901 West 38th Street
Suite 410
Austin, TX 78705
512.533.9900

Monday - Thursday
8:00am - 5:00pm

Friday
8:00am - 1:00pm


* field is required

Birthmark Removal Austin

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.

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:

  1. Is my birthmark a cause for any health concerns?
  2. Where will the birthmark removal be performed and how long will it take?
  3. In my case, which birthmark removal procedure is the most appropriate?
  4. Will my birthmark still be noticeable after the procedure?
  5. How much does birthmark removal cost and what other elements factor into that cost (i.e., hospital fee, anesthesia, etc)?
  6. What is the surgeon’s level of experience in performing birthmark removal?
  7. What percentage of patients experience complications with the birthmark removal?
  8. What is the surgeon’s policy in regards to correcting or repeating the procedure if the birthmark removal does not meet agreed upon goals?
  9. What should I expect, post-operatively, in terms of soreness, scaring, activity level and so on?
  10. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked or suspended?