Whether you've had a birthmark your whole life or you're noticing one that's changed, it's worth understanding what type it actually is before deciding whether to do anything about it. Birthmarks vary widely, some are made up of blood vessels and others are simply areas of extra pigment, and that difference matters for what treatment, if any, makes sense. We start with an assessment to confirm what we're looking at.
Birthmark
A birthmark is a mark on the skin that's present at birth or shows up shortly after, and it generally falls into one of two broad categories. Vascular birthmarks, like port wine stains or certain red marks, are made up of blood vessels and tend to be red, pink, or purple. Pigmented birthmarks, like café au lait spots or moles present from birth, are areas of extra pigment and tend to be brown or tan. Most birthmarks are harmless and simply a normal variation in skin, though a dermatologist can confirm the type and rule out anything that needs closer attention.
Why Choose Beacon Dermatology for Birthmarks?
Birthmarks aren't all the same, and treating one the wrong way can be ineffective or unnecessary, which is why we lead with a proper assessment from one of our board-certified dermatologists. That medical dermatology background, combined with advanced technology like Excel V and IPL for the cases where treatment is appropriate, means any decision about your birthmark is grounded in what it actually is.
Birthmark Treatments at Beacon Dermatology
Because birthmarks vary so much in type, what can be done depends entirely on the assessment. Vascular birthmarks may respond to laser treatment like Excel V or IPL, while pigmented birthmarks may or may not be good candidates for treatment depending on their depth and characteristics. During your consultation, we can advise accordingly.
