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Birthmarks
What are birthmarks?
There are two basic types of birthmarks. Red or vascular birthmarks are most commonly seen,
and are caused by an irregularity in the blood vessels. These include port wine stains and
hemangiomas. Pigmented birthmarks, known as nevus (singular) or nevi (plural), are brown in
color and are often less pronounced. Many birthmarks fade away before children reach school
age, but they may remain and undergo changes over time.
What light-based treatments are most effective for vascular birthmarks?
Advance Cosmedics offers the most effective and long-lasting treatment for vascular birthmarks
such as port wine stains and hemangiomas.
A sophisticated IPL system is used to selectively close off different size blood vessels at varying
depths below the skin's surface, thus causing the birthmark to fade. Physicians are able to treat
complex birthmarks with pinpoint accuracy, eliminating the birthmark while sparing healthy tissue
from damage.
Can children be treated for vascular birthmarks?
Yes, in fact, most effective treatment programs for birthmarks begin in childhood. However,
depending on the patient's age and the size and location of the birthmark, the child may have to
be anesthetized to remain calm during treatment. Many laser specialists have experience in
pediatrics and know how to manage such cases.
How long does the treatment take?
The length of a single treatment depends on the size and characteristics of the birthmark. Using
IPL, treatment of a large facial birthmark may take about 30 minutes, with a series of treatments
required for the maximum effect.
What is the Advance Cosmedics birthmark treatment like? Is it painful?
A pulse of Intense Pulsed Light energy may feel like a pinch or a rubber band snapped against
the skin. A chilled gel applied to the skin and an optional, topical anesthetic prevent discomfort.
Patients must wear protective eyewear to shield their eyes from the therapeutic flashes of light.
The entire process is brief and non-invasive.
Does insurance cover the treatment for birthmarks?
Coverage varies from carrier to carrier. Most insurance companies consider birthmarks as a
cosmetic issue and do not offer reimbursement for treatment. Patients considering treatment
should consult with their physicians and insurance carriers for more information. Some parent
groups are lobbying for changes in insurance coverage. For more information, go to
www.birthmark.org.
Are treatments with IPL safe? Are they approved by the government?
IPL systems are FDA-cleared to market for the treatment of a wide range of vascular and
pigmented lesions. The system has an excellent safety profile. The IPL and Laser treatments
offered at Advance Cosmedics are FDA approved to treat the full range of skin concerns
including unwanted hair, brown spots, age spots, varicose veins, spider veins, facial flushing or
redness in the skin (erythema), rosacea, acne even birthmarks such as port wine stains.
For more information call Advance Cosmedics at 1-877-386-6500
What are birthmarks?
There are two basic types of birthmarks. Red or vascular birthmarks are most commonly seen,
and are caused by an irregularity in the blood vessels. These include port wine stains and
hemangiomas. Pigmented birthmarks, known as nevus (singular) or nevi (plural), are brown in
color and are often less pronounced. Many birthmarks fade away before children reach school
age, but they may remain and undergo changes over time.
What light-based treatments are most effective for vascular birthmarks?
Advance Cosmedics offers the most effective and long-lasting treatment for vascular birthmarks
such as port wine stains and hemangiomas.
A sophisticated IPL system is used to selectively close off different size blood vessels at varying
depths below the skin's surface, thus causing the birthmark to fade. Physicians are able to treat
complex birthmarks with pinpoint accuracy, eliminating the birthmark while sparing healthy tissue
from damage.
Can children be treated for vascular birthmarks?
Yes, in fact, most effective treatment programs for birthmarks begin in childhood. However,
depending on the patient's age and the size and location of the birthmark, the child may have to
be anesthetized to remain calm during treatment. Many laser specialists have experience in
pediatrics and know how to manage such cases.
How long does the treatment take?
The length of a single treatment depends on the size and characteristics of the birthmark. Using
IPL, treatment of a large facial birthmark may take about 30 minutes, with a series of treatments
required for the maximum effect.
What is the Advance Cosmedics birthmark treatment like? Is it painful?
A pulse of Intense Pulsed Light energy may feel like a pinch or a rubber band snapped against
the skin. A chilled gel applied to the skin and an optional, topical anesthetic prevent discomfort.
Patients must wear protective eyewear to shield their eyes from the therapeutic flashes of light.
The entire process is brief and non-invasive.
Does insurance cover the treatment for birthmarks?
Coverage varies from carrier to carrier. Most insurance companies consider birthmarks as a
cosmetic issue and do not offer reimbursement for treatment. Patients considering treatment
should consult with their physicians and insurance carriers for more information. Some parent
groups are lobbying for changes in insurance coverage. For more information, go to
www.birthmark.org.
Are treatments with IPL safe? Are they approved by the government?
IPL systems are FDA-cleared to market for the treatment of a wide range of vascular and
pigmented lesions. The system has an excellent safety profile. The IPL and Laser treatments
offered at Advance Cosmedics are FDA approved to treat the full range of skin concerns
including unwanted hair, brown spots, age spots, varicose veins, spider veins, facial flushing or
redness in the skin (erythema), rosacea, acne even birthmarks such as port wine stains.
For more information call Advance Cosmedics at 1-877-386-6500