Birth Marks

Birth marks are visible conglomerations of blood vessels in the skin. Most patients are born with these skin markings, however, some patients develop them following trauma to the skin. Terms that are commonly used for birth marks include haemangioma and port-wine stains. Laser therapy is aimed at closing down the offending blood vessels without causing damage to the surrounding skin. For a more detailed description of how lasers work please visit the page called Lasers .

Most patients with birth marks will achieve a significant improvement in their appearance with a reduction of the red and blue markings. Many treatments are often required due to the fact that the blood vessels in birth marks are arranged in many layers with some vessels present in the deep layers of the skin. Some blood vessels do not respond to initial laser therapy and may require multiple treatments. Finally, laser treatments may be limited by proximity to vital structures, such as the eye, laser therapy in these areas has to be performed very carefully.

The treatment process is quite simple: 

• Cold gel is applied to the treatment area.
• Metal shields are applied to protect the eyes.
• Anaesthetic is not required for the majority of patients.
• The treatment areas are treated with the lasers.
• The patient will experience some temporary burning and stinging sensations.
• A simple moisturiser is applied to the treated area 

Post treatment instructions:

• Most patients are fine.  Any redness and inflammation of the treated areas usually settles overnight.  Some patients find that the treated areas may become inflamed, may swell and may blister. 
• You can apply ice compresses to the treatment areas to speed up recovery and to make you more comfortable.  The most important thing to remember is to never apply ice directly to the skin because it can cause burning of the skin.  Always place a barrier between the ice and the skin.  A suitable barrier is a cloth like a tea towel.  Ideally the cloth should be lightly damp.  Place the ice or ice-pack inside the damp cloth and apply to the treatment areas for 5 to 10 minutes two to four times per day.  Apply ice compresses only if necessary, most people do not need them.
• Avoid heavy sun exposure and do not use soap on treated areas until the skin has settled completely. Avoid cleansers, toners, facials, chemical peels and heavy make-up until the skin has settled completely.
• Use a high quality moisturiser on the treated areas.  Take a multi-vitamin preparation.
• Always wait one full month to give the Laser treatment adequate time to work.
• Make an appointment for a follow up treatment.

Advantages of treatment:

• Treatments can be performed on a walk-in-walk-out basis
• Treatments result in no down time and no time off work 
• Treatments can be performed as many times as is required.
• Treatments probably do not damage the skin.

Disadvantages of treatment:

• It may not be possible to remove the birthmark completely.
• Treatments are not guaranteed.
• The number of treatments required can not be determined before treatment.
• The skin that contained the birthmark may be weaker and more easily damaged.
• The treatment area may be left paler than the surrounding skin.
• Life-long sun protection measures will be required on the treatment area.
• The treated areas may be at increased risk of skin cancer.

The fact that the treatment areas may be weaker, paler, more prone to sun-burn and skin cancer is almost certainly a feature of the skin itself and probably not related to the laser treatments. Skin that contains a birth mark may not be normal skin. Nevertheless there is a possibility that, in the act of destroying the unwanted blood vessels, the lasers may cause damage to the skin.

Patients will have to decide if they are willing to take the necessary risks and are willing to look after their skin.

Cost of treatment:

Treatment charges are $220 per 15 minutes. A medicare refund of approximately 50% will apply. Most patients book a 15 minute treatment once per month. Progress is assessed at the end of the first six treatments.