Birthmarks are skin markings that are present at birth or develop shortly afterward. These are splotches on our skin that can appear in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Most birthmarks fall into one of two categories: port-wine stain birthmarks or coffee-and-cream birthmarks.These flat red marks are present at birth and will not disappear over time. Until recently, these disfiguring birthmarks were life-long problems which have the potential to thicken and become more unsightly with ageing.Port-wine stains are vascular Birth Marks, caused by a high concentration of blood vessels in a particular area. When found on the forehead, eyelids or side of the face, these birthmarks are associated with an increased risk of glaucoma and seizures.

Coffee-and-cream birthmarks
Coffee-and-cream birthmarks are simply patches of skin that have ahigh concentration of pigmentation. In some cases, certain types of birthmarks can become a health risk. Some birthmarks do fade or completely disappear over time, however, there are others that will never fade or go away
Haemangiomas (Strawberry birthmarks)
These are flat red birthmarks that are not present immediately at birth but appear in the first weeks of life. They birthmarks often grow and thicken rapidly and, in extreme circumstances, ulcerate.
Spider Naevi
These small annoying red spots .They are caused by the dilation of a small arteriole close to the skin. Fortunately, they respond very well to laser treatment.
Brown birthmarks
Like vascular (red) birthmarks, some of these are present at birth while others appear over time. The skin colour- producing cell is known as a melanocyte and the brown colour produced is referred to as melanin. Brown birthmarks are caused by a proliferation of melanocyte cells or an increase in melanin production in a specific area.
Treatment for Birth marks removal:
At Dr. Challa's office, treatment for most birthmarks are subjected to a test treatment to establish responsiveness before proceeding to full laser treatment. In most cases, multiple laser treatments are required.
Due to the introduction of high-energy pulsing lasers, birthmarks can now be removed with precision and ease. Birthmark removal offers a solution to people who are self-conscious about their appearance and even help reduce the possibility of health risks associated with certain moles During treatment, short bursts of laser light are aimed at the birthmark in order to shrink it, make it less noticeable, and cause it to stop growing. As the laser penetrates the surface of the skin, it lightens the darkened areas. In many coffee-and-cream birthmark cases, laser procedures can eliminate the mark altogether. It usually takes multiple treatments to remove most port wine stains and hemangiomas. The depth of the lesion and its characteristics are the main determinants with respect to the response to treatment.

FAQ
For a birthmark removal treatment you should be ideally confirming to the following Characteristics:
Mature enough to fully understand the procedure
Knowledgeable about the procedure
In good physical and psychological health
Wanting to improve their appearance and/or comfort
Realistic in their expectations
Non-smokers or able to stop smoking during the healing process
Not using marijuana or anabolic steroids
Not heavy users of alcohol

However, one must remember that cosmetic surgery is meant for improvement, not perfection. It is important to have realistic goals and expectations when considering birthmark removal. Call Dr. Challa's office today for further details on birth mark removal.