OVERVIEW
Birth marks, often referred to as 'nevi' or 'naevi', are marks on the skin present since birth. They are divided into pigmented birth marks and vascular birthmarks. Pigmented birthmarks such as moles or Mongolian spots (a blue pigment usually in darker skins) can be found anywhere on the body.
Vascular birthmarks are a disproportionate number of blood vessels in one place on the skin leading to a red mark or a “port wine stain”.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Not all birth marks need treatment but if one is in a prominent place or aesthetically displeasing then removal is an option. Laser is the most common method of removing either pigmented or vascular birthmarks. The aim is to destroy the offending cells and they are reabsorbed into the body. Scapular therapy may be necessary and it often leaves a small scar. The scar can then be treated by laser treatment.
BENEFITS
Removal is permanent. It is minimally invasive and often not very expensive.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
It may lead to scarring if a scalpel is involved. Sometimes there is a sense of loss when the birth mark is removed.
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