Birthmark Removal
Birthmarks and port wine stains don’t have to be permanent. Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego is one of the only practices in the country to offer advanced laser treatments to fade or remove unwanted birthmarks, helping you achieve clearer, more even-toned skin with confidence.
Laser Birthmark Removal
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, we treat infants, children, teens, and adults with an expert approach, carefully adjusting laser treatments for each age and skin type. Our board-certified dermatologists focus on comfort and safety to ensure every treatment is effective, gentle, and handled with the highest level of expertise.
Pigmentary Birthmarks
Pigmentary birthmarks are caused by excess melanin in the skin and typically appear brown, tan, or blue gray in color.
- Café au lait birthmarks – Flat, evenly pigmented light brown patches caused by increased melanin concentration in the skin.
- Congenital melanocytic nevi – Pigmented birthmarks present at birth that vary in size and color and may darken over time.
- Blue gray birthmarks – Deeper pigment deposits that appear bluish due to pigment located beneath the surface of the skin.
- Nevus of Ota – Nevus of Ota is a pigmentary birthmark caused by melanocytes located deeper within the dermis, resulting in bluish or gray discoloration often seen on the cheek or around the eye. Since the pigment sits beneath the surface, advanced laser and light treatments are typically recommended to gradually reduce discoloration.
Vascular Birthmarks
Vascular birthmarks are formed by abnormal or enlarged blood vessels and often appear red, pink, or purple.
- Port wine stain birthmarks – Capillary malformations that cause persistent red or purple discoloration and may involve superficial and deeper vessels.
- Hemangiomas – Benign vascular growths caused by clusters of blood vessels that may appear raised or flat.
- Venous malformations – Abnormally formed veins that create bluish or purplish discoloration and may deepen with age.
- Salmon patches – Light pink vascular markings commonly found on the face or neck.
Mixed Pigment and Vascular Birthmarks
Some birthmarks involve both pigment and blood vessels and require a combination laser approach.
- Poikiloderma of Civatte – A condition characterized by mottled pigmentation and redness, commonly affecting the neck and lower face.
- Sturge Weber syndrome associated birthmarks – Vascular birthmarks involving deeper capillary networks that may require careful, staged laser treatment.
Laser Removal of a Birthmark with Alexandrite Laser
Discover Laser Treatments for Birthmarks and More
Birthmark Removal Treatment Features
Targeted Energy Delivery
Lasers are selected to specifically address pigment or vascular structures without unnecessary impact to surrounding tissue.
Device Versatility
Multiple laser wavelengths allow treatment of both red and brown discolorations in a controlled manner.
Treatment Customization
Settings are adjusted based on the specific birthmark identified during consultation.
Progressive Improvement
Most conditions require a series of sessions to gradually reduce visibility while prioritizing skin safety.
Before and After Birthmark Removal
Laser Birthmark Removal
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology offers a comprehensive range of laser and light technologies for birthmark removal, port wine stain birthmark treatment, and targeted management of pigmented lesions. Each laser is selected based on pigment type, depth, and vascular involvement.
PicoSure & PicoWay
PicoSure and Picoway are commonly used to treat pigmented birthmarks by targeting concentrated melanin with short energy pulses that break the pigment into smaller particles for gradual clearance.
Q Switched Alexandrite Laser and Q Switched Ruby Laser
The Alexandrive laser and Ruby laser are effective for brown pigmented lesions, including café au lait birthmark concerns, by selectively targeting melanin while preserving surrounding tissue.
Vbeam Perfecta & Prima & Intense Pulsed Light
Vbeam Perfecta and Vbeam Prima pulsed dye lasers (PDL) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treat superficial vascular birthmarks and port wine stains by targeting abnormal blood vessels responsible for red and purple discoloration and delivering energy absorbed by hemoglobin to reduce visible redness over a series of sessions.
