Treatment for Large Birthmark on Legs?

Question

I have I huge birth mark running down both of my legs. It looks like discolored skin though and I would like to get rid of it. Can you tell me what my options are?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are various ways to remove birthmarks, depending on its etiology. For example, a birthmark caused due to a vascular problem needs a completely different treatment than a birthmark such as a mole. More often than not, vascular birthmarks need to have some form of laser treatment. They can require more, but a laser is generally a minimum. Other birthmarks such as a mole, can be excised in the office with relative ease. The size and location will determine the final outcome. A photograph always helps but there is no substitute for and in person physical examination. Make sure you visit with a board certified plastic surgeon for the best outcomes.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

OK, the very first step is to find out what kind of birth mark it is. There are dozens of medical names we give to birth marks, but finding out the EXACT type will give you a prognosis. Regardless of the name, you will require multiple treatments, often over years. Birth marks on limbs usually will need at least 12-20 treatments, and do not respond as well to laser than say, a birth mark or portwine stain on the face. Bottom line- you need to visit a laser dermatologist for both a diagnosis and prognosis. CheersDr Davin LimLaser and Cosmetic DermatologistBrisbane, Gold Coast. Australia

Theodore Katz, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

An evaluation by your physician can determine whether this "birthmark" discoloration is vascular in origin (that is due to blood vessels beneath the skin) or hyperpigmentation (darkened discoloration of the skin). Either way there are various lasers that may be used to treat the area based on the underlying cause as well as your ethnicity. Seek out a physician with experience in laser treatments for various skin problems.

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