Laser treatment for vascular birthmarks

Many people are born with vascular birthmarks. These birthmarks are made up of clusters of blood vessels near the surface of the skin and may be pink, red or purple in colour. Many birthmarks shrink and disappear on their own with time but some, including port wine stains, persist and may thicken and darken over time.


Laser therapy can be used to treat many vascular birthmarks, including port wine stains and strawberry birthmarks. The treatment works by targeting intense light energy onto your skin so that it destroys the red pigmentation. Following laser treatment, your skin will feel hot, rather like mild sunburn, and you may experience some bruising in the area. You'll need to use sunblock for two to three months after your treatment to protect your skin.

Usually you'll need a course of laser treatments for the best effect. Laser therapy may not completely get rid of your vascular birthmark, but it will usually make it significantly paler and less noticeable. When you receive laser treatment at Spire you will have the procedure performed by an experienced specialist in the safe and comfortable surroundings of a private hospital.