Birthmarks

Birthmarks are a common type of discoloration that appear on your skin at birth or during the first few weeks of life and they’re usually noncancerous. It can occur anywhere on your face or body. They vary in colour, size and appearance as well as shape.

The discolorations are split into two categories, Vascular (Red) or Brown Birthmarks.

1.Vascular coloured (Red) birthmarks are caused by a localized area of abnormal blood vessels.

Types of Vascular Birthmarks:

• Salmon patches

  
  Red or pink patches occur around the eyes area of the back of the neck.

• Hemangiomas

  
  These birthmarks are usually in pink, blue or bright red colour and are found on extremities, head, or neck.

• Port-wine stains (nevus flammeus)

  
  Port-wine stain is a discoloration of the human skin caused by a vascular anomaly, they usually start out as pink, or red and turn to dark red or purple.

2. Pigmented (Brown) birthmarks arise from localized areas of excessive pigmentation.

Types of Pigmented Birthmarks:

• Moles

  
  Moles range in colour from pink to light brown to black, they are usually flat or raised that can occur on your face or body.

• Café au lait spots

  
  Translated as "coffee with milk" in french, these spots are often pale brown in color and shape like an oval.

• Mongolian blue spots

  
  These marks are flat, bluish-gray spots that are often mistaken for bruising, usually occurring in individuals with naturally dark skin.

Methods to Remove Birthmarks

Laser treatments has been proven to remove or significantly lighten brown spots or bring your skin closer to its normal colour. The laser uses a concentrated pulsing beams of light that can be adjusted for strength dependent on the type of at birth discoloration. To date, laser therapy has been proven successful for removing pigmentation. Following your consultation, we will customize the most appropriate approach for you based on the types of birthmarks you have.