Bon voyage birthmark!

Birthmarks are something we have to live with, whether we like it or not. They only pose a problem when they are prominent and visible. But advanced technology like the Tri-Beam Q-Switch Laser Treatment will leave you wondering if you ever had a birthmark or not.

Before going ahead with the procedure, it is important to know about your birthmarks before you plan for its removal. There are various types of marks — black, red or white. It is not always true that birthmarks start at birth but a few can erupt even in their teens. The commonly seen birthmarks are: Nevus of Ota, Becker’s nevus, freckles, lentigines, Mongolian spots, cafe au lait spots and congenital melanocytic nevus, salmon patch, port-wine stain, haemangiomas, Nevus depigmentosus and Nevus anemicus.

For black birth marks, the treatment available is Tri-Beam Q-Switch Laser Treatment. If it is associated with hair growth, an additional laser hair removal is advised. When the size of the birth mark is big, a plastic surgeon’s opinion is necessary.

Red birth marks like salmon patch don’t need any treatment as they subside eventually. Hemangiomas are treated with pulse dye laser, if they persist even after one year.

You might be surprised to know that white birth marks can also be treated. Targeted phototherapy can be tried as a first line of management. If it’s not responding, then options like surgery are available in the form of melanocyte transfer.

The PROCEDURE: The Tri-Beam Q-Switch Laser Treatment involves multiple sessions spaced with an interval of one month. To make the treatment painless, pre-procedure numbing cream is applied. Selection of proper energy settings and spot size depending on type of birth mark is very important for effective treatment. Immediate post-procedure frosting, ie skin whitening is seen which will subside in a day or two.

DO’s and DONT’s: Post-procedure care should be strictly followed as advised by dermatologists which involves using sunscreen with SPF 50 everyday atleast two to three times a day, along with antibiotic and depigmenting cream.

Changes in birthmarks are visible after two to three sessions. The number of sessions required depend on the type of birth marks and usually decided by the dermatologist.

Cost: The cost of the treatment will depend on the size, pigments and estimated number of sessions required. It may range anywhere from '5,000 to '10,000 per session for 50 sq. cm. area.

Dr P. Swapnapriya is a dermatologist and cosmetologist.

Disclaimer: Always check with a cosmetic surgeon before going ahead with this procedure.