Birthmarks
The emotional impact that birthmarks can have on patients, their parents and families cannot be understated. Dr. Jill Waibel is an internationally recognized expert in the laser treatment of birthmarks and our doctors offer birthmark removal services to patients throughout South Florida in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Kendall, as well as to those throughout the country.
ABOUT BIRTHMARK REMOVAL
Being able to remove a strawberry hemangioma from a baby’s face, or a port wine stain that is disfiguring, can literally transform someone’s life and restore a sense of self-confidence and well being. The most common birthmarks treated by the expert board-certified dermatologists at Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute are port wine stains and hemangiomas, but there are a variety of birthmarks that can be treated.
COMMON TYPES OF BIRTHMARKS
Port Wine Birthmark – Port wine birthmarks are present at birth and do not fade; they become darker and thicker over time. Laser treatment is the safest method used to treat this type of vascular birthmark without scarring or permanently discoloring the skin. Multiple treatment sessions are required.
Hemangiomas – Hemangiomas are another type of vascular birthmark that are very common, especially on the head and neck. Some hemangiomas may shrink with time and fade, but this can take years. Early intervention with laser treatment can prevent the continued growth of vascular birthmarks during childhood. Our board-certified dermatologists use the VBeam® Perfecta pulsed dye laser to treat these vascular birthmarks.
Nevus of Ota– The Nevus of Ota is characterized as a blue area of hyperpigmentation caused by the entrapment of melanocytes in the upper portion of the dermis. Pulsed Q-switched laser surgery is an effective treatment that works via selective destruction of the dermal melanocytes and melanophages. After a series of four to eight treatments, skin pigmentation can be reduced dramatically or removed in 90-100 percent of cases, with a less than one percent risk of scarring. Surgical methods may also be used in some cases, including cryotherapy and microsurgery if needed.
HOW DOES BIRTHMARK REMOVAL WORK?
At Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, we utilize a series of lasers to treat birthmarks. Our goal is to remove or lighten birthmarks that may cause health problems or contribute to low self-esteem. With more than 65 lasers and devices at Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, the treatment options available to you are vast. However, our successful birthmark removal is about more than just the scope of technology available. After all, every procedure we perform is guided by our core values, to help our patients create and protect healthy, radiant skin that will last for a lifetime.
During your consultation, one of our board-certified dermatologists will review which devices/lasers they feels will render the best results for your physical concerns. You will also be able to discuss your personal goals and the emotional or psychological milestones you hope to achieve, with the treatment of your birthmark. Due to the uniqueness of each patient, every treatment plan is entirely individual, so you can rest assured that we will provide our full attention and take your specific requests into consideration.
We invite you to contact Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute to learn more about treating your birthmark. Our dermatologists treat patients, young and old, from all over the world and throughout the neighborhoods of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Kendall. Contact Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute today for more information.
