I have red PIE from healed acne marks and wish I would have done the pulse dye laser sooner. Typically dermatologists recommend 3-5 treatments, usually spaced about 1 month apart. After one treatment there was a remarkable difference and after the second the redness was 95% gone. I waited about 8 months to do the next treatment as there were some more recent marks and the treatment wiped out all the red. So I personally did not need to do 5 back to back to get results and now just do them as needed to clean up any new markings. I pay $400 a treatment. Don't be scared by peoples experiences with massive bruising. Unless you are removing serious birthmarks or port stains they should not be using the laser at a level that would result in this kind of damage. I look a bit puffy/lumpy for about 3 days after but could easily go into work or go in public after this. The actual treatment is uncomfortable with some rubber band like snaps but the entire treatment takes less than 5 minutes so it is over super quick and very manageable in my opinion. Just ensure you are going to someone qualified like a PA or doctor at your dermatologist!