Pigmentation Type Birthmarks

Throughout history, birthmarks have held a variety of different implications. During Greek times, it was believed that a baby’s birthmark reflected the mother’s thoughts or something she gazed upon frequently while pregnant. Now, doctors know that birthmarks are merely areas of abnormal blood vessels or pigmentation issues with the skin. Birthmarks tend to be a topic of conversation more than anything in today’s times.

Overview of Birthmark Types

There are a variety of birthmarks, including hemangiomas and vascular malformations. Both of these are the result of atypical blood vessel formation. Also members of this group are salmon patches and port wine stains, types of vascular malformation.

The pigmentation birthmarks are commonly known as coffee-cream or cafe-au-lait spots, Mongolian spots, and moles. Coffee spots are caused by hyperpigmentation, or too much melanin in the skin. Although they do not fade or go away, coffee spots are not harmful. Mongolian spots tend to be gray to blue, and they usually disappear with age. Lastly, moles are another form of hyperpigmentation. They can indicate skin cancer, or melanoma, but they are not always a definite symptom of the disease.

Treating Birthmarks

Although most birthmarks do not pose a health risk, some can be an embarrassment to the bearer if they are in an obvious spot, such as on the face, neck, chest, or arms. Hemangiomas and vascular malformations typically require surgery, but some of the pigmentation birthmarks and port wine stains can be faded with the help of a dermatologist’s laser.

Contact Us

Lasers work by breaking up the areas of high pigmentation that lead to coffee spots, Mongolian spots, and moles. If you or someone you know wishes for more information about laser treatment for birthmarks, contact Austin facial plastic surgeon Dr. Apostolakis today by calling 512-329-8989.