Birthmark Treatments Newport News VA

Find top doctors who perform Birthmark Treatments in Newport News, VA. Whether you’re seeking treatment or looking to schedule a preventative screening, we can connect you with the best dermatologists near you in Newport News, VA.

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Birthmark Treatments FAQ in Newport News, VA

Does IPL get rid of birthmarks?

IPL treatments close off the blood vessels forming the birthmark that eventually causes it to fade. They also work on flat pigmented birthmarks, but not on raised birthmarks.

Where are birthmarks most common?

They are found most commonly on the torso, buttocks, and legs. Café-au-lait spots do not go away, may increase in number, and generally do not require treatment. A single café-au-lait spot is not a sign of a health problem.

What are birthmarks made of?

Birthmarks are made up of malformed pigment cells or blood vessels. Although the cause of birthmarks is not known, most of them are benign (noncancerous) and do not require treatment. Babies with birthmarks should be examined and diagnosed by a health care provider.

Can birthmarks turn cancerous?

Most birthmarks, such as the common port wine stains and strawberry marks, carry no risk of developing into a cancer. But a very rare type, called a giant congenital melanocytic naevus, can develop into a melanoma if it is larger than 20cm.

What happens if you cut off a birthmark?

Shaving or cutting your mole can disfigure your skin and leave a scar if done improperly. Removing a mole without sterile equipment in a nonsurgical condition may lead to infection. If your mole is cancerous, the cells can remain in the skin and spread.

What causes brown birthmarks?

Pigmented birthmarks are caused by an overgrowth of the cells that produce color in our skin. There are three types of pigmented birthmarks: café-au-lait spots, moles and Mongolian spots. Pigmented birthmarks can be flat or raised with regular or irregular borders and color that ranges from brown to black to blue.

Can a brown birthmark be removed?

Some birthmarks are suitable for surgical excision, which will completely remove the birthmark but will leave a scar. If you are interested in surgical treatment you will need to see a plastic surgeon. Your GP may be able to advise you further. Some birthmarks are suitable for laser treatment to fade the brown pigment.

Is laser birthmark removal painful?

The pain of the laser is similar to small flicks on the skin with a rubber band. Most adults can tolerate this, but children may find it more difficult and require some anaesthetic cream or mild sedation. See our fact sheet Sedation for procedures.

Can I remove birthmark without surgery?

Yes. Most types of birthmarks can be removed with laser treatments. The laser used depends upon the type and colour of the birthmark being removed. In some rare cases and depending on the size, surgical excision might be necessary to remove a birthmark.

Do birthmarks get worse?

Most birthmarks are not serious, and some go away on their own. Some stay the same or get worse as you get older. Usually birthmarks are only a concern for your appearance. But certain types can increase your risk of skin cancer.

Can you shave birthmarks?

A shave excision treatment is used to permanently remove moles and birthmarks from the skin. Shave biopsies and punch biopsies are also used by dermatologists to evaluate skin lesions for skin cancer.

What age do birthmarks appear?

They may not appear at birth, but often develop in the first 2 months. Strawberry hemangiomas are more common in premature babies and in girls. These birthmarks often grow in size for several months, and then gradually begin to fade. They may bleed or get infected in rare cases.

Can you tattoo over birthmarks?

Although tattooing over birthmarks is often accepted by artists, it’s usually done so without a thorough understanding of the risks it could present in the future. For your overall skin health and to keep you protected, it’s better to avoid tattooing over birthmarks.

Is aloe vera good for scars?

Aloe vera can be used to lighten acne scars A 2018 review of studies found that a compound in aloe vera called “aloesin” may help to reduce hyperpigmentation in acne scars. Aloesin helps reduce the overproduction of melanin, a darker pigment that can make acne scars more noticeable.

What do birthmarks mean medically?

Birthmarks are areas of discolored and/or raised skin that are apparent at birth or within a few weeks of birth. Birthmarks are made up of malformed pigment cells or blood vessels. Although the cause of birthmarks is not known, most of them are benign (noncancerous) and do not require treatment.