The Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York under the direction of Dr. Roy Geronemus has begun a clinical study utilizing a new treatment for port wine stains combining two different technologies. 

Historically, pulsed dye laser treatments have been proven to be effective in diminishing or clearing a PWS. The difficulty lies in the number of treatments needed as well as limited efficacy with a thicker PWS. We continue to search for better solutions by examining new technology.

One new energy device that has demonstrated some early promise is fractional radiofrequency. This device, EMatrix (Syneron company, Yosheam Israel) was FDA approved for cosmetic purposes. However, during recent investigative treatments performed at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York by Dr. Lori Brightman, we noted an unexpected finding, reduction in blood vessels in the treated areas. Since PWS are composed of blood vessels, we theorized that we can apply this same device to a PWS.

Some preliminary treatments with EMatrix on PWS have shown promise. We have even begun combining pulsed dye laser treatments with fractional radiofrequency treatments to examine if we are able to gain an even greater result than either treatment could achieve alone. We have initiated a formal clinical trial to study these potential new treatments. We are hopeful that our pursuit of new treatments for PWS will prove fruitful for our patients. Interested patients may contact  the research department at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York at 212-686-7306.