“Birthmarks” come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Red birthmarks are typically port-wine stains that can be treated very effectively in our NYC and Brooklyn locations with the pulse dye laser. This technology emits a frequency of light absorbed by the color red. Rapid heating of capillaries causes these blood vessels to shrink from the skin’s surface, thereby lightening its appearance. Dark red or purplish lesions take 5-8 sessions, while lighter red lesions may only require 3.
It surprises many of our patients to learn that birthmark treatment is usually covered by most commercial insurers. Light or hypopigmented birthmarks are more challenging to treat and may require surgical excision when cosmetically undesirable. Brown or black birthmarks can be treated with our Q-switched Nd-Yag laser in order to lighten them. In this instance, the laser’s target is pigment instead of capillaries. 3-5 sessions can make this type of birthmark fade quickly without a scar!