Hear From Our Happy Patients
5/5 STARS
I trust Farzaneh Momeni completely with my skin. She is by far the best clinical aesthetician I’ve ever known. My skin has improved dramatically since I began monthly facials with her. Her treatments are 100% results-driven so if this is what you seek, look no further. Also, the entire Team at West Dermatology are top-notch. They’re always friendly, professional, & helpful, & greet everyone with a smile. 10 Stars all around!
My new regular cosmetic dermatology office. Dr Zubair is amazing and really patient with me. He has helped me over the last year with keloid scar removal, jaw Botox, and full facial acne scar treatment (ultra clear). The office is clean and the nursing/medical assistant staff is accommodating on all levels. I will always recommend this office and Dr Zubair to friends and family.
Most professional and most impressive! The service from the physicians to office staff is superb!
I live in Orange County and drove all the way out to see Dr. Wu because a friend of mine referred him (she had amazing results from her face and neck procedure). Dr. Wu is truly an artist! He made me feel extremely comfortable during my procedure. I was anxious when I got there, but he (and his staff) have such great energy and are so very kind and gentle that you can't help but feel at ease! The office was immaculate and they adhered to covid rules (sanitizing, temp checks, masks). This is my go-to place from now on and Dr. Wu is my go-to guy! Can't wait to see my final results! Thank you Phyllis (pre-op) for being so wonderful and informative! You were so very helpful and kind! I'll definitely be back!
Leysin and the entire team at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology are fantastic. They are professional, caring and communicative. The laser treatment was comfortable, efficient and effective! I highly recommend this practice. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
Dr. Goldman is amazing! I came here for my permanent eyeliner removal (which is not offered anywhere near me), and they are completely removed in just one session. They use a special contact lens to protect your eyes from the laser, and there are no damages to my eyelashes. The healing was also nice and smooth. They have everything you need. I live almost 3 hours away, but it was totally worth the trip. For anyone who is looking to remove their permanent makeup, this is the right place to go :)-
Dr. Butterwick is fantastic, all of her team as well. They make sure your experience is pleasant and painless as possible. My tattoo removal and my injectables look amazing. I highly recommend her for any skin treatment.
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was recommended to me by my dermatologist. He recommended Dr. Monica Boen. I'm so glad I took his recommendation. Everyone here at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was super nice and friendly. Very welcoming. I came here for hair removal treatment. I did 4 sessions with Dr. Boen. Dr. Boen made me feel so comfortable and at ease when I talked to her. She explained everything before she did my treatment. I loved that. She was really easy to talk to. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
This office is awesome. My visit today was with Dr. Groff. His bed side manner is so fun and welcoming. He understood my concerns and recommended a treatment plan that I feel was reasonable. I love his staff! They take there time to make sure you understand the treatment and after care. Everyone in the office, from the front desk to the nurses in the back, are so friendly and beautiful. They are very prompt and I trust my care with CLD. I can't wait for my next visit. See you guys in a few weeks!
"Dr. Sabrina Fabi is genius! Her technique is unlike anyone, her eye is precise, and her kindness and caring manner comes from the depth of her soul. She's simply brilliant! It's no wonder people travel the country just to be treated by her."
I wish I could give them 10 stars! I had such an awesome experience for my first visit and I am referring everyone I know to this office. From the super friendly staff to the state of the art procedures, they are the cream of the crop.
“I came to participate in a research study. All of the Doctors and staff at C.L. Dermatology are very professional, warm and friendly. All our my needs were anticipated and the hospitality of this office is like a five star hotel.”
Why You Will Love Us
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology has been a leader in laser skin procedures in San Diego for almost 40 years. We were the first laser clinic in San Diego specializing in treating birthmarks since 1986. Every patient begins with a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis, rule out skin cancer concerns, and determine whether the condition is truly treatable or related to melasma or other pigment disorders. This careful approach ensures the safest path forward and the most appropriate treatment selection.
