Birthmarks

Birthmarks may be noticed at birth or shortly after birth. Some birthmarks respond particularly well to laser treatment. The most common birthmarks are Naevus of Ota and red birthmarks such as Port Wine Stains and haemangiomas. Naevus of Ota is a greyish brown birthmark that presents at birth and grows with the child. Commonly found on the face, it is most commonly seen around the eye, temple and cheek. Port wine stains are reddish birthmarks which are caused by a collection of blood vessels in the skin. This can occur anywhere on the body, but it most often appears on the face. Port wine stains are usually red or purple in color, usually becoming darker with age.

Laser for Birthmarks

• Naevus of Ota is best treated with pigment lasers with a very short pulse width (Q-switched or picosecond lasers). Studies have supported the treatment of such birthmarks at an early age, to reduce the number of treatments required and to shorten the duration of treatment. There is a small risk of recurrence after a good result has been obtained. Sometimes hyper or hypopigmentation post laser may occur at the treated areas.
• Red birthmarks are best treated with vascular lasers such as the VBEAM laser. Early treatment in childhood when the birthmarks are lighter is recommended so that less number of treatments are required.