What are birthmarks and can they be removed?

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What are birthmarks and can they be removed?

beautiful teenage girl with a birthmark on her face with her eyes closed at sunset. If you have a birthmark, you are not alone. Many people have at least one birthmark, which is an area of pigmentation that typically appears at birth or soon after. At Hollywood Dermatology and Cosmetic Specialists, we help patients understand the reason for the imperfections on their skin and help them decide if removal would be beneficial for oneโ€™s self-esteem.

What is a birthmark?

The team at Hollywood Dermatology and Cosmetic Specialists see patients with birthmarks on a regular basis. Some patients may have just noticed them, while others may have been aware of them but are embarrassed by their size or location. These areas of pigmentation are often harmless, though certain types of birthmarks, such as moles, may provide indicators of cancer at a later time. With a proper evaluation, we can give patients a definitive diagnosis of the pigmentation on their skin and help them decide if reduction or removal can be done.

What are the different types of birthmarks?

  • Moles
  • Mongolian blue spots
  • Cafรฉ au lait spots
  • Port-wine stains
  • Hemangiomas
  • Stork bite

Why might a patient want to remove a birthmark?

Some patients will have birthmarks removed as a medical reason, such as moles that have changed in shape, size, and color and may have cancerous skin cells. Alternatively, most birthmarks are benign and patients will require removal for cosmetic purposes.

What are some methods of birthmark removal available for patients?

Your specific and unique situation will be evaluated to determine the best type of treatment, if any, to reduce or remove a birthmark. Our doctor will take into consideration the type of birthmark, the size of the birthmark, the location, and the patientโ€™s skin tone to determine the most appropriate method. Some techniques for reduction or removal include:

  • Laser or light-based therapies
  • Certain medications such as beta-blockers or corticosteroids
  • Surgery (excision)
  • Topical skin bleaching products

How do I learn more about my birthmark and removal options?

At Hollywood Dermatology and Cosmetic Specialists, our doctors work directly with patients to educate them on the pigmentation on their skin and help them decide if removal is available. Call (954) 961-1200 to request an appointment at any one of our seven office locations throughout the South Florida area.

Practice

Locations

Hollywood

TEL: 954.961.1200 | FAX: 954.961.1200

3850 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 403
Hollywood, FL 33021

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Pembroke Pines

TEL: 954.433.0455 | FAX: 954.433.0455

9050 Pines Blvd, Suite 200
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024

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Hallandale

TEL: 954.456.5050 | FAX: 954.456.5050

1250 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd, Suite 800
Hallandale, FL 33009

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West Miramar

TEL: 954.843.9443 | FAX: 954.843.9443

3000 SW 148th Ave, Suite 250
Miramar, FL 33027

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TEL: 786.272.2500 | FAX: 786.272.2500

3470 NW 82nd Ave, Suite 111
Doral, FL 33122

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