Birthmarks
Birthmark Removal: Know Your Options
If you are reading this you are likely well aware that a birthmark is a splotch on the skin, which can assume a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes. Birthmarks can be small and inconspicuous, or prominent, which can be unsightly, and result in low self esteem. In certain rare cases, some types of birthmarks can even pose a health risk. For these reasons it is not uncommon for people to be interested in birthmark removal. Some types of birthmarks will fade or even disappear over time. Unfortunately, many types of birthmarks will never fade on their own. Birthmark removal offers a choice to people who are self-conscious about their appearance or who worry about a health risk from certain types of moles.
Birthmark removal is becoming an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure, but it is important that if you are considering birthmark removal, or any other cosmetic procedure, that you research and understand the procedure. This way you will have reasonable expectations of what birthmark removal can achieve and you will be aware of any inherent risks, this way when you speak to a doctor you will have a better idea about what concerns you still need addressed. The following paragraphs will discuss some important elements you want to make sure you understand before undergoing a birthmark removal.
Certain types of birthmarks respond to treatment better than others. Vascular malformations often known as ‘port wine stains’ are a fairly common birthmark caused by abnormal development of blood vessels and are usually present from birth. These sorts of birthmarks generally darken with age and do not fade or go away on their own. These birthmarks are rarely an actual health concern but may cause low self esteem and are among the most often treated with birthmark removal.
People with realistic expectations of what birthmark removal can achieve are generally better candidates for the procedure. By searching on this site and others you should have little trouble finding before and after pictures of people who have undergone birthmark removal, and this should be very helpful to you in gaining a reasonable expectation of the procedure.
If you do decide to move forward in obtaining a birthmark removal procedure you will next want to speak to a doctor for a consultation. During this visit the doctor will discuss your reasons for desiring the procedure and make sure you understand likely outcomes as well as risks associated with the procedure you undergo. The doctor should talk to you about different options for birthmark removal and walk you through the procedure that you will undergo.
Birthmarks are usually removed by one of two procedures. Laser birthmark removal employs lasers to treat birthmarks that are close to the surface of the skin, such as port-wine stains. This is a relatively non-invasive technique and has the advantage of generally being safe for patients of any age. Deeper birthmarks are more often treated with surgery and you should take care to understand the risks associated with such procedures before undergoing one.
