Birthmarks
Birthmarks range from flat brown patches to red vascular marks. Many can be lightened, and the right treatment depends on what the mark is made of.
About birthmarks
Pigmented birthmarks, such as café-au-lait spots, contain extra melanin. Vascular birthmarks, such as port-wine stains, are made of small blood vessels. Each type responds to different lasers.
Some birthmarks change over time or are linked to other conditions, so they are assessed carefully before cosmetic treatment.
- Red, pink or purple flat marks
- Brown or tan patches present since early life
- A mark that has changed in size, colour or texture
- A mark that bothers you cosmetically
Consultation, treatment and follow-up
Assessment
A physician examines the skin, asks about history and triggers, and confirms what the concern actually is before any treatment is suggested.
A plan and a cost
Options are explained with realistic expectations and limits. Where treatment is cosmetic, the full cost is quoted before anything is booked.
Follow-up
Progress is reviewed at an interval suited to the condition, and the plan is adjusted if the skin does not respond as expected.
Where treatment is cosmetic, cost depends on the treatment, the area and the number of sessions, so it is quoted at consultation once a plan exists. Results vary between individuals.
Related treatments and conditions
Vascular and pigmented lesions
Red spots, broken vessels, brown spots and similar marks are common and usually benign.
Read moreVBeam®
VBeam® is a pulsed dye laser that targets redness and blood vessels.
Read morePicoWay®
PicoWay® is a picosecond laser that breaks up pigment with ultra-short pulses.
Read moreBirthmarks: frequently asked questions
Can a birthmark be removed completely?
Some lighten significantly, while others improve only partly. A physician will give you a realistic expectation after assessing it.
Is it safe to treat a birthmark with laser?
When the device is matched to the type of mark and your skin type, laser is a common treatment. The mark is assessed first.
Book a consultation at Fountain
A physician examines the area you're concerned about, explains which treatments can help and what they cost, and tells you when treatment isn't worth it.