Birth Marks
Birthmarks are generally either red or brown. Red marks are made up of lots of tiny blood vessels, whilst brown ones are made up of brown pigment (melanin). These vary greatly in size and occur in different parts of the body. Facial birthmarks are common and cause the most concern to patients. Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light systems have revolutionised the treatment of birthmarks, and even the very young may be treated.
Red Birthmarks
Red birthmarks (most commonly Port Wine Stains) may be effectively treated with the Lyra Laser and with the IPL, both of which progressively shrink blood vessels causing the birthmark to fade. Multiple treatments are always required. Flat birthmarks tend to respond better than raised ones, although even in this latter group it is worthwhile having a test treatment.
The skin is protected by a special chilled tip attached to the handpiece with or without an application of a clear water based gel. During treatment a stinging sensation is felt, but this can be lessened with the use of an anaesthetic cream if necessary. After treatment the skin is generally blotchy and some areas of blistering or swelling may be noted. Bruising is unusual with modern laser treatment.
Over a period of 6 weeks the blood vessels reduce in size, becoming correspondingly less visible through the skin.
Vascular birthmarks before and after treatment
Brown Birthmarks
The Medlite Q-Switched Laser and the Ellipse Flex IPL give us a choice of devices to achieve the best results. Once again the treatment is quick and easy, with the flicking of the rubber band being the usual description of how the treatment feels.
Immediately after treatment the area looks blotchy for several hours, while the brown area darkens in colour. After 1 to 2 weeks the darkened pigment literally "washes off" to leave behind a much lighter colour.
Most birthmarks will remain this lighter colour, and you have the option of repeating the treatment to further reduce the colour. Some birthmarks will return to the original colour (repigmentation), and very rarely the colour will be darker (hyperpigmentation). It is essential to use a good quality sun screen after treatment to reduce the risk of repigmentation or hyperpigmentation. A bleaching gel may be recommended.
Pigmented Birthmarks - multiple treatments are always necessary
Which is better? - Laser or IPL
The best way of answering this question is by saying "what works best for one person isn't necessarily what works best for the next." It is important to have a variety of options available when treating birthmarks.
The Gold Standard treatment option for pigment spots is the Q-switched YAG laser.
Laser Skin Care has the latest generation Medlite C6 (Q-switched YAG) laser, providing a range of treatment options for both deep and superficial pigment disorders.
In addition we have the powerful doctors-only Ellipse Flex IPL system.
Finally, the Fraxel SR1500 erbium laser provides a final option for stubborn pigment conditions.
For vascular birthmarks, Laser Skin Care has the Lyra long-pulse YAG laser and the Ellipse Flex IPL to choose from.
Another point worth being aware of is that IPL systems come in different "strengths". That means, they vary in how high the energies can be set to. Many of the IPLs in the non medical marketplace are not capable of reaching energies necessary to treat certain conditions adequately. However, they are certainly capable of causing scars and burns in untrained hands.
Specialised Treatments & Procedures
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