Birthmark Removal
AKA: Macular Stains, Coffee Cream Spots, Vascular Malformations
What types of birthmarks are there?
Macular Stains (salmon patches): These are thin, pink, flat patches of discoloration. These are often found on an infant’s neck and eyelids. If the patch is on the eyelid it may fade greatly or disappear by the first year. The patches on the neck do not however.
Vascular Malformations: These are caused by an abnormal development of blood vessels when born. Some, called port-wine stains are common and can be found anywhere on the body. Strawberry nevus hemangiomas can undergo a rapid growth phase with an increase to size and volume. The strawberry nevus is a red, raised textured growth on the skin.
Pigmentation-type birthmarks: These types of birthmarks are caused by either lack of or too much pigment in the skin. Too much pigment in the skin may be a coffee-cream spot. Mongolian spots are flat and bluish- gray patches. They may look a lot like a bruise, and are often found on infants. They fade as a child reaches school age.
The Procedure
The birthmark removal method depends on the birthmark type, size, and location.
Laser Therapy:
Lasers are used to treat birthmarks or discoloration of the skin that are close to the surface of the skin. During treatment, short bursts of laser light are aimed at the birthmark in order to shrink it, lighten it or cause it to stop growing. Multiple treatments are often necessary to achieve the desired results. The energy of the laser coagulates the blood in the vessels while preserving the overlying skin.
Sclerosing Agents:
These are solutions injected into the birthmark to affect the vessels. This procedure is used in specific cases to irritate the blood vessels and blood cells enough to shrink the mass of the birthmark.
Surgery:
This method is used when other non-evasive procedures have not worked or when the birthmark resides on an internal organ. This procedure requires the use of general anesthesia.
Steroids:
Certain anomalies can be decreased by the use of prescription medication.
Recuperation
After undergoing laser therapy for birthmark removal the treated skin becomes dark purple. This could take up to several weeks to disappear depending on the type of birthmark and size of the area treated. Patients should avoid scratching the treated area and try to keep it out of direct sunlight. Remember, multiple treatments may be necessary for desired results. Again, discomfort during treatment depends on the type, size and density of the birthmark.
What You Should Know
Surgical birthmark removal carries the same risks of any other surgery using general anesthesia. Please consult your doctor for any risks involved in any of the prescribed treatments.
Books You Should Read
Also Known As (AKA)
Macular Stains
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Coffee Cream Spots
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Vascular Malformations