Albany Birthmark Removal
Birth Marks/Vascular Anomalies
Hemangiomas (Port Wine Stains, Strawberry Nevus, Red, Pink or Blue Birthmarks)
Hemangiomas are blood vessel malformations that occur during fetal development. They are the most common vascular tumor of infancy and childhood and the most frequent congenital anomaly. They affect upwards of 5 percent of newborns and yet only about half are evident at birth. However, almost all mark their presence within the first year of life and are best treated early. More than 50 percent of all hemangiomas occur on the head and neck region. Ten to 15 percent of patients exhibit multiple lesions and there is a 5:1 ratio of male to female preference.
Telangiectasia
Telangiectasia is a diffuse pattern of spider veins and/or "flush" appearance to the overlying skin. This can also give a blotchy appearance with skipped areas.
Cherry Angioma
Cherry angiomas are bright red, purple, or magenta spots that can occur anywhere but most commonly on the torso. They are usually seen in older patients and may be the result of a weakness in the blood vessel walls causing a small bubble or hernia in the wall of the vessel.
Management and Treatment
Laser
We possess a wide variety of lasers that erase these imperfections based on their color, size, and thickness. Our lasers work effectively and are relatively painless. The laser works by emitting an energy beam of light at a preselected frequency and power (much like selecting various radio channels). This energy coagulates the blood in the vessels while preserving the overlying skin. Eventually, the abnormal vessels cease to function and disintegrate. Because all lasers generate heat, our state-of-the-art lasers are adapted to emit a cool mist during the laser treatment to minimize any discomfort. The number of treatments vary depending on the size and thickness of the lesion. The treatment may occasionally cause temporary skin blistering and discoloration. Treatments can be scheduled approximately 4-8 weeks apart. This gives the tissue adequate time to heal and to remove the treated blood vessels. The patients might not see the effects of treatment for several weeks. The pre- operative visual consultation is extremely important in order to customize your treatment plan.
Sclerosing Agents
These are solutions that are injected directly into the offending vessels. When used in specific cases, these products irritate the blood vessel lining as well as rupture the blood cells themselves and eventually the vessel will ultimately be eradicated.
Excision
Some lesions may be amenable to direct surgical removal either because of their size and/or location.
Steroids
Certain infant blood vessel anomalies can be significantly decreased in size with the judicial use of these substances. They are usually used in combination with the previous mentioned therapies and work to temporarily, but rapidly, reduce the size of the lesion.
To find out more about removal of birthmarks in the Albany and Schenectady area, contact The Plastic Surgery Group at 518-438-0505 or send us an email today.