Medicine is a Practice
The practice of medicine is sometimes just exactly that—a practice. While some problems have a very straightforward solution, many don’t. The practice of laser medicine is no different. At Celibre Medical, we have the laser knowledge and expertise to create an individualized laser treatment plan for you if you have an unusual problem or a routine one that hasn’t responded to conventional treatments.
Using Profractional Laser for Birthmarks
One example is our use of Profractional laser resurfacing to permanently remove some types of pigmented or brown birthmarks. If you have one of these, then you may have read about treatment with q-switched lasers. Even though q-switched lasers are the gold standard for birthmark removal, we’ve had a few cases now that just didn’t respond to this approach. We’ve noted that many of these birthmarks were slightly textured. This texture keeps the light energy of the q-switched laser from penetrating the birthmark to the level of skin where it is the most effective.
Why Choose Profractional Laser?
Knowing what we do about the capability of the Profractional laser, we used it as treatment option with these patients. Because their only other option was a surgical excision (and surgical scar), many of them decided to give it a try. We’re happy to show you the before and after photos of one of those patients here on this page. The Sciton Profractional laser gave her a fantastic result and she was grateful to have found an option that left her without scarring.
Dedicated Care for Tough Cases
It can be a fine line to walk—finding effective laser solutions for unwanted skin problems that don’t respond to conventional treatments. We have a team of dedicated practitioners here at Celibre who do that each and every day. We love what we do and we love to help our patients get the results they’re looking for especially when they’ve been told that they have few treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Birthmark Removal
How many laser sessions does birthmark removal take?
The number of sessions varies significantly depending on the type, size, color, and depth of your birthmark. Pigmented birthmarks like café au lait spots may take 3 to 6 treatments, while vascular birthmarks such as port wine stains can require 10 or more sessions spread over several years. Your provider should give you a realistic treatment estimate after evaluating your specific birthmark in person.
What is the cost of laser birthmark removal?
Laser birthmark removal cost depends on the size and type of the birthmark, the number of treatments needed, and the geographic location of the clinic. Individual sessions can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per treatment. Many clinics offer free initial consultations where they can provide a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate.
Can all birthmarks be removed with laser treatment?
Not all birthmarks can be completely removed with laser, but most can be significantly improved. The best candidates for full removal are superficial pigmented birthmarks (like café au lait spots) and certain vascular birthmarks treated early. Deeply pigmented or complex birthmarks may fade substantially but not disappear entirely. Surgical birthmark removal remains an option in cases where lasers are not effective, though it will leave a scar.
Are there side effects of laser birthmark removal?
Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, darkening of the treated area, and mild discomfort all of which typically resolve within days to a week. More serious side effects like scarring or changes in skin pigmentation are uncommon but more likely when treatment is performed by an inexperienced provider or on patients with darker skin tones using the wrong laser. Choosing a qualified, experienced clinic minimizes these risks considerably.
Is it possible to remove a birthmark without surgery?
Yes, laser treatment is the primary non-surgical option for birthmark removal and has replaced surgery as the preferred approach for most birthmark types. Laser therapy avoids the scarring associated with surgical excision and can be used on virtually any area of the body, including the face. For birthmarks with a raised or textured surface, Profractional laser resurfacing may be used to achieve results that standard lasers cannot, while still avoiding surgery entirely.
