Removing A Birthmarks

Birthmarks, those darker areas of skin that are there from birth, can be removed with laser technology. A dermatologist or other surgeon will use a high-energy pulsing laser to remove or lighten a birthmark. The surgery is nearly painless and typically does not require an anesthetic. Usually, there is only a tingling sensation and no pain or discomfort is present.

Laser treatments have been used to lighten the dark tones of birthmarks and even out the tone of birthmarks to make them match the surrounding skin. Port-wine stain birthmarks, because they are so dark, require more than one intensive laser treatment. The treatments to remove these marks are typically spaced apart by a period of several months to give the skin time to recover.

The individual treatments can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. The length of time required is determined by the size, shape, and intensity of the birthmark. The procedures are usually in-office appointments or take place in a doctor’s surgical suite. This variation is determined by the intensity of the treatment required. Usually, no hospital or overnight stay is required.

After a birthmark has been removed by a laser, there is very little healing time required. There might be some bruising or tenderness in the area but this, when it does occur, usually fades within a week of the procedure.

Birthmarks are removed for a number of reasons. These include the patient’s dislike of his or her appearance to more medically serious reasons. If a birthmark is close to, on, above, or near the eye area, the patient might have an increased risk of glaucoma or seizures.

Contact a Houston Medical Spa

For more information on the many uses of lasers in cosmetic procedures, contact the Houston medical spa Dermagenix at 713-662-3376.