What Are Birthmarks?
Definition and General Overview
Birthmarks are growths that manifest on the skin either at birth or soon after. They encompass a range of lesions, including vascular, epidermal, pigmented, and other subtypes. These blemishes are typically areas of discolored and/or raised skin that are apparent at birth or within a few weeks of birth. They can be made up of malformed pigment cells or blood vessels.
Understanding Birthmarks and Their Types
Birthmarks are common skin blemishes that appear at or shortly after birth. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and while some may fade over time, others persist throughout one’s life. It is essential to understand the different types of birthmarks and dispel any misconceptions surrounding them.
Introduction
What are Birth Marks?
Birthmarks are since birth or they develop gradually within 1-2 years after birth. As far as possible, it should be treated earliest unless expert denies. Most of people have misconception that birth mark will reduce gradually with increase in age. This is rare possibility.
Nevus of ota: Nevus of ota develops on the upper areas of face and around the eye. It is often present on one side.
In 50% of the persons it is present at the time of birth. In other cases it slowly develops upto puberty age.
It develops as hyperpigmentation on one side of the face. The colour of pigmentation is grey blue/grey black/slate blue/patchy brown pigmentation or entrapped melanocytes in dermal area of the skin. Changes also developed in sclera of eye and mucosa of the mouth.
This disease cannot be treated with application of medicine because pigmentation is in dermal layer. So technology which reaches to dermal depth of skin is selected. Bigger spot size Q switch Nd YAG laser is able to go to such depth to treat such case. One may need 10-20 treatment sessions for satisfactory results. Most of these persons respond satisfactorily to this treatment.
Common Misconceptions
There are several misconceptions regarding birthmarks that need to be addressed. While most birthmarks are benign (noncancerous) and do not require treatment, it is crucial for babies with birthmarks to be examined and diagnosed by a healthcare provider. Additionally, it is important to note that the exact cause of why birthmarks develop is unknown. In some cases, they form due to factors such as abnormal development of blood vessels or melanocyte cells growing in clusters.
Types of Birthmarks Treatable with Laser
Naevus Flammeus (Stork Bite)
Naevus flammeus, commonly known as a “stork bite” or “salmon patch,” is a type of vascular birthmark characterized by flat pink patches often found on the back of the neck, eyelids, or forehead. These marks usually fade within the first year but may persist into adulthood.
Mongolian Spots
Mongolian spots are blue-gray patches that appear at birth or shortly thereafter. They are commonly found on the lower back and buttocks but can also occur on other parts of the body. While they typically fade over time, laser treatment can expedite this process.
Haemangioma of Infancy (Strawberry Mark)
Haemangiomas are bright red nodules comprised of small blood vessels that grow rapidly during the first year of life before eventually shrinking and fading away without treatment in most cases. However, laser therapy can help accelerate this natural regression.
Café au Lait Spots
Café au lait spots are light brown patches on the skin that may be present at birth or develop in early childhood. While these spots are generally harmless, their appearance can cause distress for some individuals who may seek laser treatment for cosmetic reasons.
Laser Birthmarks Treatment By Dr. Pramod Mahajan
Dr. Pramod Hari Mahajan, a renowned Laser and Cosmetic Surgeon, has undergone training in various recognized cosmetic surgery and laser treatment workshops. He is the founder of the first multi-laser & cosmetic surgical center in North Maharashtra, equipped with world-renowned & most standard multiple leading laser technology brands in the world. The center holds ISO 9001-2008 Certification.
Benefits
Achieving Stunning Results with Laser Birth Marks Treatment
Laser therapy is exceptionally effective at reducing or completely removing birthmarks. It precisely targets the pigment in the birthmark, resulting in a noticeable improvement in its appearance.
This treatment is entirely non-invasive, meaning it doesn’t involve surgical procedures or the need for incisions. It’s a surface-level procedure, minimizing the risk of scarring and infection.
Most individuals undergoing laser birthmark treatment experience minimal discomfort. Some laser devices incorporate cooling technology to enhance comfort during the procedure.
Laser sessions for birthmark removal are typically brief, often lasting just a few minutes. This quickness makes it a convenient option, especially for individuals with busy lifestyles.
Laser technology is versatile and can effectively treat various types of birthmarks, including port wine stains, hemangiomas, and pigmented birthmarks. It can be applied to birthmarks located on different parts of the body.
The removal or reduction of birthmarks through laser treatment can significantly boost self-confidence and self-esteem. It allows individuals to feel more comfortable and positive about their appearance, contributing to an improved sense of self.
