Study: Lasers Effective For Treating Children’s Birthmarks

October 5 , 2006

Approximately three to five percent of all babies are born with port wine stains – red birthmarks that affect the neck and face. Port wine stains can have severe psychological effects on young children, but until now, early treatment was discouraged.

Because anesthesia was necessary to remove the lesions, pediatricians would generally advise parents against having the procedure performed on infants. However, new research shows that laser treatments are safe and effective for removing lesions even in babies.

The Research

Dr. Anne Chapas and Dr. Roy Geronemus examined the treatment records of 51 infants between two weeks and six months old who received pulsed dye laser treatments. After one year, approximately 90 percent of the infants had experienced a significant reduction – 75 to 100 percent – in the appearance of their birthmarks.

The researchers suggested that treating port wine stains with lasers early in infancy may actually be more effective than waiting since the lesions are smaller and more superficial. Early treatments can also help prevent the psychological effects and stigmas that often arise with port wine stains and similar birthmarks.

Risks and Benefits

According to the study, the high-energy laser treatments had minimal side effects, which included minor bruising. The benefits included minimal or no scarring and no anesthesia. Long-term studies still need to be conducted, but the authors of the study are hopeful that these findings will provide hope to parents and children.

Interested in laser treatments for birthmarks? Please contact us today to learn more about your options or to locate a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

More News...