For some people, we know that having a birthmark on the face, scalp, neck, or body can be a huge source of insecurity, especially if the birthmark is raised or extremely prominent. We understand that large, obvious birthmarks can impact an individual’s confidence to speak to strangers, meet new people, or stand out in a crowd.
Although most birthmarks are totally harmless, some may indicate an underlying medical condition, so it’s important to monitor any skin pigmentation you’re concerned with and keep an eye out for changes in shape, size, or colour.
In the majority of cases, we remove birthmarks to help people boost their self-confidence and feel happy in their own skin. We can also help to remove moles, cancerous moles, and other skin pigmentation/lesions including blisters, freckles, and skin tags to help you feel great in your skin.
What's Involved In A Birthmark Removal?
If you’re considering having your birthmark removed, the first step is to book a consultation. During your visit, one of our expert plastic surgeons will examine your birthmark to advise you whether it may be an indicator of any underlying medical conditions and discuss the next steps with you.
If it appears suspicious, the birthmark can be removed and sent for testing. Or, if you’re simply removing the birthmark for cosmetic reasons, this is the perfect time to get to know the surgeon, ask any questions, and make sure you feel completely confident in your decision to remove your birthmark surgically.
Surgical birthmark removal
Birthmark removal treatment is a relatively straightforward process, usually conducted with a local anaesthetic. We will numb the treatment area and carefully remove your birthmark with a scalpel. This involves removing the pigmented skin and a small margin of the surrounding skin. We will follow the outline of the birthmark as closely as possible to ensure we don’t remove any additional skin.
You will be seen as an outpatient, meaning you can go home within an hour of treatment.
Birthmark Removal Recovery
Depending on the size of the birthmark and incision, the wound may be left to heal naturally without stitches or you may need minimal stitches to close the skin. You will have a light dressing applied immediately after treatment and we will make sure you have detailed instructions for changing the dressing and keeping the area clean.
We typically advise patients to avoid strenuous exercise for a couple of days after the removal to prevent stretching or moving the affected area too much. We will also prescribe any necessary pain medication to ease your discomfort post-treatment.
You will then be invited for a follow-up appointment, typically 7-10 days after the removal to ensure you’re healing correctly. If you have sent a sample of your birthmark to be tested, our fast and efficient service will mean you can have the results of the biopsy back within a fortnight.
What to do next
The first step in your treatment journey is to book an initial consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons. During this consultation, we will take a look at the area you’re concerned with and answer your questions to help you feel comfortable with the treatment. Once you’re happy, we can get you booked in for your birthmark removal treatment so you can feel confident in your skin.
