When a baby is born or shortly after common spots appear on the skin are known as birthmarks. They can look like uneven or patchy areas of color on the skin differ in size, color, shape, and texture, and can show anywhere on the body. Most of the time birthmarks fade as time passes, while others stay for life. Even some may continue to grow. Although the birthmarks are harmless and noncancerous, still some individuals want to remove them for cosmetic reasons. At Evon Aesthetic, many birthmark removal treatment options are available for those who want to remove the appearance of birthmarks for a flawless appearance.
Understanding the Causes
The exact cause of birthmarks is still unclear. Many scientists believe that they can run in families because of genetic factors. Sometimes it is linked to health conditions like Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome or Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Port-wine stains a type of birthmark commonly found in infants are frequently connected to Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. They may also indicate Sturge-Weber syndrome, which is caused by another genetic change.
Types of Birthmarks
Experts classified types of birthmarks into two main categories: vascular birthmarks and pigmented birthmarks. Let’s take a look at both.
Vascular Birthmarks:
Vascular birthmarks appear when blood vessels grow unusually in the skin. These red marks can occur when too many blood vessels gather in one spot or when blood vessels become wider than normal. Common types of vascular birthmarks include:
- Salmon patches: You can find the patches on the back of your neck, eyelids, or the area between your eyes. They are called stork bites. The clustering of tiny blood vessels beneath the skin Is the reason of these birthmaks. These Salmon patches gradually go away and do not require any treatment.
- Hemangiomas: Typically these birthmarks appear in a blue shade, pink, or red and are commonly found on the neck, head, or extremities. Hemangiomas gradually enlarge over several months however, they start small at birth and become more raised and prominent. Over time, they usually may disappear or fade away by adolescence, they sometimes leave a pale mark known as a strawberry hemangioma. In cases where hemangiomas grow rapidly. Just to make sure it does not affect the child’s vision or breathing medical intervention may be required.
- Port-wine stains: Port-wine stains are birthmarks caused by issues with blood vessels under the skin. They usually appear on the neck and face but can be found anywhere on the body. At first, they may look pink or red, but they are permanent and can get darker over time. If they appear on the eyelids, medical treatment may be needed. In rare cases, these birthmarks might be linked to a genetic condition.
Pigmented Birthmarks:
These birthmarks form when pigment cells called melanocytes gather in one spot on the skin. Melanocytes are the cells that give your skin its natural color.
Here are some common types of pigmented birthmarks:
- Moles: These can be pink, light brown, or black. Some are flat, while others are raised. Moles come in different sizes. Some fade over time, while others stay forever. If a mole can continuously change its shape or size, it could be a sign of cancer.
- Café au lait spots: These are light brown, oval-shaped birthmarks that fade away with time. People with dark skin tones mostly face darker birthmarks. Having too many of these spots at times is linked to a medical condition called neurofibromatosis.
- Mongolian blue spots: People with darker skin often face bluish-gray birthmarks. They mostly show up at birth and tend to disappear by the age of four.
Treatment Options for Birthmark
Usually, birthmarks fade over time, but some problematic ones need medical intervention. The three main treatments to remove birthmarks are:
1. Medication
Beta-blockers are widely recommended by dermatologists for birthmarks like hemangiomas. Beta-blockers make the birthmark smaller and less visible by slowing down the blood flow to the area. Another widely used option is corticosteroids. Corticosteroids also shrink blood vessels to make the mark less visible. Corticosteroids are often used to treat hemangiomas in babies.
2. Surgery
Doctors usually remove birthmarks using local anesthesia, which numbs the area so you won’t feel pain. They carefully cut out the birthmark with a small surgical tool.
If the birthmark is large, you might need general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep during the procedure.
3. Laser Therapy
Different types of lasers are used to treat different kinds of birthmarks.
Some lasers shrink blood vessels to treat red birthmarks, while others target pigments to fade darker ones. Treatment works best in infancy, but deeper birthmarks in teens and adults may need multiple sessions.
Birthmark Removal Results
Birthmark removal methods usually give lasting results depending upon the procedure since the treated cells don’t grow back. Surgery is the most effective way to remove a birthmark since it physically cuts it out. On the other hand, laser therapy can lighten a birthmark, but it might still leave a faint mark behind.
Cost Considerations
The starting price for birthmark removal is around 6000 to 40000. The total cost of the removal will depend on how many birthmarks you want to remove and the type of treatment you choose for removal.
Removing a birthmark is a delicate process that should be done by experienced skin specialists. Evon Aesthetic offers safe and effective birthmark removal treatments. We have expert dermatologists who know how to treat different types of birthmarks while ensuring natural-looking results. Our skilled professionals can guide you through the process with care and expertise.
FAQs
- Is birthmark removal painful?
Birthmark removal is generally well-tolerated, but a patient may feel tingling. Surgical removal involves little discomfort, but it is manageable with proper anesthesia.
- When should a birthmark be removed?
For birthmark removal, there is no specific age restriction. Childhood or adolescence is the recommended stage for treatment.
- Can brown birthmarks be removed?
Yes, both vascular and pigmented birthmarks can be effectively treated with the right removal methods.
- How long does it take to remove a birthmark?
The duration of the treatment depends on the type, size, and location, as well as the chosen method. Removal through Laser therapy may require multiple sessions.
- Can birthmarks be cancerous?
Most birthmarks are non-cancerous. Keep an eye on size, shape, or color changes, as they could be a rare sign of skin cancer.