Birth Marks (Brown and Red)

The most common types of vascular birthmarks are port-wine stains (PWS) and hemangiomas. Port-wine stains are reddish or purplish marks on the skin that develop as a result of malformed blood vessels that stay dilated (open) all the time. About 3 in 1,000 people are born with port–wine stains, which appear most commonly on the face and upper body. The marks tend to darken and even thicken with age. Their surface can become uneven and bumpy, and may bleed easily.

Birthmark Treatments

Lasers have made a huge impact on treating port–wine stains, as they can destroy blood vessels near the skin without significantly damaging the skin itself. Laser treatment of PWS is FDA approved. Treatment should begin as early as possible for best results. Multiple sessions are required. Our practice has several lasers that are beneficial for the treatment of vascular birthmarks.

Pigmented birthmarks or café au lait spots are common in newborns. Nevus of Ota is a blue-black birthmark seen at birth or during the first few years of life. Laser technology has revolutionized the treatment of these birthmarks. Most lesions can be treated with our long pulsed GentleLase Alexandrite or Q-Switched ND-YAG lasers.