Questions and answers

Can you get birthmarks removed on the NHS?

Can you get birthmarks removed on the NHS?

Treatment for birthmarks A birthmark can be removed on the NHS if it’s affecting a person’s health. If you want a birthmark removed for cosmetic reasons, you’ll have to pay to have it done privately.

How much does birthmark removal cost UK?

Birthmark Removal Treatment.

Birthmark & Blemish Laser Removal Consultation Prices
Birthmark & Blemish Removal Very minor from £100
Birthmark & Blemish Laser Removal Minor from £150
Birthmark & Blemish Removal Intermediate from £200
Birthmark & Blemish Laser Removal Major from £250

How much is laser removal for birthmarks?

The price of birthmark removal will depend on whether it’s covered by insurance. Laser resurfacing can cost $1000 to $3000 per session, and you may need more than one. Shave or surgical excisions can cost $100 to $500.

Can laser treatment remove birthmarks?

The primary purpose of a skin birthmark removal procedure is to either completely remove or reduce the appearance of a birthmark. Light therapy and laser resurfacing treatments can be excellent choices for fading the appearance of birthmarks.

Can birthmarks become cancerous?

Most birthmarks, such as the common port wine stains and strawberry marks, carry no risk of developing into a cancer. But a very rare type, called a giant congenital melanocytic naevus, can develop into a melanoma if it is larger than 20cm.

Do brown birthmarks go away?

Birthmarks can be flat or raised, have regular or irregular borders, and have different shades of coloring from brown, tan, black, or pale blue to pink, red, or purple. Most birthmarks are harmless and many even go away on their own or shrink over time.

How do I get rid of a brown birthmark?

Birthmarks can be safely and effectively removed using a special type of laser. The treatment works by targeting the abnormal blood vessels or areas of pigmentation, breaking them up into tiny fragments so they can be disposed of naturally through the body’s immune system.

Can a brown birthmark be removed?

Treatment for brown birthmarks depends on the size and type of the birthmark and the area of the body that is affected. Some birthmarks are suitable for surgical excision, which will completely remove the birthmark but will leave a scar.

What is the best laser for birthmark removal?

Q-Switched YAG (QSY) laser The QSY laser is used to treat age spots, sunburn freckles, café au lait spots and other brown/black pigmented birthmarks. The laser light is absorbed only by the cells containing extra amounts of pigment.

Can a cafe au lait birthmark be removed?

Café au lait spots are a benign and harmless condition. They don’t require treatment. One option to make these spots less noticeable is to get laser treatment. But even if you remove these spots, they could return later.

How long does it take to remove a birthmark laser?

For birthmarks that are brown or blue, the laser is used to target and decrease melanin, the substance responsible for skin pigment. Laser therapy typically takes place in a doctor’s office, and sessions last between 15 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the size and number of birthmarks to be treated.

Can dermatologists remove birthmarks?

Reasons for Birthmark Removal Surgery Many birthmarks do not require surgical intervention and either shrink and fade on their own or respond well to medication or laser therapy. However, our dermatologists may recommend surgery for some types of birthmarks.

Can a laser be used to treat birthmarks?

Laser treatment can also be used for other vascular conditions. This page from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) describes laser treatment for birthmarks and what to expect when your child has treatment.

How does Great Ormond Street Hospital treat birthmarks?

This page from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) describes laser treatment for birthmarks and what to expect when your child has treatment. The laser produces a narrow beam of light that is absorbed by the red colour within the blood vessels in the birthmark. Each treatment consists of multiple pulses, a few millimetres across.

How long does it take to get rid of a birthmark?

Over the course of a few weeks, the body dissolves the fragments of the destroyed micro-vasculature. Depending on the structure, depth and complexity of the birthmark, 4-8 laser birthmark removal treatments are typically required to remove all the layers, resulting in beautiful birthmark-free skin.

Which is the best treatment for red birthmarks?

Haemangiomas, particularly if they are located where they could cause problems as they grow, such as by the eyes, nose or mouth, might require treatment. This is usually using medicines such as propranolol or timolol. Laser treatment can also reduce the colour of some red birthmarks such as port wine stains.