Birthmarks
Birthmarks are among the most undertreated skin concerns simply because many patients assume nothing can be done. In reality, a wide range of birthmarks respond well to clinical treatment, with significant improvement achievable for both pigmented and vascular types.
About Birthmarks
Birthmarks are areas of discoloured skin that are present at birth or develop shortly after. They fall into two broad categories: pigmented birthmarks, caused by an excess of melanin-producing cells in the skin, and vascular birthmarks, caused by abnormal blood vessel development beneath the skin's surface.
Common pigmented birthmarks include cafe-au-lait spots, which appear as flat, light to medium brown patches, and congenital melanocytic nevi, or moles. Common vascular birthmarks include port wine stains, which appear as flat red to deep purple patches, and hemangiomas, which are raised red lesions that often appear in infancy.
The appropriate treatment depends entirely on the type, size, location, and depth of the birthmark. Some respond well to a single treatment course, while others require ongoing management. An assessment is the essential first step before any treatment is considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not all, but many can be significantly improved. The right approach depends on the specific type and characteristics of the birthmark, which we assess at your consultation before recommending anything.
Yes, especially when performed by a trained medical team using the appropriate treatment for the specific birthmark type. Different birthmarks require different approaches. At Lougheed Laser Centre, all treatments are performed by our professional team with a thorough assessment preceding every course of treatment.
It depends on the type. Some pigmented birthmarks respond well and do not recur significantly after treatment, while others are more persistent. We will give you a realistic expectation for your specific birthmark at your consultation.
When performed correctly with the appropriate approach and settings for your skin type and birthmark, scarring is rare. We will discuss any relevant risks at your consultation before treatment begins.
