Birthmark Removal Q&A
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What is the Best Way to Have a Flat Birthmark Removed? Laser or Excision?
asked 1 year ago by Strategery in Iowa
Latest answer by Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS
Question viewed 519 times
Tags: back, excision, laser, removal
I have a birthmark on my lower back that my doctor said is not anything to be alarmed about but is something that we should watch. However, I HATE the appearance of it. It's dark brown, flat, and oval shaped. Hair grows out of it and it's disgusting. I would rather have a scar there than this birthmark. What is the best way to take care of it?
2 answers to What is the Best Way to Have a Flat Birthmark Removed? Laser or Excision?
+2
Pigmented Birthmarks should be surgically removed and not by laser
A Pigmented birthmark, also called a nevus or mole, are directly should always be removed surgically. In most cases after removal it can be closed directly after removal leaving a line scar in most cases. See a board certified plastic surgeons for best result and make sure what is removed is sent to Pathology for testing to make sure it is not malignant or pre-malignant.
+2
Birthmark Removal
The type of birthmark is very critical to the method by which it can be removed. If the birthmark is red or vascular, there are a variety of lasers which can remove the birthmark. A few of these lasers are, pulsed dye laser, intense pulsed light device, KTP, Nd:YAG.
If the birthmark is brown, then lasers are largely ineffective because the brown pigment is due to melanin in the skin. Melanin is what gives skin its color and lasers cannot selectively remove...
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John Burns, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
Dallas Plastic Surgeon