Birthmarks can be pigmented or vascular and may vary significantly in their colour, depth, size, and location. At Dr. Dany Touma’s clinics, selected birthmarks may be treated using laser and light-based technologies according to the characteristics of each lesion.
Pigmented & Vascular Birthmarks
Pigmented birthmarks may be treated with selected laser wavelengths that target melanin within the lesion. Vascular birthmarks, including certain red or purple lesions, may be treated with vascular laser technology targeting blood vessels within the skin.
Treatment selection depends on the type of birthmark, its depth, colour, location, skin type, and previous treatment history. Some lesions may require a series of treatment sessions, while others may require alternative or combined approaches.
A clinical assessment with Dr. Dany Touma and his team is recommended to identify the type of birthmark and determine the appropriate treatment approach, including the expected treatment course and potential downtime.
Birthmark Laser Treatment
Birthmarks can develop from an increased concentration of pigment-producing cells or blood vessels within the skin. They may be pigmented or vascular and can vary considerably in colour, depth, size, and location.
At The Skin Clinic Beirut and Skin Experts Polyclinic Dubai, selected birthmarks and vascular lesions may be treated using laser technology. Treatment is tailored according to the type of lesion, its depth and location, the patient’s skin type, and previous treatment history.
Pigmented Birthmarks
Pigmented lasers target melanin within the skin. The response to treatment depends on the type, depth, size, and characteristics of the pigmentation.
Pigmented lesions that may be considered for laser treatment include:
- Nevus pigmentosus
- Nevus of Ota
- Congenital melanocytic nevi
- Café-au-lait spots
- Becker’s nevus
Some pigmented birthmarks respond more readily to laser treatment than others. Larger congenital nevi, café-au-lait spots, and Becker’s nevi may require multiple treatment sessions and careful assessment because their response can vary.
Hair growing within selected pigmented birthmarks may also be treated with laser hair-removal technology when appropriate.
Vascular Birthmarks & Vascular Lesions
Vascular lasers target blood vessels within the skin and may be used for a range of vascular birthmarks and lesions.
Conditions that may be treated include:
- Facial telangiectasias (broken capillaries), including vessels associated with rosacea
- Port-wine stains
- Selected hemangiomas
- Small leg veins
Although these conditions are all vascular, their clinical characteristics differ.
Telangiectasias are small, visible blood vessels that may occur independently or in association with conditions such as rosacea.
Port-wine stains are vascular birthmarks that are typically present from birth and may become darker or thicker over time.
Hemangiomas can develop and grow during infancy and may subsequently regress. Some require medical assessment and treatment depending on their size, location, growth pattern, and potential effect on surrounding structures.
Laser treatment may also be considered for selected vascular components of:
- Red or raised scars
- Warts
- Post-acne erythema
- Certain inflammatory skin conditions
The appropriate laser and treatment parameters depend on the specific lesion and clinical assessment.
Treatment Safety & Possible Side Effects
Laser treatment is designed to target specific pigment or blood vessels while limiting exposure to surrounding tissue. As with any laser procedure, temporary skin reactions can occur.
Possible effects include:
- Redness and swelling
- Temporary changes in skin colour
- Temporary brown or darker pigmentation
- Local sensitivity or discomfort
The duration and severity of these effects vary according to the laser used, treatment area, skin type, and characteristics of the lesion.
Appropriate pre- and post-treatment care can help reduce the risk of unwanted pigmentary changes. Sun protection and avoidance of tanning are particularly important during a course of laser treatment.
Is Laser Treatment Painful?
The level of discomfort varies according to the laser, treatment area, and type of lesion. Many laser systems incorporate cooling technology to help improve patient comfort during treatment.
Some patients may tolerate treatment without anaesthesia, while topical or other forms of anaesthesia may be considered for larger or more sensitive treatment areas.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
The number of treatment sessions varies according to:
- Type of birthmark or vascular lesion
- Size and depth
- Location
- Skin type
- Pigment or vascular characteristics
- Response to previous treatment
Small superficial vessels may require relatively limited treatment, while conditions such as port-wine stains and certain congenital pigmented lesions may require a series of sessions.
The expected treatment course is discussed following a clinical assessment.
Dr. Dany Touma’s Experience
With clinics in Lebanon and the UAE, Dr. Dany Touma and his team use selected laser technologies for the management of pigmented and vascular lesions.
With more than 30 years of dermatological experience, Dr. Dany Touma takes an individualized approach to birthmark treatment, considering the medical and aesthetic characteristics of each lesion before determining the appropriate laser technology, treatment parameters, and expected treatment course.
