Birthmarks are abnormal pigmented spots on the skin that develop before birth or very shortly after birth.

What Are The Types of Birthmarks and Their Characteristics?

Vascular Birthmarks (Hemangiomas):

• Vascular birthmarks are so called because they contain an abnormal profusion of blood vessels.
• Strawberry marks – red, elevated lesions on the skin. May be self-limiting.
• Macular hemangiomas – small, pink marks on the forehead, nape of the neck, or eyelids. Caused by capillaries; often self-limiting.
• Port-wine stains – large, prominent, red, blue, or purple lesions caused by dilated blood vessels; can be disfiguring.
• Cavernous hemangiomas - large, red-blue benign tumors comprised of connective and fatty tissue and filled with large blood vessels. Can be quite large and disfiguring and frequently require surgical management

Pigmented Birthmarks (also known as Pigmented Nevi or Café-au-Lait Patches):

These are commonly known as moles. Moles can be flat or raised, and pigmentation results from melanin. Melanocytic nevi can progress to malignant melanoma, so they need to be carefully observed. Also, the presence of multiple café-au-lait spots may be indicative of neurofibromatosis, and such patients should be examined for same.

Who Is Most Likely To Have This Condition?

Anyone can develop birthmarks, but they are more likely in:

• Females
• Cases of prenatal exposure to ionizing radiation or damaging chemicals
• People who have birthmarks in their families

Treatments for Birthmarks:

• Surgical Excision
• Laser Surgery

What Does Laser Surgery Involve?

• Laser surgery involves aiming a laser with a specific wavelength of light that is compatible with the pigmented area, and destroying the affected tissue.

Are You A Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for laser surgery if:

• You have large, multiple, or cosmetically unpleasant birthmarks such as port-wine stains.

What Are The Advantages Of Laser Treatment?

• Non-invasive
• Can treat large areas.

How Long Does It Take?

Depends on the size and number of lesions to be treated.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Multiple sessions may be required.

What Are My Alternatives?

• Surgical excision.

Will I Have Pain?

Sometimes, patients experience a stinging sensation during the laser treatments. This is usually compared to the snapping of a rubber band, and not usually intolerable for patients. There is sometimes only minor pain post-treatment, easily manageable by analgesics.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

Immediately. However, there will be redness for at least the next several days.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

The surgery will be performed by one of our highly-trained dermatologists our Los Angeles or Beverly Hills center.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover?

Insurance companies should cover this procedure, but you should check with your individual insurer to be sure.