Portwine Stain
Here at Eden Skin Clinic, we provide IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Skin Rejuvenation at our Wimbledon clinic to help treat and improve the appearance of birthmarks. Please book a consultation with us today to see how we can help you.
What are Birthmarks?
Birthmarks are coloured marks that appear on the surface of the skin. In most cases, their presence is due to an abnormal overgrowth of substances occurring naturally between the skin’s layers.
For example, an overgrowth of blood vessels under the skin’s surface can result in vascular birthmarks or haemangiomas. If blood vessels do not form correctly, this can also contribute to surface discolouration in the skin. Vascular birthmarks are often flat, red, purple, or pink in appearance and are more commonly referred to as port-wine stains.
Although not all birthmarks are permanent, some do not fade and, in some instances, may require professional treatment. When you visit our Wimbledon clinic, our specialists will work with you to suggest a course of treatment tailored to your skin.
What Treatments are Available for Birthmarks?
Intense Pulsed Light treatment or IPL Skin Rejuvenation is used at our Wimbledon clinic to effectively diminish and improve the appearance of birthmarks. IPL works by directing controlled pulses of light into the upper layers of the skin. This light is then absorbed by two of the body’s own natural chemicals: melanin and haemoglobin.
Birthmarks that are red in appearance consist of many blood vessels and contain haemoglobin. With IPL Skin Rejuvenation, the use of light pulses is carefully controlled. This ensures the right amount of energy is used to destroy pigmented areas. As the light pulses specifically detect and treat darker areas of the skin, IPL does not cause damage to any surrounding tissue.
IPL is a less invasive and relatively quick birthmark treatment, depending on the size of the area being treated. When you arrive at Eden Skin Clinic, our skin specialists will first prepare the skin, gently cleansing it to remove any dirt or makeup. A room temperature gel is then applied to the treatment area to keep the skin cool. We will then provide you with protective goggles to ensure the light does not harm your eyes.
Once treatment starts, it will be relatively painless. Most of our IPL Skin Rejuvenation clients liken the feeling to an elastic band snapping against the skin. Any discomfort is short-lived and is followed by a feeling of warmth. Our IPL and laser specialists will be there to reassure you throughout the entire process, making you feel comfortable and at ease. Results vary from person to person. However, most clients notice improvements in their birthmarks within 3-6 sessions.
To find out more about this or any of our treatments, why not book a consultation at our Wimbledon clinic? Our expert skincare team will examine your skin’s condition, answer your questions, and help to recommend the right course of birthmark treatment for you.
What Causes Birthmarks?
Vascular birthmarks are caused by mutations in blood vessels under the skin’s surface. These mutations occur during development in the womb. However, they are not usually inherited or directly associated with any significant developmental stages in pregnancy. Around 3 in 1000 babies are born with a port-wine stain. Most are found on the face but can occur on any area of the skin, affecting both men and women equally.
The formation of port-wine stains is due to the body’s inability to control its pigment production and form blood vessels correctly. True to their name, birthmarks are typically present from birth. They vary in size and can appear anywhere on the body. Medically, birthmarks are thought to be associated with a deficiency in the nerve supply to the blood vessels, which results in a mutation.
Birthmark Treatment Costs
If you are interested in our IPL Skin Rejuvenation treatment to help reduce the appearance of your birthmarks, please get in contact with our team at Eden Skin Clinic. We will assess any skin concerns you may have and provide you with a bespoke treatment plan.
Please fill out our online consultation form if you are ready to get booked in for our IPL Skin Rejuvenation. We will then get back to shortly and arrange a date for your appointment.
For more information about our prices, please view our prices in Kensington and Wimbledon respectively.
You may also call our Wimbledon clinic to speak to one of our friendly specialists. Our expert team would be happy to answer your questions and help you find a treatment that suits your needs.