As we navigate the 21st century, an era marked by technological advancements and revolutionary inventions like space travel, it’s surprising that many social evils and superstitions remain. These vary across cultures and countries, often persisting from the past. One such stigma is associated with birthmarks. Although birthmarks are not diseases, they are frequently stigmatized, causing distress to those who have them. This is especially true for children, who may face teasing from peers due to limited understanding of birthmarks.
So, what exactly are birthmarks, and what causes them? Are they harmful, and how do they impact our lives? Let’s explore these questions.
Birthmarks are natural features present at birth or shortly after. They are benign irregularities in the skin that can appear anywhere on the body. These marks may result from various factors, including the overgrowth of smooth muscle, fat, fibroblasts, melanocytes, blood vessels, or keratinocytes.
Types of Birthmarks
Birthmarks are categorized into two types: pigmented and vascular.
Pigmented Birthmarks: These result from an excess of skin pigments and include moles, café-au-lait spots, and Mongolian spots.
Vascular Birthmarks: Caused by an increase in blood vessels, these are known as red birthmarks and include macular stains or salmon patches, port-wine stains, and hemangiomas.
While birthmarks typically do not pose a significant health risk, vascular birthmarks near the eye can be an exception. Therefore, it is often beneficial to treat or remove them. Modern medical advancements now allow for the removal of birthmarks with minimal inconvenience, significantly boosting an individual’s confidence. Because birthmarks are generally smaller and lighter in infancy, early removal is advisable.
At ARV Aesthetics Clinic, led by the skilled Dr. Kalpana Patel and her team, we offer top-notch treatments at affordable prices. Our clinic specializes in dermatology and is fully equipped to provide a range of services, including treatment for vitiligo, acne reduction, trio skin tightening, tattoo and birthmark removal, chemical peels, mole and permanent hair removal, microdermabrasion, fillers, derma roller therapy, dental whitening, radiofrequency treatment, and skin analysis.
Our birthmark removal procedure employs laser technology, performed on an outpatient basis. Using a pulse dye laser, we target the skin to heat the underlying blood vessels forming the lesion. This process causes the blood to diffuse, freeze, and ultimately degenerate the blood vessels, thereby lightening the tissue color.
Experience the expertise and care at ARV Aesthetics Clinic for all your skin treatment needs.