Can adults get port wine stain birthmarks removed with laser treatments? (photos)

Question

I'm 47 and have a prominent port wine stain birthmark in my upper right portion of my face, bumping into my eye and expanding under my hairline. I'd like to explore laser removal or reduction of the birthmark. Some areas of it are dark purple, others are a splotchy red. Are these treatments available for adults and if so, what is an average cost?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Tianna Tsitsis, MD · Answer

There are definitely laser treatments that can help you.  I would recommend seeing someone with a 1064 laser and or BBL Forever Young IPL.  You are looking at 4-6 treatments at least and probably $200-400 per treatment.  Good luck!

Ritu Malhotra, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Port Wine Stain ( PWS ) birthmark treatment is best with a Candela V Beam Perfecta laser which is a Pulsed Dye laser designed to target the vascularity in these types of birthmarks safely and efficiently.
In addition to topical ( Benzocaine- Lidocaine- Tetracaine- BLT ) topical numbing creams with or without blocks, this laser is comfortable because it uses a cryogen- " freeze spray" milliseconds before, during and after each laser pulse.

Can adults get port wine stain birthmarks removed with laser treatments? (photos)

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