subject: Best Plastic Surgery Or Skin Care Treatments For Birthmarks [print this page] Birthmarks are marks in various sizes, shapes, and colors that occur when a child is born. Some birthmarks fade over time, while others are permanent. Depending on the location and size of the birthmark, it can cause a person social discomfort.
The three major types of birthmarks are vascular, macular, and pigmentation birthmarks. Vascular birthmarks are the most common and are sometimes referred to as port wine stains. These birthmarks do not fade or disappear and like a wine stain on clothing, they are permanent. They can be found anywhere on the body, but are most troublesome when on the face.
Macular birthmarks are sometimes called salmon patches. They are flat and light pink in color. Most often they are found on the eyelids and neck. When found on the neck they tend to be permanent, while the eyelid marks can sometimes fade. Pigmentation birthmarks are moles or brown colored patches on the skin. They normally fade with time.
Some birthmarks can be removed through laser surgery or surgical excision. Sometimes they are removed for aesthetic reason, while others are removed for potential health concerns. One of the best plastic surgery treatments for birthmarks is done with a pulsed dye laser. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and a yellow light laser is passed over the birthmark. The light passes through the layers of the birthmark and heats the underlying blood vessels that are the cause of the mark. Surrounding tissue is not damaged and only the mark will be affected. The heated blood congeals and the color will lighten. Repeated treatments are required, but depending on the color of the mark and the size, it can be as little as two session or up to five. The procedure generally lasts a few minutes to a few hours depending, again, on the size and color. A dramatic result can be seen right away.
The procedure is low on risk and complications. The patient should feel no pain, but may feel a slight burning or stinging sensation. Side effects may include scarring or infection. The color may not go entirely back to skin color and may have patches of darker and lighter pigmentation.
Skin care treatments for birthmarks should include examination of skin a regular basis, especially if you have moles. Any changes in color or size should be reported to your doctor. A change in a mole or freckle can be indicative of a more serious problem and can be a sign of skin cancer.
by: Daniel Beasley
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