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Birthmark Removal
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| ?irthmark removal information and procedure
descriptions. View patient before and after photos and find
a plastic surgeon in your area who specializes in birthmark
removal. |
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 Birthmarks
are skin markings that are present at birth or develop shortly
afterward. Most birthmarks fall into one of two categories:
port-wine stain birthmarks and coffee-and-cream birthmarks.
Port-wine stains are vascular birthmarks, caused by a high
concentration of blood vessels in a particular area. When
found on the forehead, eyelids or side of the face, these
birthmarks are associated with an increased risk of glaucoma
and seizures. Coffee-and-cream birthmarks are simply patches
of skin that have a high concentration of pigmentation.
Until the 1990s, doctors didn�t have the technology necessary
to effectively remove birthmarks. Due to the introduction
of high-energy pulsing lasers, birthmarks can now be removed
with precision and ease. An added benefit of these laser
treatments is that they are nearly pain-free. So, if you
have birthmarks that you find unattractive or irritating,
you may now be able to have them removed.
If you're considering laser treatments for birthmark removal,
the following information will provide you with a good introduction
to the options available. For more detailed information about how this procedure may help you, we recommend that you consult a dermatologist who has completed a residency program that includes instruction in this procedure.
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What some of the most common benefits of this treatment?
What will happen at the initial consultation?
How are the treatments performed?
How long do the treatments take?
Where is the treatments performed?
How much pain is there?
What can I expect afterward?
Ideal candidate:
Other important information:
Risks:
Costs:
Choosing a doctor:
Questions to ask your doctor:
Be sure to:
How do I finance this procedure?
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| What some of
the most common benefits of this treatment? |
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Often, birthmarks can attract unwanted
attention, particularly when they are on exposed areas
of the skin such as the face and/or the arms. Facial
port-wine stains can be especially problematic for children
who may be alienated due to these pronounced and unusual
markings. For both adults and children, removal can
boost social confidence. The use of high-energy pulse
lasers on birthmarks can quickly and effectively eliminate
these unwanted markings. |
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| What will happen
at the initial consultation? |
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During the consultation, you�ll be able to talk to
your doctor about the changes you would like to make
in your appearance. He/she will explain the different
options available to you, the procedure itself, and
its risks and limitations. He/she will also explain
the kind of anesthesia required, surgical facility,
and costs.
Your doctor will begin with a complete medical history
and examine your birthmarks. He/she may also take
photos, and give you specific instructions on how
to prepare for the procedure.
Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you
have about the procedure. Learning everything you
can about your options, risks and benefits is the
key to making an informed decision. See Questions
to ask your doctor below.
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| How are the treatments
performed? |
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The lasers that are used in birthmark
removal treatments work by lightening specific areas
of the skin in order to even out skin tone and make
the birthmark less noticeable. As the laser penetrates
the surface of the skin, it lightens the darkened areas.
In many coffee-and-cream birthmark cases, laser procedures
can eliminate the mark altogether. |
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| How long do the
treatments take? |
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Depending on the size and extent of a
patient�s particular birthmark, laser treatment can
take anywhere from several minutes to an hour. Treatments
of port-wine birthmarks may require multiple procedures
spaced several months apart. |
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| Where is the
treatments performed? |
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Laser treatment of birthmarks is performed
on an outpatient bases. The procedure is usually performed
in a surgical suite or office, and patients can leave
the same day. |
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| How much pain
is there? |
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There is relatively little pain associated
with laser removal of birthmarks. Most adults can undergo
treatment without the use of anesthesia. However, an
anesthetic of some kind may be required for younger
children. Most people report little or no discomfort
during the procedure. |
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| What can I expect
afterward? |
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Very little healing time is needed after
a laser birthmark removal. There may be very mild bruising
or pain in the first few days following the procedure.
However, both should resolve within a week or so. |
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| Ideal candidate: |
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In general, the best candidates for laser
birthmark removal are:
- Mature enough to fully understand the procedure
- Knowledgeable about the procedure
- In good physical and psychological health
- Wanting to improve their appearance and/or comfort
- Realistic in their expectations
- Non-smokers or able to stop smoking during the
healing process
- Not using marijuana or anabolic steroids
- Not heavy users of alcohol
The above is only a partial list of the criteria that
your surgeon will consider in determining whether or
not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to
ask your surgeon if he / she considers you an ideal
candidate for this surgery. |
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| Other important
information: |
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It should be noted that laser removal
of birthmarks does not guarantee permanent results.
The laser targets pigmentation toward the surface of
the skin. Sometimes, individuals have pigmentation so
deep in the skin that the laser does not reach it all.
These areas can, with time, rise to the skin�s surface
and cause the birthmark to recur. However, laser treatment
can be performed again to eliminate the new coloration.
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| Risks: |
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There are several risks associated with
any laser treatment, but most are very rare. Unexpected
deepening or lightening of skin coloration can occur.
The skin can also become patchy, with areas of darkened
skin surrounded by spots of lighter pigmentation. Such
side effects are uncommon and easily treated with a
secondary corrective procedure. Also, minor bruising,
bleeding and scabbing is can occur, but, is not common.
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| Costs: |
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Costs for this procedure vary, depending on the doctor,
the location, technique used and the difficulty of
the specific case. You should ask your surgeon if
your needs are medically indicated, in which cast
the costs may be covered by your medical insurance.
Use our payment
calculator to see what your monthly payments might
be if you financed this procedure.
Apply
now |
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| Choosing a doctor: |
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It is very important that you select a
physician adequately trained and experienced in this
procedure. See our Physician
Locator feature to find a surgeon in your area,
including detailed profile information for many of the
listed doctors. Also read How
to Select a Dermatologist for a more detailed discussion
on choosing the right doctor.
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| Questions to
ask your doctor: |
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- Are the desired results I described realistic?
- Is there an alternative remedy that I should consider
as well?
- How long will the procedure take?
- What kind of anesthesia is used, if any?
- How much does it cost?
- What is your experience in performing this procedure?
(How long has he/she performed this procedure, and
how many he/she has performed in the past year?)
- What percentage of patients have had significant
complications? (The physician should disclose this
information to you.)
- Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does
not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure
must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged
again? (The physician should provide you with his/her
policy on this issue.)
- May I see "before and after" photos of recent
patients? The physician should provide many photos
of recent patients.
- Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering
before I decide to have it done? (Either on videotape
or ask to view one in real life.)
- What should I expect after the procedure in terms
of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing,
and level of activity?
- Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage
denied, revoked, suspended?
- Do you offer patient
financing?
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| Be sure to: |
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- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have
(to foods, drugs, environmental elements)
- Tell your doctor about all medications you are
taking (both prescription and non-prescription)
- Carefully follow any instructions your doctor
gives you.
- Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines,
as well as anti-inflammatory medicines such as Nuprin,
Motrin, and Advil for two weeks prior to surgery.
Also avoid herbal remedies such as St. John�s Wort,
gingko biloba, some types of Chinese black mushrooms
and other natural medicines and foods that may thin
the blood.
The information on this web site is only intended
as an introduction to this procedure. This information
should not be used to determine whether you will have
the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result.
The best method of determining your options is to consult
qualified surgeons who are able to answer specific questions
related to your situation. |
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| How do I finance
this procedure? |
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Did you know that 29% of all Americans
have considered having an elective procedure? Of those,
60% would schedule a procedure immediately if financing
was available. With iEnhance's patient
financing options, money no longer has to be the
barrier between you and your new image. By filling out
our on-line
application you can qualify for a loan in as little
as 30 seconds. |
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