A guide to birthmark removal surgery
Many people are born with birthmarks and these birthmarks can vary in size, colour and location. Birthmarks are generally described as a mark on the skin that is unique to the individual that does not quickly disappear.
Most birthmarks are fairly small and are hidden by clothing however some birthmarks are on more prominent areas of the body. Some birthmarks can also pose health risks therefore some people may seek out the advice of a cosmetic surgeon with a view to getting the birthmark removed.
There are three major types of birthmark:
- Vascular Birthmarks: Vascular birthmarks are one of the most common types of birthmarks and are often known as ‘port-wine stains’. They can be found on all areas of the body and typically will not fade or disappear over time.
- Macular Birthmarks: Macular birthmarks are sometimes known as salmon patches and are flat, normally light pink patches of skin. They are most commonly found on the neck and eyelids. Those on the eyelids tend to fade over time, however the marks on the neck tend not to.
- Pigmentation Birthmarks: Pigmentation birthmarks are where the skin has too much colour or pigment. Pigmentation birthmarks include some moles, or brown or cream coloured patches of skin. These marks normally fade over time.
When to have your birthmark removed
The key to successful birthmark removal treatment is to treat the birthmark as early as possible – in infants, the colouring is often lighter therefore fewer treatments are needed to remove the birthmark. However, older children and adults can successfully have their birthmarks removed. At a young age, normally 4-6 treatments will be needed over a period of several months.
Birthmark Removal Treatment
Birthmark removal is normally done on an outpatient basis and normally does not involve an overnight stay in hospital. Lasers are usually used to remove birthmarks. A pulsed dye laser (which produces a yellow light) will be aimed at the patch of skin. The light passes harmlessly through the translucent layers of the skin and heats the underlying blood vessels that are causing the lesion.
The laser emits the light in pulses meaning that the heat in the blood is diffused without damaging the surrounding tissues. The heated blood will then congeal and the vessels will atrophy leaving a lightened colouring. The time taken for each session will depend on the size and extent of the birthmark and a session can be several minutes or several hours long.
In a single session, it is possible to see dramatic results, although several treatments will probably be needed. Overall, laser treatment can dramatically fade or remove birthmark stains with virtually no scarring.
Risks & Complications
As with any form of cosmetic surgery, there is an element of risk. As the procedure is non-invasive, the risks are smaller than with other forms of cosmetic surgery. The patient may feel a slight burning sensation when the laser hits the skin and there may be some pain in the skin. The major risks associated with birthmark removal surgery are those of scarring and infection.
The skin may also become patchy, with areas of darkened or lightened skin surrounding by spots of lighter pigmentation. However, these risks are very small and not particularly common.
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Popularity: 100% [?]
jay | Jan 28, 2008 | Reply
i got a birthmark on my forehead, its a burden ive had to live with my whole life so far and its held me back so much, you couldn’t imgaine, please could anyone help me or give me some good advice please!
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MICHAEL PELE HUSSAIN | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Hi my name is Michael, I’m 21 & I have a portwine stain on my face. I know how you feel as i have been held back so much, it has destroyed my life so far.
I have had many treatments off & on all my life but have not worked much. Mainly because they dont have the latest treatments here in the UK & most doctors don’t know what they are doing.
I have done loads of research on birthmarks. I found a web site in the US they seem to know a lot about birthmarks, 1 Dr there is 1 of the best in world as he even invented a very big part of lasers.
I am looking in to going there for treatment.
Hope this helps Michael
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Danielle | Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
i have a 4 year old little girl and she has a port wine stain on her left eye and i have been considering weather or not ti remove it i dont notice it any more but she also has a scar in the exact same place so all i hear from new people we meet is oo have you been falling and what happened to her eye that looks sore. So i am two minds at the minute but i know how cruel children can be and i dont want her to be bullied
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rachael | Aug 23, 2008 | Reply
Hi. My name is Rachael, and I have a birthmark the size of a quarter on my neck and its held me back from doing so much. It’s also lowered my self esteem and confidence. People always ask me, is that a hickey? But they dont realize how bad that hurts me. It makes me feel like everyones starting at me and often times i become uncomfortable in school and I need maybe a home remedy or some advice to help take it away. I just wanna feel beautiful for once and its such a rough time being a sophmore and going through this. Can somebody please help me. :’(
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pat | Sep 5, 2008 | Reply
I have a brown birthmark size of a medium size leaf on my right leg real close to my butt and can be seen if I am wearing a bathing suit. For years I was teased asked if that was a shit stain. Sad
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Sarah Singh | Sep 11, 2008 | Reply
Hi a question to the original post by Michael. What is the website from the US that your talking about? Because i am very much thinking of traveling for treatment.
If you can help by giving me the web address. please do as i would greatly appreciate it.
Sarah
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spencer | Sep 13, 2008 | Reply
hi. my name is spencer and i am looking to get a birthmark removed off my upper eyelid below my eyebrow, can someone tell me if this is possible or is there to many risks??
