birthmark-removal

While some birthmarks like a mole on cheek may add to the beauty of a woman, there are some birthmarks which can dampen the beauty of a pretty face.

A discoloration on any part of your skin that you are born with or is present from the moment of birth, or shortly thereafter is called a Birthmark.

If they appear noticeably in areas such as the face they can affect the appearance of the individual and thus affecting their self-esteem.

Birthmarks are common and usually harmless. But some may require treatment for cosmetic reasons or because of rapid growth. Still others may be a sign of an underlying disease.

Birthmark Types

There are different types of birthmarks that can be present in people. On a broader level they are divided into 2 categories

  1. Vascular Birthmarks
  2. Pigmented Birthmarks

Vascular Birthmarks

Salmon patch (stork mark)

Salmon patches can be red or pink, flat patches. Babies are usually born with them and they can appear on a baby’s eyelids, neck or forehead at birth.

Most common type of vascular birthmark are Salmon patches.. Around half of the babies have them. Most of them will fade completely within a few months from baby’s birth, but if they are on the forehead they may take up to four years to disappear. Patches that occur on the back of the neck can last longer.

Infantile Haemangioma

Infantile haemangiomas, also known as strawberry birthmarks, are raised marks on the skin that are usually red. They can appear anywhere on the body.

Most commonly seen in girls, haemangiomas rapidly increase in size for the first six months before eventually shrinking and disappearing by around seven years of age.

Haemangiomas that grow rapidly, or those that interfere with vision or feeding, may need to be treated.

Capillary malformation (port wine stain)

Flat red or purple marks appearing on the skin are called capillary malformations or port wine stains. They affect a very small number of newborn babies. They can vary in size, from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter.

Often times one side of the body is affected and they usually occur on the face, chest and back (although they can occur anywhere).

They tend to be sensitive to hormones and may become more noticeable around puberty,pregnancy and the menopause. Most are permanent and may deepen in colour over time.

Pigmented birthmarks

Café-au-lait spots

Café-au-lait spots are coffee-coloured skin patches. Many children have one or two, but if more than six have developed by the time the child is five, you will need to see a doctor as it could be a sign of neurofibromatosis (a number of conditions that cause tumours to grow along the nerves).

Mongolian spots

Blue-grey spots that look like bruises are called Mongolian spots and they are present from birth.

They’re more common in darker-skinned people and usually occur over the lower back or buttocks. However, they can also appear elsewhere on the body or limbs.

Mongolian can stay for months or years, but they usually disappear by the time a child reaches four years of age. They’re completely harmless and don’t need treatment. Sometimes they may be mistaken for a bruise.

Congenital melanocytic naevi

Congenital melanocytic naevi are also known as congenital moles. They’re quite large moles which are brown or black in colour and are present from birth.

They’re fairly common and they occur due to an overgrowth of pigment cells in the skin. They gradually become smaller and fade away. However they can become hairy, bumpy and dark during  puberty.

Patient Characteristics for birthmark removal procedure

In general, ideal candidates include those who are in good health, both physically and psychologically and who:

  • Are realistic in expectations and understand how the procedure is performed.
  • Are non-smokers or who can refrain from smoking during healing.
  • Are not heavy alcohol users.

Birthmark Treatment:

Laser birthmark removal in Delhi

Q-Switched Nd: YAG Laser or CO2 laser is used to remove the birthmarks.

Lasers can be beneficial to remove birthmarks that are superficial, such as port-wine stains. This method can be performed at any age. The treatment comprises of , short bursts of laser light that are aimed at the birthmark so that the birthmark can shrink or stop growing. Your body’s own defense mechanism then removes these pigments from your body. After the treatment is completed the skin becomes darker which can stay darker for a few days.

Generally speaking, no anesthetic is required since the procedure is relatively painless. There should only be a tingling sensation felt during the process.

Multiple visits may be necessary to achieve optimal results.

The laser can be used for birthmark fading in darker tones and, in some cases, remove it altogether. Treatments will last anywhere between several minutes to a few hours. That depends on the severity and size of the birthmark. The treatments are done on an outpatient basis. No hospital overnight stay will be needed.

You should avoid anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, for 2 weeks prior to treatment.

Medicines

Are prescribed for some of the birth mark which is mainly steroid. These medicines are helpful to treat certain types of birthmarks.

Benefits of Birthmarks Removal

There are several benefits associated with laser birthmark removal.

  • Painless procedure.
  • There is usually a tingling sensation just like snapping of rubber band on your skin.
  • It’s a day care procedure hence hospital stay will not be required and the recovery period is relatively short.
  • Side effects are usually very mild like tenderness or bruising. They will usually fade within a week.
  • The improvement of your appearance can be a boost to your self-confidence and self-esteem levels, as well.
  • Age is no limit for getting Laser birthmark removal.

Birthmark Removal Recovery after Procedure

The recovery after birthmark removal is speedy. If there is any swelling or discomfort, it will usually fade in about a week. You may notice that the treated area will become dark purple. This should disappear about ten days after the procedure but, in some cases, it can last for 6-8 weeks. The healing process takes about six weeks after treatment; during that time, the results of the procedure should become more evident.

You will be advised to refrain from scratching the treated area. You should also avoid direct sunlight or use a good sunscreen when going outside in the daytime.

How Much Pain Is Associated With Birthmark Removal?

This depends upon the type of procedure used. The pain with laser therapy is very mild, like a rubber band snapping at the skin. Some experience a transient, mild burning sensation. An anesthetic may be given to those people sensitive to pain.

Risks Associated With Birthmark Removal:

Birthmark removal risks are minimal. In rare cases, there may be some bruising, or scabbing. Skin tone problems can also occur. These will appear as dark or light areas on the skin.

Birthmark Removal Cost in Delhi

The costs for birthmark removal varies and it depends on the method used and the size of the area to be treated. Please make an appointment with Dezire clinic, Delhi. On your visit, Dr Yadav will discuss the options available and the treatment that is most suitable for you. He will also give you the exact cost of your  treatment.

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