BIRTHMARK REMOVAL
Birthmarks are common, benign skin irregularities (lesions) that can show up anywhere on the body. They get their name because they are present at birth or appear soon after. Some birthmarks fade with time, others need cosmetic intervention.
While they may be physically harmless, birthmarks can cause a lot of anguish and can be visually distracting. This is especially true when they’re in a prominent location such as the head or face. You want people to look at you, not your birthmark!
The good news: we are birthmark and mole removal specialists. Dr. Robin Evans is a leading, board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon with expertise in the treatment of all types of birthmarks. She has trained extensively in the safe, effective use of advanced laser technology and is passionate about getting optimal results for her patients.
PLEASE NOTE: Any birthmark that looks unusual or different from others should always be checked before it’s treated. If you have a mole or birthmark that is darker, larger, asymmetrical, jagged around the edges, bleeds, or has different colors within it, it’s critical to have it looked at by dermatologist right away.
The Two Types of Birthmarks
1. Pigmented Birthmarks
Pigmented birthmarks are caused by a concentration of excess pigment (melanin) or pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin. Often referred to as a beauty mark, a mole is one type. Other kinds of pigmented birthmarks include the café au lait birthmark and Mongolian spots (which are a blue-grey color). Not surprisingly, pigmented birthmarks range in color and can be flat or raised.
Treatment of Pigmented Birthmarks
Pigmented birthmarks can often be shaved off or excised, which can require an anesthetic. Healing can take 1-2 weeks. The length of recovery depends on whether sutures are needed, the size of the lesion, and its location on the body. In general, such procedures are quick with minimal recovery time.
We use our Gentlemax laser for some pigmented melanocytic congenital lesions (aka birthmarks) such as café au lait spots. However, they may recur. As a result, multiple treatments may be necessary.
2. Vascular Birthmarks
Vascular birthmarks consist of clustered superficial blood vessels. They include macular stains (aka salmon patches), hemangiomas (aka strawberry birthmarks), Nevus of Ota, and port wine stains. If you have a port wine stain, you know they do not resolve on their own and often grow over time.
Treatment of Vascular Birthmarks
We use our Vbeam laser to treat vascular birthmarks. Laser light selectively destroys the blood vessels that comprise the birthmark without damaging surrounding tissue. Multiple treatments are often necessary to fully remove the birthmark.
Our treatment approach is determined by the type, size, and location of your birthmark. While addressing a birthmark early in life can improve the outcome, we have successfully treated patients of all ages.
Please contact us to schedule an appointment in our Stamford, CT office:
CALL (203) 323-5660