Years ago, birthmarks were devastating because there was no treatment. However, laser light therapy is offering hope for many with the brown/black marks or vascular lesions (pink and red marks referred to as port wine stains or strawberry naevus). Laser light therapy effectively reduces the coloration of the birthmarks by as much as 90 percent. In addition, treatments are repeated until the patient achieves the appearance he or she seeks. The procedure is non-invasive and virtually painless.
Possible Side Effects of Light Therapy to Treat Birth Marks
As with all procedures, there are possible but rare side effects:
- Pain (mild to moderate)
- Swelling (mild to moderate)
- Bleeding
- Crusting
- Discoloration
- Infection
The patient will not see noticeable changes to the birthmark until up to several weeks after the light therapy. It is advised that the patient avoid sun exposure or tanning bed during recovery.
The Most Common Types of Lasers Used to Treat Birthmarks
- Q-Switched YAG Laser
- V-Beam Laser
- C02 Ablative Laser
- Gentle YAG Laser
Does the Laser Therapy Hurt?
Many patients say that having their birthmark treated with laser light therapy is similar to having a rubber band flicked against their skin’s surface. Adults do not usually find it extreme, but children may require anesthetic creams or even mild sedation to treat the birthmark.