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Dermatology
> Cosmetic
Procedures > Birthmark Laser Removal
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A birthmark is a
splotch on our skin, which can appear in a variety
of colors, shapes and sizes. While some birthmarks
are small and inconspicuous, others have a more
prominent appearance, which can be bothersome to
some, and can even lower their self-esteem. In
some cases, certain types of birthmarks can become
a health risk. Some birthmarks do fade or
completely disappear over time, however, there are
others that will never fade or go away. Birthmark
removal offers a solution to people who are
self-conscious about their appearance and even
help reduce the possibility of health risks
associated with certain moles.
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Types of
Birthmarks
Before determining how to remove these birthmarks, here is
some information on the more common types and how to
identify them:
Pigmentation-type birthmarks – These can include
various types of birthmarks including moles (congenital
nevi), Coffee-cream spots, and Mongolian spots. Mole is a
nonspecific term for nevus, which is a pigmented skin spot.
While most moles pose no health risks, some large nevi may
have cancerous effects later on during one’s life.
Coffee-cream spots are caused by too much pigment in the
skin. They do not fade away, but do not require treatment.
Mongolian spots are flat, slate blue-grey patches commonly
found in children. These birthmarks usually disappear when
children reach school age.
Macular stains (salmon patches) – These are very
thin, light pink, flat patches of discoloration. These are
usually found on babies, either on the back of their neck,
or on their upper eyelids. Most of the salmon patches on the
eyelids disappear during the child’s first year, while most
of the ones found on the neck do not.
Vascular malformations – These are caused by abnormal
development of blood vessels and are almost always present
from birth. Port-wine stains, a very common birthmark, are a
type of vascular malformation and can be found anywhere on
the body. These can be identified as flat birthmarks that
are pink-red at birth and darken to a red-purple color after
several years. Port-wine stains do not fade or go away.
These birthmarks may be a concern if located on the face
above or around the eye because they may be associated with
eye and/or brain problems.
Hemangiomas – These are lesions that develop on
infants within a couple of weeks after birth. These are
caused by many tiny blood vessels that are bunched together
and can grow quite rapidly during the child’s first six to
nine months. These are the most common tumors found in
babies and usually develop around the head and neck. Some
hemangioma will grow on internal organs, like the stomach,
liver, intestines, or kidneys. This can be identified with
discolorations in the skin. Some disappear within a few
months after birth, while most take years before they
disappear or fade. Please consult with a physician about
these conditions.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Who would
best represent an Ideal Candidate for Birthmark Removal?
People who feel their birthmarks may cause risks to their
health constitute as qualified candidates for the procedure,
as would those who are bothered by the appearance of
birthmarks. Undergoing birthmark removal can help enhance
one’s appearance and possibly provide a boost to one’s
self-esteem. However, one must remember that cosmetic
surgery is meant for improvement, not perfection. It is
important to have realistic goals and expectations when
considering birthmark removal.
What
should be expected after undergoing Birthmark Removal?
After undergoing
treatment, the treated skin becomes
dark purple. This should only last about seven to ten days
and disappear soon after. However in some cases, it can take
six to eight weeks for the purple area to completely
disappear.
Following treatment, it is recommended that patients do not
scratch the treated area. It is also important to stay out
of the sun while healing. When in the sun, patients should
use sunscreen. The healing process takes about six weeks
after treatment; during that time, the results of the
procedure should become more evident. For children that
undergo a birthmark removal, parents should make sure they
follow the doctor’s post-op instructions.
What Are
the Risks of Birthmark Removal?
Surgical removal of birthmarks carries the same risks
associated with any surgical procedure. This includes
bleeding, infection and scarring. If a scar is left, other
treatments like skin grafts may be used to correct this
condition. This also applies to large hemangiomas removed
from the body. If general anesthesia is used, an allergic
reaction to the anesthesia is also a risk.
Ten
Questions Birthmark Removal Patients Should Ask Their Doctor
To better educate the patient about birthmark removal, as
well as assisting in formulating realistic expectations, it
is recommended that the patient look at before and after
photographs, speak with previous patients, (you are always
welcome to ask your doctor for referrals to previous
patients and where to contact them) and get answers to the
following questions:
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Is my
birthmark a cause for any health concerns?
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Where
will the birthmark removal be performed and how long
will it take?
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In my
case, which birthmark removal procedure is the most
appropriate?
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Will my
birthmark still be noticeable after the procedure?
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How much
does birthmark removal cost and what other elements
factor into that cost (i.e., hospital fee, anesthesia,
etc)?
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What is
the surgeon’s level of experience in performing
birthmark removal?
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What
percentage of patients experience complications with
the birthmark removal?
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What is
the surgeon’s policy in regards to correcting or
repeating the procedure if the birthmark removal does
not meet agreed upon goals?
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What
should I expect, post-operatively, in terms of
soreness, scaring, activity level and so on?
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Have you
ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied,
revoked or suspended?
Ned Snyder IV, MD
/ Plastic Surgery
Renee
Snyder, MD / Dermatology
901 West
38th Street, Suite 410
Austin,
Texas 78705
Phone:
512-533-9900
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