For some people, birthmarks are a special quirk a unique feature that is a part of them that they would never dream of removing. For many other people, though, birthmarks can be unsightly, bothersome, and even embarrassing. These people would love to have their birthmarks removed. Luckily, laser birthmark removal usually works quite well to get rid of nearly any type of birthmark.
How are birthmarks removed?
The preferred way for birthmark removal is through the use of lasers. Lasers pass light throughout the skin surface in order to break down the pigment in the birthmark. The heat of the laser causes the skin vessels containing the coloration to die—meaning that the coloration dies and goes away, too.
Laser birthmark removal is done on an outpatient basis and can take just a few minutes—or, it can take several hours. It depends upon the size and intensity of the birthmark. In some cases a patient may need a few laser treatment sessions in order to fully break down the birthmark’s pigment.
Birthmark surgery is another option when laser therapy does not work for birthmark removal. However, this is a last resort. Surgery is used only when laser treatment has failed or for certain types of hemangiomas that develop on infants at birth. Birthmark surgery must be done under general anesthesia.
Recovery from Birthmark Removal
There isn’t much of a recovery period from laser birthmark removal. Patients might feel mild pain—many people compare the pain to the sensation of a rubber band snapping against the skin. The skin that has been treated may become reddish or purplish in color, which can last several days or even a few weeks. Doctors will advise patients to avoid scratching the area and to stay out of the sun. Using sunscreen is a must while healing.
Cost of Laser Birthmark Removal
The cost for a laser treatment for birthmark removal will depend upon the size of the area being treated and the intensity of the birthmark. Prices typically start at around $400 to $500 per treatment. However, this will vary according to the area of the country in which you live and according to your particular doctor’s fees.
Risks of Birthmark Removal
There aren’t many risks to having a birthmark removed through the use of lasers. Here are the possible risks, though most are quite uncommon:
- Uneven skin tone, with excessively light and/or dark areas of skin
- Patches forming in the skin
- Bleeding and scabbing
If you have a birthmark that you would like to get removed, contact a Plastic Surgeon in your area for a consultation.
