Birthmarks

Red birthmarks are caused by an excess of blood vessels near the surface of the skin, which can vary from pale pink to dark purple. These include port wine stains, strawberry birthmarks, haemangiomas and spider veins. Further red marks or blemishes can occur later in life, such as thread veins or broken veins - and even red scars and red stretch marks.

Birthmark removal treatment

Laser therapy works by matching the colour of the laser light to the colour of the unwanted birthmark or blemish. The laser energy is delivered in a series of extremely brief pulses, which over a series of treatments – breaks down the red colouring in the skin. As each laser pulse is extremely brief there is no build up of heat energy in the skin. This ensures minimum interference with the structure of the skin.

Most patients are happy to have birthmark removal treatment without the use of anaesthetic creams. Patients often describe the treatment as being like a rubber band flicking against the skin, or even a pin prick. For those patients with sensitive skin, or undergoing treatment in sensitive areas, an anaesthetic cream can be used.

Possible complications of birthmark treatment

Most patients will experience a positive, temporary reaction to the treatment, illustrating that the laser therapy is effectively breaking down the unwanted colour in the skin. This reaction can take the form of bruising, whitening or crusting of the treated area. This reaction will disappear, taking with it some or all of the colouring of the unwanted birthmark or blemish.

Because of the precise nature of laser treatment, complications are uncommon. However, the laser can stimulate more pigment in the skin like an exaggerated tan - hyperpigmentation. This always fades. Less commonly, more pigment than is desired is removed leaving a paler area – hypopigmentation. Scarring is very unusual and if it occurs is usually seen as tiny depressions in the skin.

Are there any after effects of birthmark treatment?

A skin test prior to treatment will check for any adverse reactions. After treatment you may experience a little bruising but this will fade along with your blemish.

After care

After laser treatment, patients may bathe normally but should avoid traumatising the treated area until the reaction has faded. Patients should avoid over exposure to the sun and sun beds. Use of a UVA-UVB sun block of a minimum SPF 30 is strongly recommended for up to six months after treatment. This can be obtained from your nearest sk:n clinic.