Birthmark Removal treatment
Birthmark removal refers to the various procedures or treatments aimed at reducing or eliminating the appearance of birthmarks on the skin. Birthmarks are colored spots or patches that are present at birth or develop shortly afterward. They can be caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels, pigmented cells, or other skin components.
The treatment for birthmark removal depends on the type, size, and location of the birthmark.
Some common treatment options include:
Laser therapy: This is one of the most common methods for removing birthmarks. Different types of lasers are used based on the specific nature of the birthmark. For instance, vascular birthmarks, which are caused by abnormal blood vessels, can be treated with laser devices that target and coagulate the blood vessels, leading to their disappearance over time.
Surgical excision: Surgical removal is suitable for certain types of birthmarks, especially those that are raised above the skin surface or have a significant growth component. During the procedure, the birthmark is carefully cut out, and the wound is closed with sutures. In some cases, skin grafting may be necessary if the excision leaves a larger wound.
Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the birthmark with liquid nitrogen, causing the affected tissue to die and eventually fall off.
Electrocautery: In this method, an electric current is used to burn and remove the birthmark tissue.
Pulsed dye laser (PDL): PDL is specifically effective for treating vascular birthmarks like port-wine stains, as it targets the blood vessels responsible for their appearance.
Ideal Candidates for Birthmark Removal Procedures
Many people are suitable candidates for birthmark removal. A consultation with highly experienced plastic surgeon will confirm if you qualify. Your doctor will revise the birthmark you’re hoping to have removed, and let you know which approach is the most suitable for your skin.
In general, candidates for laser birthmark removal or light therapy treatments should have healthy and well-hydrated or slightly oily skin and hope to remove vascular or flat pigmented types of birthmarks. Ideal candidates for both procedures should not be prone to keloid formation (excessive scar tissue growth), or other severe scarring issues. In these cases, birthmark treatment could cause excessive scar tissue growth over the site being treated, resulting in a more obvious and even less attractive lesion.
The benefits of birthmark removal treatments include:
- Improved appearance: Birthmark removal can significantly improve the appearance of the skin, particularly in cases where the birthmark is large, prominent, or located in a cosmetically sensitive area.
- Boost in self-confidence: For individuals who feel self-conscious or uncomfortable due to the presence of a birthmark, removal can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence.
- Minimally invasive options: Many birthmark removal treatments are minimally invasive, leading to less discomfort and shorter recovery times compared to more extensive surgical procedures.
- Customized approach: The treatment for birthmark removal can be tailored to suit the specific type and characteristics of the birthmark, providing more targeted and effective results.
It’s important to note that not all birthmarks require removal, as many are harmless and do not cause any medical issues. The decision to remove a birthmark should be made in consultation with a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional, who can assess the type of birthmark and recommend the most appropriate course of action based on individual circumstances and medical considerations. Additionally, some birthmarks may require multiple treatment sessions for optimal results.
birthmark removal – Frequently Asked Questions
The birthmark removal procedures that we utilize at Delight Clinic target the tissue responsible for the resulting birthmark. This tissue is either cut (in moles) or destroyed (flat birthmark) and eliminated through your body’s immune responses.
The time taken depends on the size and depth of the birthmark. Most birthmarks can be removed in less than an hour. Port-wine stain birthmarks may need several sessions spaced several months apart.
At Delight Clinic the doctor will first cleanse the area to be treated. A cold press or a local anesthetic may be used to numb the area. A laser beam is targeted to the birthmark and the light penetrates the surface of the skin to lighten it gradually. Port-wine stain birthmarks become less noticeable and the skin tone is more or less evened out. In most coffee-and-cream birthmarks, laser treatment can eliminate the mark altogether.
The birthmark removal procedures destroy all the tissue responsible for the birthmark. This means that there is no chance the birthmark will recur since the causative agent has been eliminated.
The type and extent of your birthmarks determine the length of the procedure. The removal procedure used also determines how long the whole process will take.
Our birthmark removal procedures are noninvasive. This means that you can have your birthmark removal procedure and get back to work immediately. The only time you’ll need off work is during the appointments with Delight Clinic.
Unless your procedure directly affects your ability to exercise, you should be able to get back to your regular exercise the day after the procedure. However, if the site treated is sensitive, you should wait till you fully recover before getting back to your exercise schedule. This may take up to ten days. You will also need to keep the treated areas away from sunlight for a few weeks. A Sunscreen, of SPF40+, should also be applied for a few months.