Birthmarks are pigmented patches that present at birth or shortly after birth. They appear in different colors, sizes and shapes. There are 2 main types of birthmarks, pigmented birthmarks and vascular birthmarks.

Pigmented birthmarks present as brown to blackish patches/growth and are due to excessive deposition of melanocytes (melanin producing cells) in certain areas of the skin. The common types of pigmented birthmarks are congenital melanocytic nevus (mole), café au lait spots and Mongolian spots.

Vascular birthmarks normally present as red, blue and purple patches/growth that are formed by underlying blood vessels. The most common types of vascular birthmarks are hemangioma and port wine stain. Some of them might change its appearance, as the child grows older.

Most birthmarks are harmless. However, a small number of birthmarks are associated with certain medical problems that require medical attention. Treatments for birthmarks are available but not all of them are treatable. So, it is important to distinguish the type of birthmarks to provide the most effective treatment.

Laser therapy

Depending on the characteristics of the birthmarks, a specific wavelength is chosen to target and destroy the relevant cells. You will be able to notice lightening of the birthmarks after few sessions. The amount of sessions required and the effectiveness depend on how prominent is the birthmark.