You may be familiar with birthmarks that appear as discolored skin, but there are several types of birthmarks. For the most part, birthmarks are harmless, but some do require treatment. As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Janine Hopkins, M.D., F.A.A.D. offers birthmark removal for men and women in Monroe, Alexandria, Shreveport, the Ark-La-Miss, Southlake, TX and the surrounding areas of Northeast Louisiana.
What is a Birthmark?
A birthmark is a discoloration of the skin that is caused by pigmentation or the blood vessels in the skin. These marks develop before birth and are permanent. People who do have birthmarks may feel comfortable with the discoloration, but many people have birthmarks in areas that cause complications or aesthetic concerns.
How Do I Know If I Have a Birthmark?
Birthmarks and other skin conditions may have similar appearances. The primary difference is that a birthmark is present at birth and does not change. Moles are one type of birthmarks. Other types of birthmarks are:
- Café-au-lait spots, so named because the color of these birthmarks is the same as coffee with cream. These birthmarks do tend to fade, but they are always visible to some degree.
- Mongolian spots have a greyish-blue color and occur most often in children with dark skin. In some cases, Mongolian spots fade to the point where they are barely visible.
- Salmon patches are a type of vascular birthmark that are flat and reddish or pinkish. They develop on the forehead and may be called “angel kisses.”
- Hemangiomas are similar to moles, but these birthmarks have a red or pink coloration. They can develop on the surface of the skin or in the deeper layers of the skin.
- Port wine stains are another type of vascular birthmark that cause patches of red or red-purple skin. These birthmarks can grow larger as the person ages.
How Much Does Birthmark Removal Cost in Monroe, LA and Southlake, TX?
The cost of birthmark removal is based upon several factors, such as the type of birthmark, location, and recommended treatment. We can discuss these details at the time of your appointment.
What Are the Benefits of Birthmark Removal?
From a cosmetic perspective, birthmark removal helps people feel more comfortable about their appearances. If the birthmark interferes with vision, breathing, or eating, treatment is recommended.
What Should I Expect from Birthmark Removal?
If the birthmark affects the integrity of the surrounding skin or causes sores, treatment may be recommended. Laser treatments change the color of the birthmark. Surgery may be recommended if the birthmark could cause complications.
Birthmark Removal FAQs
How long does it take to get a birthmark removed?
The length of your birthmark removal treatment will depend on the treatment method used. Laser resurfacing treatments may require a few months of repeated treatments. With surgical removal, the birthmark can be removed in about an hour.
What’s the difference between a mole and a birthmark?
The cause of birthmarks is unknown, but they typically develop in the first few weeks of infancy and result in a permanent patch of darker skin pigmentation. Some may fade over time, but most will need treatment for complete removal. A mole, on the other hand, develops as a result of concentrated melanin in the skin, and is often a secondary effect of sun exposure or sun damage. Moles can develop at any time, in any area of the body. Mole should be monitored to ensure that they do not pose a risk of skin cancer.
Does getting a birthmark removed hurt?
Laser treatments for birthmark removal may cause some discomfort during treatment, but have very few and minor side effects. Surgical removal of birthmarks will not be painful, as anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area during the procedure. After surgical removal, however, there may be some pain or swelling in the treatment area.
Can brown birthmarks be removed?
Brown birthmarks can be a little more difficult to remove than other birthmark colors. However, most patients can achieve noticeable improvements in the appearance of their birthmarks with laser resurfacing treatments. Some brown birthmarks will be eligible for surgical removal, although this will leave a scar and is not an appropriate treatment for all patients. Dr. Hopkins can help you determine if birthmark removal will be effective for your particular birthmark.
Be Healthy, Be Beautiful. Contact Hopkins Dermatology Today.
If you or your child has a birthmark that is an aesthetic concern or that affects eating, breathing, or vision, birthmark removal may be recommended. As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Janine Hopkins, M.D., F.A.A.D. offers birthmark removal for adults and children in Monroe, Alexandria, Shreveport, the Ark-La-Miss, Southlake, TX and the surrounding areas of Northeast Louisiana. Contact Hopkins Dermatology today to schedule your appointment for a birthmark evaluation.
"Dr. Hopkins gave me a very thorough skin cancer screening and took the time to explain everything. I was very impressed." - Rhonda J.