A birthmark is a mark, like a patch on the skin that may have any shape, size or color. Some people have small birthmarks that can hardly be noticed; others have large, prominent birthmarks that can even affect a person's self esteem. And in a few cases, birthmarks can be hazardous to health. Then there are birthmarks that fade over time, and others, which remain as they are.

Birthmark treatments are available to those who wish to remove birthmarks. Removing birthmarks isn't easy, and generally cosmetic surgery is the answer to birthmark removal. But while considering a procedure like laser surgery or cosmetic surgery, it is important to understand the risks, benefits, costs and other issues connected with birthmark removal.

Birthmark

TYPE OF BIRTHMARKS
Pigmentation-type birthmark: These include Mongolian spots, moles, and Coffee-cream spots.

Macular stains or Salmon patches: These flat patches are light pink and very thin, and generally found on the upper eyelids, or neck of babies.

Vascular malformations: Port wine stains are a type of vascular malformation. These can be characterized by dark red and purple coloring and are caused when at a certain patch blood vessels develop abnormally.
Hemangiomas: These are lesions, which are caused after a couple of weeks after the birth of infants.

BIRTHMARKS REMOVAL
The first step is to consult a doctor, preferably a cosmetic surgeon and discuss why you want to remove the birthmark, what kind of procedures would the doctor recommend, the risks and benefits, the time required to heal, and of course, the cost and your budget. You can speak with the surgeon about the kind of anesthesia that they can offer, and where the surgery would take place.

PROCEDURE
Laser therapy: Lasers can treat marks that are on the surface of the skin. The treatment involves aiming bursts of light from the laser beam on the birthmark. This helps to slow down the growth or shrink it. The treatment involves a series visits for best results.

Surgery: When non-surgical methods do not work, then surgery is the best option.
What to expect: After laser treatment, the skin turns purple and it lasts only for a week or ten days. It is advisable not to scratch or finger the area too much. You must also keep out of the sun.