Birthmark Removal

The laser treatment usually takes about 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the size and extent of a patient’s particular birthmark. Treatments of port-wine birthmarks may require multiple procedures spaced several months apart.

Sometimes, 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. Generally, birthmark removal can boost social confidence both in adult and children. The use of high-energy pulse lasers on birthmarks can quickly and effectively eliminate these unwanted markings.

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

However, one must remember that cosmetic surgery is meant for improvement, not perfection. It is important to have realistic goals and expectations when considering birthmark removal.

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.

Before deciding to undergo this procedure, you should consult your doctor regarding his or her previous experiences and ask for reference from past patients who have undergone the procedure. The following are the questions you should consider while consulting your doctor:

1. Are the desired results I described realistic?
2. Is there an alternative remedy that I should consider as well?
3. How long will the procedure take?
4. What kind of anesthesia is used, if any?
5. How much does it cost?
6. What is your experience in performing this procedure? (How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many has he/she has performed in the past year?)
7. What percentage of patients has had significant complications? (The physician should disclose this information to you.)
8. 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.)
9. May I see "before and after" photos of recent patients? The physician should provide many photos of recent patients.
10. 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.)
11. What should I expect after the procedure in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity?
12. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked or suspended?
13. What are the risks, limitations and benefits?

The surgeon should provide information about anesthesia options, the location and description of where the procedure will be done – in a hospital or office surgical suite.

While preparing for your surgery, be sure to:
• 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 2 weeks prior to surgery.
• 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.

Usually, general anesthesia is used to perform this procedure.

There are several risks associated with any laser treatment, but most are very rare.
• Unexpected deepening
• Lightening of skin coloration can occur
• Patchy skin with areas of darkened skin surrounded by spots of lighter pigmentation. Such side effects are uncommon and easily treated with a secondary corrective procedure.
• Minor bruising
• Scabbing
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring: If a scar is left, other treatments like skin grafts may be used to correct this condition. This also applies to large hemangiomas removed from the body.
• Allergic reaction to the anesthesia

After undergoing laser therapy, the treated skin becomes dark purple. This should only last about 7 to 10 days and disappear soon after. However in some cases, it can take 6 to 8 weeks for the purple area to completely disappear.