Most birthmarks are not medically necessary to treat, some individuals with prominent birthmarks that affect their confidence may consider options for removal.
Certain birthmarks will naturally fade over time, while others may necessitate treatments such as:
- Laser Therapy
- Medication
- Surgery
Your dermatologist might recommend removing certain moles or raised birthmarks due to medical concerns, which could result in scarring after surgical procedures.
Fortunately, many birthmarks can either be removed or their visibility reduced. While suitable for anyone seeking birthmark removal, the optimal treatment choice depends on the birthmark type.
Types, Causes, and Symptoms of Birthmarks:
Birthmarks are typically categorized into two main types, each stemming from distinct underlying causes and presenting unique characteristics:
Vascular Birthmarks:
Vascular birthmarks emerge due to irregular arrangements of blood vessels, including capillaries, veins, or lymph vessels beneath the skin. These birthmarks often exhibit shades of red, pink, or purple in appearance. Notable examples of vascular birthmarks encompass:
- Salmon Patches: These delicate marks, also termed “angel’s kisses” or “stork bites,” usually appear as pale pink patches on the skin. They often fade with time and are commonly found on the back of the neck, eyelids, or forehead.
- Hemangiomas: These are growths formed by an excessive number of blood vessels. They can range from small red dots to larger raised areas on the skin and often appear shortly after birth.
- Port Wine Stains: Characterized by their reddish or purplish hue, these birthmarks are caused by an abnormal collection of blood vessels. They tend to persist and might enlarge over time.
Pigmented Birthmarks:
Pigmented birthmarks arise due to the clustering of cells known as melanocytes, which are responsible for producing melanin—the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color.
These birthmarks generally exhibit shades of black or brown. Noteworthy examples of pigmented birthmarks encompass:
- Congenital Moles: These are dark, often raised spots that are present at birth or appear soon after. They can vary in size and shape, and some may change over time.
- Café-au-Lait Spots: These are light to dark brown marks that resemble the color of coffee with milk. They can occur anywhere on the body and may darken with sun exposure.
- Mongolian Spots: Usually bluish-gray, these birthmarks are flat and have irregular shapes. They are commonly found on the lower back or buttocks and are more prevalent in individuals with darker skin tones.
Procedures for Different Treatments:
Laser Therapy:
- Effective in lightening red birthmarks like port wine stains.
- Laser energy transforms into heat, which reduces or eradicates blood vessels, lessening birthmark visibility.
- Most effective when used early but can be applied to children and adults.
- Particularly beneficial for café au lait marks and congenital vascular birthmarks.
Surgery or Shaving:
- Often performed with local anesthesia in an office, or under general anesthesia for extensive areas.
- Utilizes a small scalpel to excise the birthmark.
Medication:
- Beta-blockers, typically prescribed for high blood pressure, might be used to diminish blood vessels and visibility of hemangiomas.
- Corticosteroids also shrink blood vessels and can minimize hemangiomas, effective only during the birthmark’s growth phase (up to about 1 year old).
Targeted Removal Areas:
While birthmarks anywhere on the body can be removed, those on the face, scalp, and neck are commonly treated due to their visibility.
Potential Risks and Side Effects:
Birthmark removal can entail certain side effects. For surgical removal, watch for signs of infection such as pus, blood, or fluid discharge. In rare cases, medication can lead to side effects like slowed heart rate, coughing, constipation, diarrhea, or sleep disturbances.
Post-Treatment Expectations:
Laser Therapy:
- Temporary redness, swelling, bruising, or irritation might occur.
- Maintain cleanliness and sun avoidance.
- Peeling around the treated area is possible.
- Healing within a week; while results are generally permanent, complete disappearance might not always occur.
Surgery:
- Minimal downtime; maintain incision site hygiene and avoid strenuous activity.
- Permanent results, with potential scarring.
Medication:
- Typically, 14 to 18 months of medication are needed for permanent results.
- Gradual tapering off the medication is advised.
Preparation for Treatments:
Laser Therapy:
- Follow the doctor’s advice to cease blood-thinning medications, smoking, or alcohol before treatment.
- Ensure transportation arrangements if needed.
Surgery:
- Arrive with clean, dry skin.
- Seek clarifications from medical staff about the procedure beforehand.
Medication:
- Disclose all medications being taken.
- Importantly, home remedies are ineffective and potentially harmful for birthmark removal. Consult a medical professional for proper advice.
In conclusion, though most birthmarks don’t necessitate removal for medical reasons, individuals seeking to minimize their visibility can consider treatments such as surgery, laser therapy, or medication. It’s vital to acknowledge that results may not be permanent, and the cost varies depending on the procedure, often not covered by insurance for cosmetic purposes.
