A mother named Brooke, who regularly shares her life on TikTok under the handle @brookecyn, has faced significant criticism after choosing to remove her baby’s facial birthmark through laser treatment. Her son, Kingsley, was born with a large port-wine stain birthmark that covered more than half of his face. Port-wine stains are a type of vascular birthmark that can darken and thicken over time, potentially leading to various health issues.
Brooke decided to document her journey of addressing her son’s birthmark online, explaining that medical professionals advised the laser treatment to prevent future complications. Despite this, many commenters on her videos accused her of being a “child abuser” and suggested she should have waited until Kingsley was old enough to make his own decision about the treatment. Critics argued that there were less invasive methods to manage the birthmark and that subjecting her baby to laser procedures was akin to torture.
Replying to @azzysasylum so done with trolls!This is exactly why this in the media right now because of people like this! #pws #portwinestainawareness
In response to the backlash, Brooke took to TikTok to clarify her decision and educate her followers. She emphasized that the laser treatment was not about altering her son’s appearance for cosmetic reasons but was a necessary medical intervention to avoid potential health problems. “Port-wine stain birthmarks do not fade, they do not disappear. They darken over time, they can progress and become lumpy and cause health issues,” Brooke explained in a video that has garnered over 308,000 views. She further noted that starting the treatment early, while the skin is still young and more responsive, would reduce the need for more intensive sessions in the future.
Brooke passionately defended her actions, stating that her primary concern was her son’s well-being. “I think he is the most beautiful boy in the whole entire world. I don’t give a f*** if he has a birthmark on his face or not,” she said, addressing the notion that her motives were purely aesthetic. Her frank and heartfelt response highlighted her frustration with the negative assumptions made about her decision.
The controversy around Brooke’s choice to remove her son’s birthmark underscores the challenges parents face when making medical decisions for their children, especially in the public eye. While some internet users continue to criticize her, others have expressed support, acknowledging the complexity and personal nature of her decision.
As Brooke continues to share updates about her family, her experience serves as a reminder of the broader conversation about parental rights, medical decisions, and the impact of public scrutiny in the age of social media.
