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Laser birthmarks can be removed if they are prominent and make you feel low on confidence.
Some may resolve on their own, while others require treatment options.
Dr. Amani Al-Tawabti, a dermatologist at the Nadhara Skin, Cosmetic and Laser Center in Hurghada, recommends removing moles or birthmarks for medical reasons.
In this article, we will learn about the causes of birthmarks, and do they have any damage? And ways to remove them from the body.
What are birthmarks?
Birthmarks are a common type of discoloration that appears on the skin at birth, or during the first few weeks of life, and is usually noncancerous.
Some estimates suggest that more than 10% children have birthmarks, and some types appear more often than others.
They may occur anywhere on the face or body, and vary in colour, size, and shape, some are permanent and may increase in size over time.
Causes of birthmarks
There is a lot of rumors about birthmarks and cravings to eat, but this is a myth.
They are not caused by anything a pregnant woman does or does not do, and the main reason why these moles form is unknown.
Types of birthmarks
Many birthmarks fall into one of two categories, each with a different cause and includes the following:
Vascular birthmarks
This type of birthmark occurs if blood vessels do not form in a specific area of the skin as they should.
There may be many vessels clustered in one area, for example, and the vessels may be wider than they are.
They occur in about 40% newborns and include:
salmon patches
These red or pink spots appear in the area between the eyes, on the eyelids, or at the back of the neck.
hemangiomas
They may appear pink, blue, or bright red, and are found on the limbs, head, or neck.
It begins small in size, becomes higher and larger, and disappears by the time the child reaches adolescence.
It requires medical removal to ensure it does not affect the child's vision or breathing.
nevus flammus
They are caused by an abnormal formation of small blood vessels under the skin.
pigmented birthmarks
It occurs when there are too many melanocytes in one area but not the others, which are the cells responsible for giving normal skin color.
There are some types of these pigmented birthmarks and they include the following:
Moles (congenital nevi)
Moles range in color from pink to light brown, or black, vary in size and may be flat or raised.
They are usually round in shape, and a change in any of their characteristics can sometimes be associated with skin cancer.
Birthmarks are oval shaped
These moles appear dull brown, and the darker your skin is, the darker your skin will be.
It may occur at any time from birth to early childhood, and its onset may coincide with a rare medical condition called Neurofibromatosis.
Mongolian blue spots
These flat bluish-gray spots occur mostly in people who have naturally dark skin.
It is harmless to the body, but it can be confused with bruises.
Mongolian spots usually appear on the lower back and buttocks, and they usually disappear and fade completely by the age of four.
You can also read : Skin cancer and methods of detection.
How can birthmarks be diagnosed?
Dr. Amani Al-Tawabti, a dermatologist, cosmetic and laser specialist in Hurghada, can diagnose birthmarks just by looking at the appearance of the skin.
It can be confirmed by imaging tests such as:
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
- Ultrasound.
- CT scan.
- biopsies;
Laser birthmark removal
Some birthmarks may cause concern because of their appearance, and some may increase the risk of certain medical conditions, such as skin cancer.
Birthmarks should be examined by a specialized dermatologist, such as a dermatologist, cosmetologist and laser at Nodaha Center in Hurghada.
The case may be advised to get rid of birthmarks with laser and other treatment methods that we will learn about together.
Laser treatment can significantly remove or lighten birthmarks, making them less noticeable by constricting blood vessels.
The laser also contributes to lightening the color of red birthmarks.
Highly focused, pulsed light beams are used, and laser birthmarks may be more successful when started in childhood.
It can also be used on older children and adults, and usually requires several treatments.
You can also read : Tine versicolor and its treatment.
Instructions before getting rid of birthmarks with laser
If your doctor advises you to use a laser to eliminate birthmarks, stop taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin and aspirin.
Stop smoking, and don't drink alcoholic beverages in the days before your appointment.
Laser birthmark removal results
- There may be redness, discoloration, swelling, some bruising, or irritation for 24 hours after laser birthmark removal sessions.
- You may experience peeling around the treated area.
- The results are permanent, and the birthmark disappears in such a large proportion that it is almost indistinguishable.
- The treated area heals in just one week.
These results should be maintained with good care of the area from which the birthmark was removed, and direct sunlight avoided.
Other ways to get rid of birthmarks
Not only can birthmarks be removed with a laser, but they can also be eliminated with medication or surgery.
Surgery
Birthmarks can be removed under local anesthesia at the surgical site using a small scalpel.
Strenuous activity that could irritate the stitches should be avoided, and the wound site should be kept clean and dry.
The results are permanent, although there may be some scarring, and there may be other side effects such as infection, fluid or blood from the incisions.
A technique called tissue expansion can be used to reduce the scarring caused by surgical removal of birthmarks.
It requires a balloon to be inserted under the skin next to the birthmark, and this causes new, healthy skin to grow as a kind of flap.
This cap is used to cover the area where the birthmark was previously, then the balloon is removed.
pharmaceutical
Certain types of medications can be used to get rid of birthmarks, including the following:
beta blockers
They are defined as oral medications used to treat high blood pressure.
longer propranolol Propranolol is a type of such medication that can also be used to reduce the size or appearance of hemangiomas.
It works by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow, causing the tumor to soften and fade significantly.
corticosteroids
They are anti-inflammatory drugs that can be taken orally or injected directly into the birthmark, and they work to reduce the size of the birthmark.
You can also read : Mask pills | Why do they appear? How do you get rid of it?
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Mole Removal
Can birthmarks appear at another time after removal?
The birthmarks do not appear after their removal, and their effect disappears completely with the instructions of the dermatologist at the Freshness Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser in Hurghada.
Are birthmarks hereditary?
Some types of birthmarks can be hereditary and passed from parents to children, but most are not, and some are caused by genetic mutations.
Can birthmarks be prevented?
Birthmarks can't be prevented, but your baby's birthmark should be monitored for growth if it appears at birth.
This observation is important to note changes that occur such as increased size, height, or increased pigmentation.
Show your child to the doctor to determine if the birthmark is linked to a genetic condition that requires treatment?
Can birthmarks be cancerous?
Most birthmarks are harmless, however, in some cases, they may develop into cancer.
Babies born with a congenital nevus have an increased risk of developing a type of skin cancer as they get older.
In the end, getting rid of birthmarks with a laser is one of the best methods that a dermatologist at the Freshness Center for Dermatology, Aesthetics and Laser in Hurghada can determine for you.
