Laser Birthmark Removal
Birthmarks can come in different colours, depending on their location and type. Red birthmarks are usually caused by blood vessels that are close to the surface of the skin. Blue birthmarks are usually caused by a collection of blood under the skin. Red birthmarks, known medically as hemangiomas, are non-cancerous, but their appearance can be severe. Formed due to an abnormal collection of blood vessels, hemangiomas can often develop lesions or sores, which combined with their unsightly look, can cause patients to seek treatment. Hemangiomas often grow in size during childhood, and the early they are treated, the easier they are to eradicate.
Other types of birthmark, such as port-wine stains or those caused by excess pigmentation may also cause cosmetic concern and can be effectively treated using lasers. Brown birthmarks are usually caused by deposits of pigment in the skin. Black birthmarks are usually caused by a collection of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. White birthmarks are usually caused by a lack of pigment in the skin.
The most common types of birthmarks are:
Pigmented birthmarks: These birthmarks are made up of cells that produce pigment, and they can be dark or light in colour. They can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the face.
Vascular birthmarks: These birthmarks are made up of blood vessels, and they can be red, purple, or pink in colour. They can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the head and neck.
Congenital nevi: These birthmarks are made up of cells that form in the womb, and they can be dark or light in colour. They can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the face and scalp.
Can birthmarks be removed?
There are different ways to remove birthmarks, depending on their size and location. Some birthmarks can be removed with surgery, while others can be removed with laser treatment or other methods.
Ways to remove birthmarks
There are a few different ways to remove birthmarks, depending on their size and location:
– Surgical removal: This is the most common way to remove a birthmark, and it involves removing the birthmark with surgery.
– Laser treatment: This is a popular way to remove smaller birthmarks, and it involves using a laser to remove the birthmark.
– Creams or ointments: There are a few creams or ointments that can be used to lighten birthmarks, but they may not be effective for all types of birthmarks.
During the consultation, Dr Injibar will discuss with you the best way to remove your specific birthmark as treatment options are catered to your individual needs and concerns.
Patient Before and After Images
Types of laser treatments to remove birthmarks
At Dermasurge Clinic on Harley Street in London, we have invested in an arsenal of powerful aesthetic equipment to tackle all skin concerns under one roof. There are a few different types of laser treatments to remove birthmarks and Dr Injibar would be able to advise you on which one is more suitable for you. These include
– Laser resurfacing: This is a popular laser treatment for smaller birthmarks, and it involves using an IPL laser to remove the birthmark. IPL laser resurfacing works by emitting multiple high-intensity pulses of light onto the birthmark. This damages the cells in the birthmark and causes them to fade or disappear over time.
– CO2 Fractional laser resurfacing: This is a more advanced laser treatment for birthmarks, and it involves using a fractional laser to remove the birthmark. The fractional laser delivers light in a series of micro-beams, which penetrate the skin to a depth of 2-3mm. This causes the cells in the birthmark to be damaged and causes it to fade or disappear over time.
– Q-switched Nd YAG laser is another laser treatment that is ideal to remove birthmarks. The Q-switch laser delivers short, high-intensity pulses of light to the birthmark. This damages the cells in the birthmark and causes them to fade or disappear over time. This is very effective in targeting pigmented birthmarks.
Is laser birthmark removal safe?
Laser birthmark removal is a safe and effective way to remove smaller birthmarks. It has been used for many years, and it has a good safety record. However, it’s important to talk to a doctor before getting laser treatment, as there may be some risks associated with the procedure.
If you are considering laser treatment to remove a birthmark, book a consultation with Dr Injibar to find out which treatment is more suitable for you.
What does the treatment do?
At Dermasurge, laser birthmark removal is a highly safe procedure performed by our skilled consultant dermatologist, Dr Hiba Injibar. During treatment, Dr Injibar will select the appropriate type of laser for each patient’s specific birthmark colour and type, breaking it down until it gradually fades away over the course of several treatments. This can all be done in house, regardless of your unique needs, and a precise, bespoke treatment planned will be formed during the consultation process.
A consultation with Dr Injibar is highly necessary for treating birthmarks, as her approach will vary depending on what form of laser treatment is needed to produce the best results. Birthmarks can be safely removed from almost any area of the body and face, including around the eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The amount of treatments necessary will vary depending on the age of the patient and the type and severity of the birthmark. If the patient is a child and birthmark is still growing, sessions should take place every 2 to 3 weeks to avoid any potential regrowth. During your consultation, Dr Injibar will be able to advise further on how many sessions will be necessary.
Patients often feel a slight stinging sensation, which can be alleviated using numbing cream. However, the treatment is usually not very painful, albeit slightly uncomfortable.
Once the course of treatment is completed, results are most often permanent.
Patients may notice bruising, redness, or that the skin in the treatment area becomes paler. However, this soon fades along with the birthmark. Scarring is usually avoiding using laser treatments.
Patients can return to normal immediately after treatment. However, strenuous activity should be avoided for around 24 hours.
Patient Reviews
“Dr Injibar is by far the best dermatologist. I have been following her around from dubai to Beirut and finally in London. She takes her time and is very patient and thorough.”
“I recently had the PRP treatment by Dr. Hiba. She is excellent, professional and highly knowledgeable. She made me comfortable and advised me about all treatments available and helped me decide what was best. My goal was to keep my skin youthful and the results I got are amazing and I get complemented regularly. I highly recommend Dr. Hiba!”
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Get in touch if you have any skin related questions that you would like to discuss in confidence.