The board-certified physicians at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York are world experts in the area of port-wine birthmark treatments. We see patients across the country and around the globe who seek our unmatched experience and expertise.

Our role in the development of the latest technologies and techniques has helped change and improve port wine birthmark treatments. Our center specializes in the outpatient management of patients with this condition and services can also be provided at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary for those patients requiring general anesthesia. We may treat more port wine birthmarks than any other office or center in the country.

We offer a dedicated portion of our practice to treating patients of all ages with port-wine birthmarks. We pioneered laser treatments for newborns, infants and toddlers. Our office is designed with families and young children in mind, although we treat patients of all ages. Dr. Geronemus and his team believe early intervention through in-office treatments offers a superior outcome. To learn more about your options in port wine stain treatment, contact our New York office today.

What Are the Symptoms of Port Wine Stains in Children?

In the earliest stages, port wine stains are typically flat and pink. Size can vary significantly, with some birthmarks covering a substantial area of the face, arm, or hand. Over time, the color of the port wine birthmark may darken to a red or purple hue. The birthmark will grow with your child. Port wine stains usually develop on the face, but can occur anywhere on the body. If left untreated, your child’s port wine birthmark could thicken and take on a cobblestone appearance.

How Do Dermatologists Treat Port Wine Stains in Children?

Laser therapy is considered the gold standard in treating port wine stains in children. Treatment takes less than 10 minutes and children do not have any downtime after the procedure. Port wine stain laser therapy is also safe for children that are only a few days old, when the birthmark is easiest to treat. 

What Are the Risks and Benefits of Port Wine Stain Treatment in Children?

Though the benefits of port wine stain treatment in children outweigh the risks in most cases, it is important to know both before you take your child to a dermatologist. When you are armed with correct information, you will be equipped to make the best choice for your child.

Benefits

There are many benefits to moving forward with port wine stain treatments for your child, including:

• Stops the skin discoloration from getting bigger and spreading
• Improves skin appearance
• Builds self-confidence
• Produces permanent results
• Requires minimal downtime

Dr. Geronemus and the other board-certified dermatologists at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York often recommend getting port wine stain treatment earlier rather than later. These birthmarks are often easier to eliminate in the early weeks and even days of a child’s life, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Risks

Any cosmetic treatment, including non-surgical procedures, do carry some degree of risk.These potential side effects might include:

• Treated area could become red and slightly swollen for a few days after treatment
• Small risk of burning or scarring from the laser
• Possibility the treatment won’t work as planned 

You can go far to mitigate these risks by working with a very experienced, board-certified dermatologist with expertise in treating these birthmarks. When it comes to knowledge and skill, you will not find physicians more equipped to address port wine stains than the dermatologists at Laser& Skin Center of New York. We offer more than 100 laser and energy devices, which allow us to customize procedures for the safest, most effective treatments available today.

How Can You Prepare Your Child for Treatment at a Dermatologist’s Office?

Before taking your child to the dermatologist for a port wine stain treatment, you can take steps to prepare them for the treatment ahead. Some options might include:

• See if your doctor offers programs, like tours and talks, about port wine stain treatment
• Talk to your child about the birthmark and what the treatment will look like
• Consider your child’s feelings and possible fears when discussing the treatment 
• Include your other children in the planning process

With proper preparation and plenty of support, your child should come through port wine stain treatment very well. Of course, very young patients will simply need the love and care of their parents before, during, and after the procedure. Our team will help you to meet your child’s needs throughout the process.

Questions About Port Wine Stains? 

Port wine stains can cause parents concern, but fortunately, they are rarely more than a cosmetic issue. To learn more about these birthmarks and the treatments for them, contact a board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York in Manhattan at (212) 941-5055 or Southampton at (631) 305-2402.