At Remington Laser Dermatology Centre, we see patients in our practice who are bothered by birthmarks that are present on their skin. While birthmarks are benign and often appear at or shortly after birth, they can be very large or in locations where they may be more of a cosmetic concern than a medical concern. In cases where patients are seeking removal, Drs. Todd and Kent Remington can evaluate a patient and make a recommendation for treatment.

What types of birthmarks are commonly seen on patients?

There are two varieties of birthmarks including vascular and pigmented. Vascular birthmarks often appear due to blood vessel malformations, while pigmentated birthmarks are due to excess pigmentation cells in the area.

Vascular birthmarks
Vascular birthmarks include:

  • Salmon patches – these birthmarks are light pink and red and often appear on the face. They may become darker when the blood vessels dilate, such as during crying. These may also develop at the nape of the neck and may be known as “stork bites” at birth.
  • Infantile hemangioma – an infantile hemangioma often develops at birth and is a strawberry red birthmark that protrudes from the skin. Most of these will flatten on their own over the first year of life.
  • Port wine stain – a large flat patch of dark red or purple skin with well-defined borders may be diagnosed as a port wine stain. These will not fade, and instead may become darker with age.

Pigmented birthmarks

    • Pigmented birthmarks include:
  • Café-au-lait spots – light brown patches on the skin that appears oval in shape and ranges in size may be diagnosed as a café-au-lait spot.
  • Mongolian spots – while these spots may appear in dark-skinned babies and look like bruised areas, they are not caused by trauma and do not hurt. These develop typically on the back and bottoms of babies of African-American, Asian, or Hispanic ethnicities and will fade away over several years in most instances.

Speak to a professional about your birthmarks today

Drs. Todd and Kent Remington of Calgary, AB can help patients understand the type of birthmark they have and discuss possible removal if their presence is bothersome. Call Remington Laser Dermatology Centre today to request an appointment with one of our providers located at 150-7220 Fisher Street SE.

Tattoos can be a wonderful way to commemorate a moment in one’s life or an important person. However, some patients regret tattoos. These tattoos may be poorly done or represent someone or something that is no longer significant to them, such as an ex-spouse. While it is believed that “tattoos are forever,” we now have amazing technology available to help in removing these tattoos from the skin using laser therapies.

What is laser tattoo removal?

Laser tattoo removal is the removal of unwanted tattoos on the skin using laser light energy. The laser light penetrates into the skin and breaks down the pigmentation used in the tattoo ink. This, over time, fades the tattoo until it is no longer visible.

How many treatment sessions do I need?

Tattoos will not disappear with a single laser treatment. Instead, patients need to visit their doctor several times to gently fade the tattoo away. Drs. Todd and Kent Remington find that the number of treatments needed vary depending on many factors, such as the quality of the ink, the color of the ink, the length the tattoo has been on the skin, and the size of the tattoo. Most patients can expect to require approximately six sessions.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt?

The laser devices are effective at breaking down tattoo ink, but while it’s working, patients may hear and feel a snapping sensation on their skin. In most cases, the treatment is well-tolerated, but our team at Remington Laser Dermatology Centre offers topical numbing anesthetics that can be applied to the skin prior to treatment if needed.

What types of tattoos can be removed?

Most tattoos can be removed, including professional and amateur tattoos. Tattoos can be of any size or shape, but larger tattoos may require more treatment sessions to fully remove.

How much does it cost?

The final cost varies depending on how the tattoo reacts to the laser treatments. Patients are quoted a per-session cost from our team to give them a general idea as to what to expect for full removal in terms of cost.

Are you ready to learn more about laser tattoo removal?

Contact Remington Laser Dermatology Centre today to work with Drs. Todd and Kent Remington in the Calgary, AB community. Our practice is conveniently located in the community at 150-7220 Fisher Street SE.

Dr. Kent Remington
( Mon – Wed )

Dr. Todd Remington
( Mon – Fri )