What are birthmarks?

Birthmarks are discolorations or blemishes on your skin that form during or immediately after birth. A birthmark is any mark, spot, or bump on an infant's skin that appears at or near the time of birth. They can appear in a variety of colors, sizes, forms, and patterns on your face, scalp, or body. 

While certain birthmarks may have a flesh-colored appearance, their texture may differ from that of the surrounding skin. Certain birthmarks may enlarge with time and are permanent. Some disappear entirely.

While the majority of birthmarks are harmless, some might be signs of an underlying medical issue. In rare situations, birthmarks can be cancerous.

Overview of Birthmark Removal Surgery

Birthmark removal surgery is a medical procedure to get rid of or reduce the appearance of birthmarks on the skin. Birthmarks can be pigmented or vascular, and the choice of removal method depends on the type, size, and location of the birthmark. 

Common birthmark removal processes are laser therapy, surgical excision, and other non-invasive procedures. 

Birthmark removal surgery aims to improve looks and, in some cases, alleviate medical concerns associated with certain types of birthmarks. It is essential to consult with a skilled healthcare professional to determine the most suitable approach for individual cases.

Types of Birthmark

The majority of birthmarks can be divided into two primary groups:

  • Vascular: Consists of blood vessels that are near the skin's surface and give off a crimson look.
  • Pigmented: Marks or regions of skin that have a different color from the rest of the skin.

Here are the types of Vascular Birthmarks:

  • Salmon Patch: Flat, pink, or red marks found on the nape of the neck or eyelids.
  • Hemangiomas: Raised, red, or purple growths developing within the first few weeks of life.
  • Port-Wine Stains: Large, flat, purple, or red marks persisting throughout life.
  • Strawberry Hemangiomas: Raised, red, and bumpy marks common in infancy, often fading with age.
  • Nevus of Ota: Blue or gray pigmentation on the face, typically affecting one side.

Here are the types of Pigmented Birthmarks:

  • Café-au-lait Spots: Light brown marks that can be present at birth or develop over time.
  • Mongolian Spots: Bluish-gray pigmentation common in babies with darker skin.
  • Congenital Melanocytic Nevi: Dark, raised moles present at birth, varying in size.
  • Becker's Nevus: Pigmented, often hairy patches more common in males, appearing during adolescence.

Linear Epidermal Nevus: long, streak-like pigmented marks developing in a linear pattern.

Cause of Birthmark

The reason why certain kids are bookmark-free and others are not is still a mystery to researchers.

However, other theories suggest that strawberry marks could be caused by an accumulation of cells lining an infant's blood arteries.

Some doctors believe that a small portion of the placenta may become trapped inside the embryo as it grows early in the course of pregnancy.

There is a potential for port-wine stains if the nerves that govern capillary widening or narrowing are damaged, especially if the capillaries permanently expand in one place.

Furthermore, a lot of specialists think that an increased risk of getting certain kinds of birthmarks may be associated with certain proteins that the placenta produces during pregnancy.

Symptoms and signs of birthmarks

Birthmarks have various signs and symptoms, with their characteristics depending on the specific type. They can present as pigmented areas in colors such as pink, red, purple, brown, or blue-gray, and their texture may vary from being flat to raised, and smooth to bumpy. 

Birthmarks can appear on any part of the body, with some types showing preferences for specific areas. Their size ranges from small, pinpoint marks to larger, more extensive patches. Some birthmarks persist throughout life, while others may fade or disappear over time. They can be present at birth or develop in the weeks or months following. 

In rare cases, birthmarks may be associated with other medical conditions. While most birthmarks are harmless, any notable changes or concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and guidance.

Birthmark removal treatment

A considerable number of birthmarks fade away on their own.

However, if the birthmark causes health difficulties or a person is determined to get rid of it, the following options are available: 

  • Propranolol: A doctor may prescribe this medication for an infant to consume orally. It aids in the prevention of hemangiomas by restricting current blood vessels and preventing new ones from developing.
  • Corticosteroids: For certain forms of birthmarks, doctors can inject corticosteroids or a baby can be given them orally. It can help decrease or prevent the growth of some birthmarks.
  • Interferon alpha-12: If a corticosteroid is not effective, the doctor may recommend this medication in its place.
  • Laser therapy: This type of therapy is frequently used by doctors to treat port-wine stains as well as other birthmarks that are close to the skin's surface.
  • Surgery: If the birthmark is causing a medical concern and other treatments are not working, a doctor might advise birthmark removal surgery.

