The future of Nevus of Ota

In the last years, we have seen an increase in the number of patients treated at the clinic for the Nevus of Ota. Our client’s average for this treatment is between 20’s and 30’s years old. This birthmark in fact appears at an early age and can be the reason of concern for both parents and young patients. Everyone from 18 years old could be treated for Nevus of Ota at our clinic and generally, they could experience an increase in confidence. The time spent at home covering the birthmark with heavy make-up is also reduced as the mark becomes less and less noticeable over the sessions. Every birthmark that I have seen was different and had a particular shape. Clinic pictures were useful for us and for the patient to notice the difference. We were able to treat also ‘double’ Nevus of Ota, appearing on both sides of the face, and often clients would fly from outside countries to have the treatment done. My favorite moment was whenever two patients coming for this same treatment would meet in the waiting hall, comparing their experiences and encouraging each other. Some clients in fact never had the chance to talk with another person with the same condition before. 

The most common question I have received is: will it disappear completely? Starting at a young age and undergoing regular sessions the patients are more likely to notice a meaningful improvement over the years. It seems that all of our patients who had a good result had more than 12 sessions. During the consultation, we can estimate the size and the area of the birthmark and give an evaluation of a possible number of sessions required. The success of the treatment could also depend on the contrast between the colour of the skin and the colour of the mark. If the skin was pale and the pigmentation visible, it would be faster to be treated. Also, it could depend on the intensity of the birthmark. Some of them are dark and compact and they may take longer to be lightened. The diffused ones are generally faster and less painful to be treated. The improvement we have noticed was the lightening of the birthmark, already over the initial sessions, and the perimeter of the birthmark looking unperceivable. It is rare to reach a complete fading especially if the mark is very deep into the skin but it can look lighter and barely noticeable from others.

We do not treat over eyelids at the clinic. For this specific procedure, we recommend searching for a clinic where they can use protective eye shields inside of the eyes. 

As we become more aware of the possibility to treat it, this condition doesn’t represent anymore a limit to someone’s life.

Written by: Laura E. Clinical lead at The Angel Laser Clinic