A Parent’s Guide to Port Wine Birthmarks
Port wine birthmarks are rare vascular abnormalities that affect about 3 in 1000 children. Although these formations are typically harmless, they can grow over time, become more disfiguring, or lead to psychological strain caused by embarrassment or low self-esteem. However, there is a very effective way to reduce the appearance of the condition. When intervention occurs early enough, there is a very good chance of almost entirely erasing some of these birthmarks.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about port wine birthmarks, including what causes them, treatment options, and how early intervention can make a significant difference.
Port Wine Birthmarks 101
What Are Port Wine Birthmarks?
Port wine birthmarks are vascular birthmarks that appear as reddish-purple patches on the skin. They occur due to abnormal blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin’s surface. These birthmarks can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly affect the face and neck. Unlike some birthmarks that fade with time, port wine birthmarks tend to deepen in color and may become thicker if left untreated.
Why Do Port Wine Birthmarks Appear?
Port wine birthmarks develop due to a genetic mutation affecting the blood vessels in the skin. This mutation is not inherited and occurs randomly during fetal development. The affected blood vessels remain dilated, leading to the birthmark’s characteristic appearance.
Are Port Wine Birthmarks Dangerous?
While port wine birthmarks are generally harmless, they can be associated with underlying medical conditions in some instances. For example, birthmarks near the eyes may be linked to Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare neurological condition.
This is one reason to consult an expert as early as possible. Even if your child’s condition is not a sign of a more serious issue, the sooner you start treatment, the better the results.
How Are Port Wine Birthmarks Diagnosed?
A dermatologist can diagnose a port wine birthmark through a physical examination. In some cases, imaging tests, such as MRI or eye exams, may be recommended.
Can Port Wine Birthmarks Be Prevented?
There is no known way to prevent port wine birthmarks, as they occur due to spontaneous genetic mutations during development. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage their appearance and long-term effects.
Dr. Geronemus strongly advocates for early intervention. His research has demonstrated that beginning treatment in infancy leads to the best long-term results. In fact, he’s found that once-weekly pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatments could achieve near-total or total clearance in 70% of infants after just two months.
The skin is more responsive to laser treatment at a young age, making it easier to achieve significant fading and prevent the birthmark from thickening over time.
How Are Port Wine Birthmarks Treated?
There are several treatment options for port wine birthmarks, but laser therapy is the gold standard.
Laser Treatment with Vbeam
Dr. Geronemus was instrumental in developing the Vbeam laser, the leading treatment for port wine birthmarks. This laser targets abnormal blood vessels, gradually lightening the birthmark without damaging the surrounding skin.
- Benefits of Vbeam laser treatment include:
- 70% clearance rate
- Safe for all ages, including newborns
- Minimal discomfort
- Visible improvement after just one session
Other treatment options, such as surgical interventions or skin grafts, are rarely needed and are typically reserved for extreme cases.
What is the Treatment Process Like?
Laser treatment takes place in an office setting. Dr. Geronemus does all the treatments himself. He’ll use topical anesthesia on the target area to reduce discomfort before starting treatment. The entire session can range from 10-40 minutes depending on the size of the birthmark and color prevalence.
How Can Parents Help?
As a parent, you play a crucial role in your child’s treatment journey. Here’s how you can support them:
Seek early treatment
The sooner treatment begins, the better the results. Once you start seeing the signs of port wine birthmarks, it’s essential to consult with a specialist. These marks tend to grow over time, meaning the treatment area will expand, potentially causing more discomfort. This means that early intervention not only leads to better results but also a less challenging experience overall.
Remain watchful
Port wine birthmarks can become dry, itchy, or more sensitive than other areas of the body. If you notice irritation or bleeding that doesn’t seem to stop, call your doctor.
Talk to your child
If your child is old enough to understand that they look a little different than their siblings or friends, they might have questions or feel insecure. Education is often the most effective method of making them feel at ease. Talk openly and without reservations about this being a natural occurrence that affects many, that it is genetic, and that it is the result of a similar process that gives them their eye color or height.
Understanding that their condition adds to their uniqueness in a way they can appreciate will help combat those feelings of insecurity. Educating your child on the condition will help them explain it to peers who may have questions and allow them to embrace the difference rather than be ashamed of it.
Follow post-treatment care
Laser treatment can cause mild redness or swelling, which are normal side effects. Most discomfort can be easily managed by following the doctor’s aftercare instructions. Being mindful of post-treatment care will also lead to better results.
What Else Should I Know About Port Wine Birthmarks?
Every child’s birthmark is unique, and treatment outcomes vary. While complete removal isn’t always possible, advanced laser technology can achieve significant improvement. Dr. Geronemus will create a personalized treatment plan that best fits the needs of your child. This might mean ongoing periodic treatment to avoid future development of more marks.
Does Insurance Cover Port Wine Birthmark Treatment?
Insurance coverage varies by provider, but many policies cover laser treatments, especially when the birthmark poses medical concerns. Dr. Geronemus’s office can assist with insurance questions and offers the Dr. Roy G. Geronemus Humanitarian Scholarship for eligible patients.
Who is the Best Doctor to Treat Port Wine Birthmarks in New York?
With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Roy G. Geronemus is widely regarded as the top specialist in port wine birthmark treatment. He has pioneered laser technology, treated thousands of patients, and continues to lead groundbreaking research in the field. Patients from around the world seek his expertise for safe, effective treatment.
Dr. Geronomus has helped develop new treatment protocols, and his continued dedication to port wine treatment has earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Vascular Birthmark Foundation.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Geronemus Today
Give your child a head start with early intervention and treatment. For the best care possible, trust the leading expert in port wine birthmark treatment. Give our office a call today at 212.663.0400 to schedule a visit.
Dr. Geronemus is one of the world’s leading experts in the treatment of port wine birthmarks, renowned for his pioneering contributions to the development of lasers used for these treatments. He has also created many of the techniques used to treat these birthmarks and the protocols dermatologists use to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.
Dr. Geronemus has made significant advancements in the field, including innovative treatments for newborns. His contributions to the field also extend to his practice, where he treats patients with cutting-edge technology in a comfortable, state-of-the-art outpatient facility.
His extensive published research and international lectures further solidify his expertise. Patients from across the country and around the world seek his care. In 2024, the Vascular Birthmark Foundation honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions.