Removing Port Wine Stain Birthmarks

Published on: March 13, 2016

Many people are born with birthmarks that are easily hidden or do not detract from their appearance. However, the port wine stain birthmark can be intrusive due to its dark, red wine color and its location. Port wine stain birthmarks often appear on the face, neck or torso and can vary from a pink to burgundy in color and in various sizes. With the help of an experienced plastic surgeon, these birthmarks can be removed through laser therapy.

Port wine birthmarks are caused by a grouping of blood vessels that appear in high numbers in one place. Many of these birthmarks are very large, covering part of the face or neck of a baby when it is born. This can be disfiguring, especially when the mark appears on the face and can affect the child’s self-esteem as they grow older. Many parents seek to remove these birthmarks to lessen the emotional burden that a deformity can have on a child’s formative years.

The best scenario is to remove the birthmark using laser therapy treatments and other surgical procedures when the child is still very young. Children’s skin is more resilient and will heal quicker, gaining better results. Removing the birthmark early allows the child to grow up without feeling self-conscious and helps improve their self-esteem.  However, laser therapy treatments can be used to diminish port wine stains in adults, along with other techniques used for advanced skin reconstruction.

Removing these dark, large birthmarks can take several treatments and should only be performed by a plastic surgeon that specializes in this delicate procedure. Choose a plastic surgeon that has had extensive training in removing vascular birthmarks through reconstructive surgery with laser therapy for the best results.

Posted on behalf of:
Beverly Hills Center for Plastic & Laser Surgery
120 South Spalding Drive #236
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 288-0641

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