Almost everyone has a birthmark. In most instances, birthmarks are small, and often located in inconspicuous areas covered by clothing. Many people consider these innocuous birthmarks a sign of their own uniqueness. However, some birthmarks are clearly disfiguring, especially those that appear on the face and neck. These birthmarks can be a source of great psychological and social pain.

There are two basic types of birthmarks. Red or vascular birthmarks are caused by an irregularity in the blood vessels and are the most common type of birthmarks. Pigmented birthmarks, known as nevus (singular) or nevi (plural), are brown in color and may be very large. Many birthmarks fade before children reach school age, but more commonly, they remain if untreated.

Treatment options for birthmarks have traditionally included cryosurgery (freezing off the birthmark), traditional surgery, ablative laser surgery, and the use of steroid medications. These conventional treatments can be effective, but are painful. They frequently damage healthy skin resulting in scarring, and they require lengthy recovery times.

However, IPLTM provides new options for many patients with disfiguring birthmarks. IPL treatments are non-invasive. A series of treatments can provide a long-lasting solution for those suffering from unsightly birthmarks.