However, birthmark removal treatment options are dependent on several criteria, such as the type, location, and intensity of the birthmark.

Why choose Cutis Hospital for Birthmark removal surgery?

Here are some of the reasons why you should go to Cutis Hospital to get the best birthmark removal treatment. 

  • Top Healthcare Professionals: Our skilled team comprises leading birthmark surgeons and specialists, ensuring expert care and personalized attention throughout your birthmark removal treatment with us.
  • Post-Operative Support: Beyond surgical intervention, our commitment extends to comprehensive post-operative support. Our healthcare professionals guide you through recovery, ensuring optimal healing and long-term success.
  • Diverse Treatment Options: Cutis Hospital has all the birthmark treatment methods available such as laser therapy, surgical excision, and non-invasive techniques. Our multifaceted approach allows us to cater to various birthmark types, providing optimal solutions to every patient.
  • Individualized Treatment Plans: Recognizing each patient's unique needs, we craft individualized treatment plans. Our birthmark removal treatment is tailored to address specific fractures, ensuring the best and most satisfactory outcomes.

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    Testimonials

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    I had my mole (birthmark) removal surgery at cutis. The surgery went successful, No complaints and the staff is very friendly and the hospital maintains proper hygiene. All Thanks to Dr. chintan patel and their Team.

    Rajeshwari

    FAQ's

    Some birthmarks are hereditary and passed down through generations, but the majority are not. Sometimes, some are caused by gene mutations.

    For example, some newborns born with port wine stains (because they resemble a splash of wine) may have a rare illness known as Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. A genetic mutation that isn’t typically inherited is the cause of this illness.

    Another rare disorder called Sturge-Weber syndrome is caused by a separate gene mutation and likewise manifests as port-wine birthmarks along a particular branch of nerves. It is also not hereditary and does not run in families.

    The majority of birthmarks don’t need to be treated, however, your doctor might advise doing so if:

    • It is a strawberry hemangioma located in the groin or on the face, close to the lips, nose, and eyes.
    • It’s a port wine stain, and treating it early, before development and thickening, is more beneficial.
    • It has a significant effect on looks and may lead to emotional anguish or issues with self-esteem.
    • A mole or similar birthmark is changing.
    • It is painful.

    A hemangioma is a kind of vascular birthmark that goes by several names, including capillary hemangioma, nevus vascularis, strawberry mark, and hemangioma simplex. A strawberry birthmark can occur anywhere on the body. Hemangiomas are most commonly found on the face, scalp, back, or chest.

    The strawberry birthmark’s red color originates from the densely packed blood veins in its location. It is not painful, and the exact reason is unknown. 

    Strawberry marks are common at birth and can spread quickly. It frequently disappears off the child’s skin by the age of nine.

    The pain associated with birthmark removal surgery can vary depending on the specific procedure and individual pain tolerance. In many cases, local anesthesia is used to numb the area, minimizing discomfort during the surgery.  Non-invasive techniques like laser therapy may cause less pain compared to surgical excision. 

    After the procedure, you might experience some discomfort, swelling, or mild pain during the recovery period, but this is typically manageable with prescribed medications and proper post-operative care.  It’s essential to discuss pain management options with your healthcare provider and follow their recommendations for a more comfortable and successful experience.

    Yes, surely. Our team at Cutis Hospital is dedicated to providing thorough post-operative support for patients. After the birthmark removal surgery, our healthcare professionals offer detailed guidance and instructions to assist patients in understanding and managing the postoperative period.

    This comprehensive support includes information on wound care, hygiene practices, and any necessary medications to minimize discomfort and promote optimal healing. We prioritize open communication, allowing patients to express any concerns or queries they may have during the recovery phase.

    Furthermore, Cutis Hospital provides scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of healing, address any emerging issues, and make any necessary adjustments to the post-operative care plan to ensure faster healing and a positive customer experience throughout.

    No, all types of birthmarks can’t be removed. However, there are certain other factors which impact the removal of birthmarks. The complete removal of birthmarks is based on different factors such as the type, size, and depth of the birthmark. 

    Pigmented birthmarks may respond differently than vascular birthmarks to removal procedures, and the success can vary based on the birthmark’s size and location on the body. The depth within the skin layers also affects the removal. Treatment types, such as laser therapy or surgery type, contribute to the overall outcome. 

    While some birthmarks can be significantly faded or reduced, achieving absolute eradication may not always be feasible. 

     

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