Is it possible to have my birthmark (nevus spilus) removed? (Photo)

Question

I have been self conscious of my birthmark my entire life and I am desperate to get rid of it. It is about the size of a half dollar. I believe it is referred to as a nevus spilus. 1) Is it treatable with a laser 2) What are my other options if it is not Thank you so much! Please help!

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

Tae Ho Kim, MD · Answer

Laser treatment is an option but may not get rid of the pigment that resides deep to the dermis. Another option is to selectively remove the raised, darker lesions by shaved excision.  If done properly and in small areas, you'll have a chance to heal without a scar but this would have to performed by a doctor who has experience in doing this. It is not the same as shaving off a lesion by a dermatologist.  The most invasive option is to surgically remove it either in stages or placing a skin graft, but this would commit you to having scars and possibly causing a contour deformity or the appearance of having a skin graft.  If you want to consider laser, then you'll have to find a dermatologist with the right type of lasers and also willing to treat the kind of problem that you have.  If you wish to consider excising discrete areas and allowing the skin to grow back on its own, then you will have to find a plastic surgeon, who would be willing to treat you with this modality.  You will probably get different opinions, incluidng doing nothing since there is no general consensus on how to treat your problem.  Good luck!

Is it possible to have my birthmark (nevus spilus) removed? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is it possible to have my birthmark (nevus spilus) removed? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.