Is it possible to remove birthmarks with laser therapy?

A “birthmark” is any mark that appears on the skin at birth or appears shortly after. They are widespread, with many kids bearing some kind of mark. The majority of birthmarks are safe, and some disappear as the child gets older. A birthmark may occasionally indicate additional issues or illnesses. If you are unsure, especially if the mark changes suddenly, it’s important to consult your doctor and choose the right treatment required to remove them permanently.

In this blog post, we will provide information regarding the types of birth marks, their treatments, causes, and precautions necessary after removing them.

What are the different types of birth marks?

The different types of birth marks are listed below:

1. Naevus flammeus: The “stork bite” mark is also known as a macular stain or salmon patch. Typical traits consist of:

1. These are flat, pink marks with an uneven shape.
2. Touching the mark does not cause any difference or thickening of the skin.
3. They are typically found on the forehead, eyelids, nape of the neck, and occasionally the sides and upper lip of the nose.
4. Almost 50% of newborns have a “stork bite” mark on them.

2. Mongolian Spots: Mongolian spots are characterised by the following features:

1. These are uneven, bluish, flat patches.
2. Though they can affect any area, they are primarily found on the back and bottom.
3. The skin’s texture remains unchanged and does not thicken.
4. Babies with darker skin tones from Asian and African ethnic groups are more likely to experience them.
5. They are benign and get harder to see as the child gets older.

3. Haemangioma or strawberry mark: A strawberry mark is also known as an infantile hemangioma. Typical traits consist of:

1. These are lumpy, raised, red areas.
2. They typically emerge between one and four weeks of age, after which they sometimes grow very quickly over the course of a few months.
3. Between the ages of six and twelve months, they cease growing, and over the following few years, they gradually vanish.
4. The birthmark’s skin is just as resilient as regular skin. Rarely, it may bleed if pushed or scraped, or it may form a surface ulcer that requires medical attention.

4. Café au lait: Macules de café au lait are light brown, almost oval-shaped patches that resemble milk-coloured coffee.

1. They might exist from birth or show up in early childhood.
2. These are common in children and do not indicate a medical issue.

5. Melanocytic Moles: Congenital and acquired melanocytic naevus, commonly referred to as moles, typically exhibit the following traits:

1. A brown spot that is present from birth or during the first year of life is known as a congenital melanocytic naevus.
2. Much more frequently occurring, acquired melanocytic naevi begin to manifest in childhood at approximately age two.
3. Some are large birthmarks that are dark brown, blue, or black and occasionally develop dark hairs.

6. Port wine stain: typical traits consist of:

1. These are pink or purple, flat, large, or small patches of skin.
2. They are typically present from birth, and as the child grows, the colour darkens (from light pink to deep reddish-purple).
3. Around puberty and beyond, they might thicken and become lumpier.
4. Usually on one side of the face, the marks are present. Though they can appear anywhere on the body, they might have a distinct edge running down the centre of the face.

What is the typical reason behind the appearance of birth marks?

The reason behind birthmarks is typically unknown. They are not brought on by mistakes moms made while they were pregnant. They occur by accident.

It is possible for birthmarks to run in families. While some marks might resemble those on other family members, the majority do not. An overabundance of blood vessels results in red birthmarks. Melanocytes, or pigment cells, are the source of birthmarks that are blue or brown.

How are birthmarks removed with laser therapy?

Laser therapy minimises birthmarks’ size and colour by using intensely concentrated light beams through the Alma Q Laser. This comprises brown birthmarks like café au lait spots, blue birthmarks like facial dermal melanocytosis, and red birthmarks like strawberry hemangiomas and port wine stains. Our dermatologists remove blood vessels without causing harm to the surrounding skin by using a device known as a vascular laser, also known as a pulsed dye laser.

Blood vessels are destroyed when laser light penetrates skin tissue and is transformed into heat. Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, is targeted by the laser and reduced in brown or blue birthmarks.

What is common to experience following each procedure of birth mark treatment?

1. After laser therapy to remove a birthmark, there may be swelling, bruising, redness, or discoloration for a full day.
2. Avoid the sun and maintain a clean environment.
3. Peeling may occur around the treated area.
4. Within a week, the area ought to heal.
5. The birthmark may not completely disappear, but the results are permanent.

How many sessions are needed for the complete removal of birth marks?

Sessions for laser therapy normally last between fifteen minutes and an hour in a doctor’s office, based on the quantity and size of birthmarks that need to be removed. Larger or darker birthmarks might take multiple treatment sessions to lighten. To allow the skin to fully heal in between treatments, our dermatologists advise scheduling appointments at least four weeks apart.

Is laser birth mark treatment safe?

Treatment with an Alma laser carries very little risk. It is estimated that small areas of superficial scarring may appear in less than 1% of cases. There is a chance that children with darker skin will become more hyperpigmented. Additionally, laser treatment occasionally results in hypopigmented (paler) skin areas.

What common side effects are possible after the treatment?

Patients may experience redness, bruises, or a paler appearance of the skin in the treated area. But the birthmark soon disappears, and so does this. Generally, laser treatments are used to prevent scarring. It is a completely safe procedure and doesn’t involve any risk to the skin.

What after-care is required following the birthmark treatment?

Following the procedure, you should adhere to your doctor’s instructions to avoid any unneeded complications and promote the proper healing of your body.

1. You might have a mild to moderate sunburn in the area that was treated after having a birthmark removed by laser resurfacing or light therapy. After treatment, this usually goes away completely in one or two days, and it usually subsides within twenty-four hours.

After treatment, blisters or scabs might develop, though this is rare. In order to prevent skin scarring, patients should try to refrain from picking at or scratching any scabs or blisters that develop on their skin. Your physician might suggest avoiding hot water and extended sun exposure for up to two days following the surgery.

2. Patients are advised to keep the treated area clean and avoid touching the site.

3. Patients should keep the affected area dry, clean, and protected from perspiration. They should also cover the area when taking showers, doing the dishes, or engaging in any other activity that involves water.

4. Prevent yourself from any physically demanding activities and anything that could cause excessive perspiration, such as bending, stretching, or doing anything else that could impact the treated area.

Why should you choose a laser birth mark treatment?

Laser birth mark treatment is definitely worth choosing, as your skin is left smooth and free of marks. They are totally painless, and they won’t have any negative effects on your skin.

Following a treatment session, you can resume your regular life with very little recovery time.

Our eEpiderma Clinic provides treatment with the utmost safety and guarantees results with the help of skilled skin specialists and FDA-approved laser technologies.