Area of Laser Hair Removal
Birth mark may be due to excess pigment in the skin or it may be due to blood vessel lesion or defect in development of organ. Thus there are two basic subtypes of birthmarks. (a) Red or vascular birthmarks are most commonly seen, and are caused by an irregularity in the blood vessels. These include port wine stains and hemangiomas. (b) Pigmented birthmarks, known as nevus (singular) or nevi (plural) are black or brown in color and are often less pronounce. Many changes develop over a period.
Result after Ultrapulse PreciseFx CO2 laser skin resurfacing on the birthmark. One may need 1-3 sittings. Some patient needs follow up treatment with Q Switch Nd:YAG laser facial skin rejuvenation 6-10 times.
Laser skin rejuvenation treatment on birth mark
Method of removal depends upon the type of birth `mark and severity of its condition size of birth marks, affordability, technique of treatment is chosen.
- a) Surgical excision:Birth marks are removed for cosmetic reason or reduced due to possibility of health risk development with the help of surgical excision. Surgery may be done under general or local anesthesia. Depending upon size, location the time of surgery, varies from 15 minutes to few hours. Bigger size birth mark is removed with serial excision in 2-4 sitting (or more). Invisible stitches (subcuticular) are given in most of the cases for better appearance of scar.
- b) Laser treatment:Ultra-Pulse®fractional CO2 laser, Q-switch Nd: YAG Laser, Pulse Dye laser, P Nd: YAG laser, etc. are used for treatment of birth mark. When non ablative or non-surgical laser technology is used multiple sittings of treatment are required. Pigmented birth marks like nevus of ota may be treated with Q switch Nd:YAG (Top flat quality) laser(Medlite C-6) in 10-15 sitting. For reduction or eradication, one may need to use combination of 2-3 techniques. For vascular birth mark like port wine stain, hemangioma, enlarged blood vessels, long pulse Nd:YAG laser and Pulse dye lasers are used in combination. e.g. Gentle YAG Laser & Pulse dye laser of Medlite C-6.
Result after Ultrapulse PreciseFx CO2 laser skin resurfacing on the birthmark. One may need 1-3 sittings. Some patient needs follow up treatment with Q Switch Nd:YAG laser facial skin rejuvenation 6-10 times.
Small to moderate sized DPN spots can be completely removed without any marks left behind. When one wants to remove bigger size mole or junctional naevi or DPN spots one may need 2 or 3 sittings to prevent any prominent mark. Some persons do not like to undergo this procedure 2-3 times & they want to remove it completely in one sitting. In such persons one need to go to full depth. In such cases there are chances of residual visible scar formation.
Skin Tags:
Skin tags are seen in axilla, on neck & sometimes on other part of the body. Skin tags can be removed in one sitting with Original Ultrapulse CO2 Laser technology. After treatment with Original UltraPulse CO2 laser technology healing is better and there are minimum or no marks of healing are left in comparison to SuperPulse CO2 laser technology.
About Specialist
Dr. Pramod Hari Mahajan
Dr. Pramod Hari Mahajan is a highly esteemed Laser and Cosmetic Surgeon in North Maharashtra. With certification from the Australian Board and over 40 years of experience.
He is a skilled practitioner of advanced cosmetic and laser procedures. As a former Professor of Surgery at M. H. Medical College, Nashik. Dr. Mahajan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his practice, ensuring the highest quality of care for his patients.
FAQ
Permanent Laser Hair Removal
Keep in mind that the effectiveness of permanent laser hair removal can vary depending on factors such as hair color and skin type. It’s essential to consult with a qualified professional to determine if you’re a suitable candidate and to create a personalized treatment plan.
Answer: Laser Birthmark Treatment is a medical procedure that uses laser technology to reduce or remove birthmarks from the skin's surface. It's a non-invasive method that targets the pigment in birthmarks.
Answer: Laser treatment for birthmarks is generally safe when performed by a qualified healthcare professional. It's essential to consult with a dermatologist or laser specialist to determine if it's suitable for your specific birthmark type.
Answer: Laser treatment can significantly fade or even remove some birthmarks, but complete removal may not always be possible. The outcome depends on the type, size, and depth of the birthmark.
Answer: Most people find laser birthmark treatment to be tolerable. There may be some discomfort during the procedure, but it's often manageable. Some lasers incorporate cooling technology to minimize discomfort.
Answer: The number of sessions required varies based on the birthmark's characteristics. Typically, multiple sessions (ranging from 2 to 6 or more) are needed for the best results.
Answer: Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, and mild discomfort, which usually subside within a few days. In rare cases, there may be pigment changes or scarring, so it's crucial to follow post-treatment care instructions.
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