefully assessed to determine whether laser therapy is a suitable and safe option.

Laser therapy, particularly with the Nd:YAG laser, has helped many people regain their confidence by reducing the appearance of these marks.

Our doctor-led team is here to guide you through the options and help you take control of your skin with expert care. To find out if you are suitable for port wine stain treatment, book an appointment with the London Vein Centre today.

London Vein Treatment Centre

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offers spider vein and thread vein removal treatment at a choice of Vein Treatment Centres using medically proven techniques.

All thread vein treatments are carried out by skilled and experienced doctors.

For more information, please complete the form to the right hand side or call 020 7386 0464.