Specialized Evaluation
Each patient receives an in-depth assessment to determine whether a mark is pigmented, vascular, or mixed.
Extensive Laser Technologies
Access to over 60 laser, light, and energy based devices allow precise matching of technology to condition.
Board-Certified Dermatological Guided Care
All treatment planning is directed by board-certified dermatologists with extensive laser experience.
Safety First Approach
Procedures are performed with careful attention to skin type, treatment intervals, and long-term skin health.
Our Renowned Dermatologists
We are proud to share that Dr. Goldman, Dr. Butterwick, Dr. Groff, Dr. Fabi, & Dr. Boen have once again been recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2026!
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology has been voted Best Cosmetic Dermatology Practice in San Diego Magazine’s 2025 “Best of San Diego” readers’ poll!
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist, Best Cosmetic Surgeon, and Best Dermatologist for 4 consecutive years by the San Diego Reader Best Poll.
Dr. Mitchel Goldman was voted #1 Cosmetic Dermatologist in America by Newsweek
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 8 consecutive years by the San Diego U-T Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, and Fabi made the top 8 in Newsweek’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists in America for the last two years in a row
Voted in the top 10% of Realself Doctors by achieving high patient satisfaction and getting favorable feedback on Q&A
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Dermatologist for 10 consecutive years and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 9 consecutive years by the La Jolla Light Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, Groff, Fabi, and Boen were named Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2025, making us one of the Top 3 Practices in California with the most Castle Connolly Top Doctors in Dermatology.
Dr. Boen has been recognized as a Top Doctor in 2023 and 2024 by San Diego County Medical Society.
Dr. Butterwick, is a distinguished facial cosmetic surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial
Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS).
Birthmark Removal and Port Wine Stains FAQ
Laser treatment can significantly reduce the appearance of many birthmarks, depending on whether they are pigmented or vascular. Some birthmarks respond more readily than others, and multiple sessions are often required. A consultation helps determine realistic outcomes and appropriate expectations.
Safe birthmark removal begins with accurate diagnosis of the mark type and depth. Laser energy is then selected to target pigment or blood vessels while preserving surrounding skin. Treatments are spaced to allow proper skin recovery between sessions.
A good candidate for laser birthmark removal includes both young children and adults with pigmented or vascular birthmarks such as a port wine stain birthmark or café au lait birthmark. Candidacy depends on the type of birthmark, its depth, color, location, and individual skin characteristics. During a comprehensive examination, a board-certified dermatologist evaluates whether laser treatment is appropriate and determines how to remove a birthmark using the safest and most effective approach for long-term management.
A port wine stain birthmark is a vascular condition caused by dilated blood vessels near the skin surface. Pulsed dye lasers and Intense Pulsed Light are commonly used to target hemoglobin within these vessels. Treatment is typically performed over a series of sessions for gradual improvement.
A café au lait birthmark is a light brown pigmented lesion caused by increased melanin in a localized area. These marks may respond to pigment targeting lasers, although response varies based on depth and skin type.
The number of sessions depends on the type of birthmark or port wine stain birthmark, as well as depth and response to treatment. Many patients require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal results.
Laser birthmark removal can provide long term improvement, but results vary depending on the type of birthmark and how deeply it is embedded in the skin. Some pigmented birthmarks and port wine stain birthmarks may fade significantly, while others require maintenance treatments over time. A consultation helps set realistic expectations based on individual response.
Yes, laser treatment can be effective for port wine stain birthmarks in both children and adults. While earlier treatment often leads to better outcomes, adults can still experience noticeable improvement with consistent sessions. Treatment plans are customized based on skin thickness, vessel depth, and prior changes in the birthmark.
Different lasers are used depending on whether the birthmark is pigmented or vascular. Port wine stain birthmarks are commonly treated with pulsed dye laser technology that targets blood vessels, while pigmented birthmarks use lasers designed to break down excess melanin. At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, laser selection is based on precision, safety, and long-term skin health
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