Many people have birthmarks, which are generally present at birth or appear soon after. All they are is an area where the skin pigmentation is different. Some birthmarks are easily ignored, but some cause problems because of their looks or size. Generally, the only time doctors insist on treating birthmarks is when they become infected, bleed, hurt, or itch. If the birthmark is in a visible area, parents may want to seek cosmetic laser skin resurfacing treatments help reduce a birthmark that might make a child feel self-conscious.
Identifying Pigmented Birthmarks
Pigmented birthmarks occur when cells of pigment group together and form a discolored patch. These birthmarks range from moles to Mongolian spots. Moles need to be monitored for changes as a child grows. Cafe-au-lait spots look like coffee stains on the skin. They may fade over the years, but they rarely go away. Finally, Mongolian spots are often concerning to people who see them. They are more common on children of Asian descent and look a lot like bruises that form on the back or buttocks. Again, they may fade over time.
Identifying Vascular Birthmarks
When blood vessels clump together under the skin, they can form vascular birthmarks. Angel’s kisses, also known as salmon patches or stork bites, are one kind of vascular birthmark. They appear as red spots that almost look like small bites. Hemangiomas are a benign birthmark that range from a purple color to bright red and usually fade away by the time a child turns 10.
Port wine stains are a very noticeable birthmark. The patches of skin look like someone spilled grape juice over the skin and stained it. These often grow bigger as a child grows up. View pictures of vascular birthmarks to get an idea of what they look like.
Birthmarks Can Be an Indicator of a Disorder or Syndrome
Some birthmarks are symptoms of certain disorders or syndromes. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is a rare defect in which the vessels, bone tissue, and soft tissue grow incorrectly. Common symptoms include hemangiomas and varicose veins. Some of the afflicted also have toes or fingers that are fused together. Treatments can help decrease the appearance of the hemangiomas.
Sturge-Weber syndrome is a neurological condition that appears at birth. One of the key symptoms is a port wine birthmark that covers the forehead and part of the upper eyelid. Children with Sturge-Weber syndrome often deal with seizures, glaucoma, and a delayed development. For children with Sturge-Weber, medications can help control seizures and cosmetic treatments can help reduce the size and coloring of the port wine birthmark.
Increased Cancer Risks Comes With Some Birthmarks
Moles can increase your risk of skin cancer by a small percentage, specifically moles known as congenital nevi. Larger congenital nevi are more prone to becoming skin cancer. Because of this, it is essential that you have moles checked regularly.
Some Birthmarks Go Away on Their Own
While port wine stains rarely go away on their own, some hemangiomas, cafe-au-lait stains, and Mongolian spots do fade over time. You may not need to seek cosmetic treatment of these birthmarks. If they remain and cause your child or yourself embarrassment, it’s worth talking to a facial plastic surgeon about treatment options.
Treatments That Reduce the Size and Color of Birthmarks
Laser skin resurfacing is a helpful treatment for improving the appearance of many birthmarks. During this treatment, a laser is passed over the birthmark and targets the pigmentation or blood vessels with the laser light. Laser treatments are usually completed within 90 minutes, though this depends on the size of the scar. During the procedure, you are under local anesthesia and a mild sedative. For younger children, general anesthesia may be the preferred method.
View videos of children with birthmarks who have been treated by Dr. Edwin Williams. Dr. Williams of the Williams Center Plastic Surgery Specialists has offices in both New York City and Albany, New York. He is a board member for the National Birthmark Foundation, too. He’s happy to discuss the best method to reduce the appearance of unsightly birthmarks. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Williams, call (518) 786-7000 in Albany or (212) 799-2100 in New York City.
About the Author: Dr. Edwin Williams
Dr. Edwin Williams is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who founded The Williams Center in 1993. He has performed over 10,000 facial plastic surgery procedures and has pioneered the deep plane facelift. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery for over a decade, and served as President from 2015-2016. In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Dr. Williams earned the Castle Connelly Top Doctors award in New York Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Edwin F. Williams III attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He began medical school at the State University of Buffalo School of Medicine and received his Doctor of Medicine in 1986.
Dr. Williams is actively involved in teaching facial plastic and reconstruction surgery to the residents of the Albany Medical Center and is former Chief of the Section of Facial and Plastic Reconstruction Surgery at Albany Medical Center where he received an academic appointment of Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery.