Other Associated Terms: Laser Birthmark Removal.
A birthmark is a discoloration on the skin that is present from the moment of birth, or shortly thereafter. There are some that are hereditary. For example, one woman can have several children with the same birthmarks. It’s possible that some birthmarks may disappear over time, however, in other cases they refuse to go away.
If they appear noticeably in areas such as the face they can affect the appearance of the individual and thus lower self-esteem levels. In some instances, birthmarks can pose a health risk. For example, birthmarks on the eyelids or face can lead to seizures or eye issues (glaucoma).
Four Main Types of Birthmarks
Strawberry Birthmarks
These can appear on infants during the first weeks after birth. These are caused when small blood vessels grow rapidly after bunching together. The discolorations that are caused can take anywhere from a few months to years to disappear or fade. Since this type of birthmark is most common on infants, you should discuss any removal decisions with your doctor.
Salmon Patches
Salmon Patches are thin and colored pink. These will appear on infants and are usually found on their upper eyelids. These will usually go away during their first year. However, those that are found on the back of the neck may not fade or disappear.
Pigmentation-Type Birthmarks
These are usually coffee-colored and don’t require removal. A version of this type of birthmark is called a Mongolian spot and these are gray or bluish patches that look like bruises. Normally, they fade during the child’s first 5 years.. They usually don’t pose a health risk, but they can be a sign of skin cancer or melanoma if there is a change in color or size.
Vascular Malformations
Vascular Malformations are common and can appear as a port wine-colored stain. These do not fade and can appear anywhere on the infant’s body. This is the type of birthmark that is most often treated by laser removal.
Benefits of Laser Birthmark Removal
There are several benefits associated with laser birthmark removal. The procedure is virtually painless and will usually require no anesthetic.
There will usually be a tingling sensation that can be compared to a snapping rubber band on your skin. No hospital stay will be required and the recovery period is relatively short.
Usually, any tenderness or bruising will fade within a week. The improvement of your appearance can be a boost to your self-confidence and self-esteem levels, as well.
There is no age limit with laser birthmark removal. However, for children under the age of 5, a consultation with a doctor is recommended.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Birthmark Removal?
There are many reasons for people seeking birthmark removal. These range from improving appearance to health considerations. Birthmark removal is increasing in popularity but like any cosmetic procedure, you should do your research and know what the procedure involves.
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 using steroids or marijuana.
- Are not heavy alcohol users.
Laser Birthmark Removal Procedure
Laser technology uses a pulsing high-energy laser that allows for precision birthmark removal. Usually, no anesthetic is needed since the procedure is relatively painless. There should only be a tingling sensation felt during the process.
The laser will be used to lighten the birthmark’s darker tones and, in some cases, remove it altogether. This is especially true of lighter coffee-colored birthmarks. However, port-wine colored birthmarks may need more intensive treatments that will be spaced several months apart.
Treatments will take anywhere between several minutes to a few hours – depending on the severity and size of the birthmark. The treatments are done on an out-patient basis (usually in the doctor’s office). No hospital overnight stay will be needed.
You should avoid anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, Advil® or Motrin® for 2 weeks prior to treatment. Other things to avoid are Vitamin E, gingko biloba, St. John’s Wort and other herbal medicines that can act as blood thinners. Your doctor can provide you a list of items of these items.
Recovery and Aftercare
The recovery time for healing from birthmark removal is relatively short. Any swelling or discomfort 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.
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.
It’s important to follow all of the doctor’s post-procedure instructions and that parents assist their children with those instructions if needed.
Potential Risks and Limitations
Birthmark removal risks are minimal. In rare cases, there may be some bruising, bleeding or scabbing. Bruising can sometimes be avoided by not taking anticoagulants such as aspirin or avoiding Vitamin E for two weeks prior to treatment.
Skin tone problems can also occur. These will appear as dark or light areas on the skin. Occasionally, there may be a dark patch surrounded by lighter skin. These issues can be addressed by an additional treatment.
It should be noted that laser birthmark treatments don’t always successfully remove a birthmark. This can occur when the birthmark pigmentation is unable to be reached by the laser.
Also, the darker birthmark pigmentation can rise again to the surface skin and birthmarks can reappear or even darken more. Usually, this can be effectively repaired with more laser treatments.
Cost of Laser Birthmark Removal
Birthmark removal costs will vary according to the size of the birthmark and the region (city/state) where the procedure is performed. The cost for laser birthmark removal ranges $400-$600.
When you go over the costs associated with birthmark removal, you should obtain the total comprehensive cost to include facility fees, anesthetic (if needed) and all miscellaneous expenses.
The number of treatments that are needed will also influence the total cost. The number of required procedures will depend on how deep the birthmark lies within the skin and its’ severity. On the average, you can expect 3-6 treatments for pigmentation types and 8-12 treatments for vascular malformations (port-wine colored).
Most medical insurance providers will not cover these procedures. If this is the case, you may wish to inquire about financing from your doctor.
New Advances in Laser Birthmark Removal
Laser birthmark removal has advanced significantly in recent years.
Newer laser technologies, such as fractional lasers and picosecond lasers, allow for more precise targeting of pigmentation while minimizing damage to surrounding skin. These advancements result in faster healing times, reduced discomfort, and better outcomes for patients.
Additionally, combination therapy—which involves using multiple types of lasers in one treatment plan—has been shown to be more effective in treating stubborn vascular malformations, such as port-wine stains. Dermatologists may also combine laser therapy with topical medications to enhance results and improve skin texture.
Key Questions to Discuss During Consultation
Prior to making a decision to have laser birthmark removal, you should first meet with the doctor and discuss various topics. These can include issues such as expectations and details of the procedure.
- Is the birthmark a medical concern or purely cosmetic?
- What results should I realistically expect?
- Where will the procedure be performed?
- How long is the recovery process?
- Will your birthmark still be visible afterwards?
- What is the doctor’s level of experience (how many procedures has he or she performed in the last year)?
- What are the risks involved and what are the potential complications?
You should also view numerous before and after photos in order to have an idea of the results that you can expect.
Let your doctor know if you have any allergies and if you are taking any medications.
By addressing these concerns, you can make an informed decision about whether laser birthmark removal is the right choice for you.
Alternative Birthmark Removal Treatments
While laser therapy is the most common method, some patients may consider alternative treatments based on their birthmark type, skin condition, and medical history.
Cryotherapy: Freezing birthmarks with liquid nitrogen can be effective for superficial pigmentation, although it may cause temporary skin irritation.
Surgical Excision: In cases where birthmarks are raised, thick, or deeply pigmented, surgical removal may be a better option. This is often recommended for dermal melanocytosis or large congenital nevi.
Topical Treatments: Some prescription-strength creams, such as hydroquinone or retinoids, may help lighten superficial pigmented birthmarks over time. However, these treatments require patience and consistency.
Future Trends in Birthmark Removal
Researchers are exploring new ways to improve birthmark removal with gene therapy and regenerative medicine. Scientists are studying how genetic factors contribute to birthmarks and whether targeted gene-editing techniques could correct pigment abnormalities at the cellular level.
Moreover, nanotechnology-based skin treatments are being developed to deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin to break down excess pigmentation more efficiently. These innovations could provide less invasive and more permanent solutions for birthmark removal in the future.
As technology continues to evolve, patients seeking birthmark removal will have more effective, safer, and customized options to achieve clearer and more even-toned skin.