FOR SOME OF US birthmarks do more than spot our skin. Vascular birthmarks start as flat red patches and, if left alone, can become purple bulges that bleed. A special laser can help correct these marks.

(RECOVERY TIME: BRUISES DISAPPEAR WITHIN SEVEN TO 14 DAYS )

Invented to remove birthmarks, the pulsed dye laser selectively destroys the blood vessels that cause port wine stains.

Lightening or eliminating these vascular abnormalities may take three to 20 treatments, depending on the patient, and ultimately your birthmark will become less noticeable.