Birthmarks are a more common occurrence than you might think and are often harmless and painless. However, it is always a good idea to have your birthmark examined by your healthcare practitioner on a regular basis as they may be associated with health problems. Although many birthmarks are benign and do not require treatment they are often removed for cosmetic reasons.
Fairview Laser Clinic is one of the leading cosmetic dermatology centres in the GTA, offering effective laser birthmark treatments in Toronto.
Birthmarks are marks on the skin formed at birth or shortly after birth. A large proportion of newborns have a birthmark and the cause of their formation is not certain. It is suspected to be cellular damage due to radiation, chemicals, or it can also be due to genetic factors. Also known as a skin lesion or nevus, birthmarks can be found anywhere on the body. Some birthmarks are not treatable, however, in most cases can be treated by multiple sessions of laser therapy.
There are two main types of birthmarks:
Vascular birthmarks are caused by abnormal blood vessels under the surface of the skin, which usually occur when the blood vessels do not form correctly. They are usually red in colour. They include “strawberry marks”, port-wine stains, hemangiomas, and stork bites.
Pigmented birthmarks are the result of the clustering of pigment cells, which are responsible for colouring the skin. They can range from tan to brown, grey to black, or may even be blue. These birthmarks may consist of “cafe-au-lait” or Mongolian spots.
These laser treatments to reduce the appearance of birthmarks on the skin are usually given at an interval of about 4 weeks, depending on your particular condition and needs. During your consultation with Dr. Jain, a treatment schedule and plan will be recommended based on your unique situation.
The Nd YAG Laser is effective to remove colour from the skin and is effective on brown, blue, and black spots. It breaks the pigment by penetrating the top layer of the skin and stimulates the body’s natural collagen production, which is utilized in the generation of new skin cells. This will provide the skin with the vital proteins necessary in the production of smooth, healthy, and youthful looking skin.
The KTP Laser is particularly effective for targeting red pigment in the skin and for those with vascular birthmarks. It is a powerful greenlight laser that targets excess blood vessel proliferation and absorb oxyhemoglobin, which is the reason for the colour red that we typically associate with blood. This is a quick and relatively painless procedure that requires very minimal downtime.
Unfortunately, unwanted birthmarks can appear on any part of the body. Luckily, any area of the body where a birthmark is present can be treated with our leading laser technology. The most common areas this includes are the face, neck, chest, back, arms, and legs. The laser has the ability to target the affected area, reducing the pigmentation and encouraging new cell growth, without causing damage to the surrounding skin, tissues, or cells.
Depending on the characteristics of your birthmark and which part of the body it is located, Dr. Jain will recommend the most appropriate treatment method during your initial consultation.
The main goal of any birthmark removal treatment is to reduce the appearance of your birthmark, or remove it completely. Through laser treatments, it is possible to significantly fade the appearance of vascular and pigmented birthmarks.
With very minimal downtime, you can expect to see almost immediate results with Fairview Laser Clinic’s birthmark treatment in Toronto. Following your treatment, there may be some slight bruising or even whitening on the treated area. However, this is temporary and will eventually fade.
How long a birthmark treatment results will last will depend entirely on how the individual patient responds and the severity of their birthmark. In most cases, in order to ensure you see optimal results after receiving birthmark treatment in Toronto, you will have to undergo multiple treatments, spread roughly a month apart. With each birthmark removal treatment, the results will get better and better.
Vascular birthmarks are not likely to reappear after their removal, unlike pigmented birthmarks, or café-au-lait spots, which have the possibility of returning.
Like any laser treatment, there are some risks associated with birthmark treatment in Toronto. Some of the various side effects that can occur include swelling, itching, redness, photosensitivity, and hyperpigmentation. In more severe cases, you may even suffer from blistering and scarring.
It is recommended that you keep the treated area out of direct sunlight for a few weeks. Like any other laser treatment procedure, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun and permanent, irreversible damage can be caused by too much sun exposure to the treated area.
All risks and potential complications will be discussed with you in-depth prior to your laser treatment. It is our goal at Fairview Laser Clinic to ensure that you are well-informed enough to make an educated decision on whether or not this procedure is right for you. Any additional questions and concerns you may have will be addressed during your consultation.
If you are interested in having your birthmark removed, Fairview Laser Clinic offers effective birthmark treatments in Toronto. Dr. Jain is an expert in her field with over 25 years of cosmetic dermatology experience. To book a free consultation, contact us today!
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