Most birthmarks are completely benign, and some fade away on their own, but occasionally a doctor will opt to remove one due to medical concerns. This is especially true in the case of moles and cafe-au-lait spots, or pigmented light brown spots. Other birthmarks, such as port-wine stains and hemangiomas, can appear unsightly, and individuals may decide to have them removed. While these birthmark removal surgeries rarely result in complications, occasional scarring can occur. Fortunately, you can take several steps to lessen the appearance of or entirely remove these scars.
Step 1
Apply a cream, ointment, or gel intended for removing scars. According to the Cleveland Clinic, several different skin cream options are available both by prescription and over-the-counter. Corticosteroids or antihistamine creams are effective at relieving sensitivity related to scarring, while intralesional steroid shots, pressure dressings, and silicone gel sheets are effective at removing scars.
Step 2
Undergo dermabrasion treatments. Dermabrasion therapy involves the use of a rotating wire brush to sand away the outer layer of skin, or epidermis. According to MayoClinic.com, this procedure can be successful at removing surface scars entirely while reducing the appearance of deeper scars.
Step 3
Ask your dermatologist about injections that can help reduce the appearance of your scars. A doctor may opt to inject collagen or fat underneath the skin, filling out the skin and making scars less noticeable. According to the Cleveland Clinic, if the scars are protruding, a doctor can also inject steroids into the skin, which can shrink scars.
Step 4
Undergo laser treatment therapy. Several laser treatment options are available, including vascular specific lasers which target the blood vessels and can lighten flat scars while flattening and lightening raised scars. Other laser treatment options include the use of lasers to destroy the epidermis while heating the underlying layer of skin, as well as a less invasive procedure that targets only the underlying layer. Both of these treatments encourage the growth of new skin and may make scars less noticeable after multiple treatments.
Step 5
Speak to your dermatologist about surgery. Surgery options range from minor procedures, which are often performed in a dermatologist's office and involve the grafting of new skin onto the affected area, to more invasive procedures involving the excision of the scar and surrounding tissue. Because many scars caused by surgeries fade over time, the Cleveland Clinic recommends waiting at least one year before considering this option for scars caused by cosmetic surgeries, including the removal of birthmarks.
Tips and Warnings
- Be aware that with a fat or collagen injection, the results are temporary, so it is necessary to periodically repeat the procedure.
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