Birthmarks are congenital (present at birth) abnormalities of the skin that are seen in approximately 5% of individuals. Birthmarks may be composed of blood vessels, (port-wine stain or hemangiomas), pigmented cells (café au lait macules or congenital nevi) or blue black skin pigmentation or stain called Nevus of Ota.

Port-wine stains are red flat stains of the skin present at birth and composed of very small blood vessels (capillary malformation). They remain present throughout life and commonly darker with age. Nodules or thickening of lesion may also occur with time.

Hemangiomas are benign growth of blood vessels. They are not present at birth but grow very rapidly once they appear in the first few months of life. After the hemangioma grows rapidly it very slowly resolves over a period of years. Evidence supports early intervention with laser and/or medical treatment prior to the rapid expansion phase.

The pulsed dye laser or Vbeam may be used to treat port-wine stains or hemangiomas. Treatment of these lesions can have a very positive impact on the development and self-esteem of children with these lesions.

Pigmented birthmarks may be very small and unnoticeable or can be very large and/or located in visually prominent areas such as the face. There are a number of lasers that can be used to lighten these lesions. Often a number of different lasers are used in order to achieve the best clearance.