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Paula | Sep 17, 2008 | Reply
Michael Pele Hussain says has information on a website in the US. Could he let me have the name of it?
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Katie | Oct 5, 2008 | Reply
My name is Katie,and i am 16 and i have had a birth mark on my leg since i was born. It starts at my knee and goes to about the top of my leg. It is red, and so noticable. When i was younger everyone would make fun of me, so i just wear pants all the time, and boys swim shorts in the summer. But as i get older, i find it more annnoying, and embarrasing, and i just want it gone! I dont know how to tell my mom this, and i dont know how much it cost. Do you know how i should tell my mom, and how much it cost for laser or anything?
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alissa | Nov 23, 2008 | Reply
Hi, my name is alissa. i have a port wine stain birthmark its on my eye, down the side of my face all the way down to mw neck, i have had it for 18 years,im looking in to haveing it removed
but i really need to find someone who really knows what thay are doing, evey time i look on line all i can find is people who do not specialize in it ,please anyone who knows someone good please let me know . i want this off so bad.
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zingisa | Nov 30, 2008 | Reply
my name is zingisa. i have birthmark next to my outh and i would love to have it removed
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Ella | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Hey I too have a birthmark on my neck. But dispite this I try to live it out we do only have 1chance to live life I came to australia 4rm new Zealand coz they said I wouldn’t live to da age of 5 I’ve had a few surgeries in Australia but still it don’t get rid of the obveous thing that hold me down yet still making me the centre of attention in a public place. Painful it is most of the time I try too smile it out but if any one out there knows of a great doctor it would mean a great deal too me. My 21st next year And. I ain’t gettin any younger nor do I wanna see my adult years unhappy.
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Nat | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
Oh gosh, I have the same problem. I’m thinking of getting mine removed. I’ve just come out of a long term relationship and I’m terrified about it! Sounds like nothing to people but it really does wreck your self confidence in some situations!
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Sarah | Dec 21, 2008 | Reply
I’m Sarah and I just turned 14 last month. I have a large, dark brown birthmark on my inner thigh. I hate it and I avoid wearing anything that will show it, this may sounds pathetic in my opinion though.
I do occasionally get picked on at school about it because no one else in my year has one that is that noticeable. I find it hard to talk to my parents about this kind of thing because they don’t see anything wrong with it, but I feel very insecure with it. If you have any advice please let me know =D
Thank you
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EleanorNEONrobot@yahoo.com | Dec 26, 2008 | Reply
I’m also 14 and have a light brown birth mark on the center of my right thigh. It’s not pathetic to not wear anything that will show it. Whenever I go out swimming I always cover it with my hand until i get into the water. I can’t talk to my parents about it even though they have seen it. I was looking up treatment and found skin camouflage. If you can stretch to £30 you can order it of the website. It comes with a set of very strong make up and applicators. It’s water proof as well so you can swim without being concious of it. Here’s the website http://www.camouflageskin.com/- hope it helps.
Ellie
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Sadie | Jan 2, 2009 | Reply
This is embarrassing and I’m really ashamed but I have a birth mark on my right breast and it’s effecting my emotions, please, could I get it removed or not?
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Alice xx | Jan 5, 2009 | Reply
Hey my name is Alice im 14 and live in Nigg-Tain Ive had this dark brown birthmark at the side of my forehead since i was born and its relly holding me back in life because am so ashamed of it and i try to cover it with my fringe but you can still see it and i would like to get it removed but ive never found a place near me and if you know a place to get it removed near Invernes Scotland then please can you tell me!!!! Thank You xxx
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Isabelle | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
I have a portwine birthmark on the left of my face, when i was younger i had extenstensive laser treatment (like 10 times). Luckily iy has faded and I can now cover it with makeup, but hardly any of my friends know and ITs embarrasing at sleepovers and school trips whereyou feel embarrased to take your makeup off and have to hide in the toilet till you have reapllied. You mgiht be reading this thinking well she is lucky least she can cover it etc but I constantly think about people still being able to see it, and people seeing me without makeup! IT has also made my face ‘wonky’ so when im older i plan to get a nose job to make this less noticable. Over the years my birthmark has made me a stronger person, but it is not good to be this defensive. I know surgery is not an option for everyon, but i am truely greatful for having the opportunity, and I value everyone who can carry on day to day and being strong
xx
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Isabelle | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
also to all those who are goign to pay for makeup, I know you can get very good quality camoflague doctors on the nhs persciption.
! go to you gp and ask about veil cover creme, its really good.
and mac also make one which i use currently, (but switch between the other one too) its £20 called full coverage foundation, and you can go your local mac store and get a make up artist to apply, dont be embarrased about this, it seems silly but it really does work and even if it doesnt cover 100% it can cover a bit and give just that boost of confidence
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aubrey pangan | Mar 14, 2009 | Reply
hi my name is aubrey im 27 years old and i have this red birthmark at my right side of my hand im tired of living in this birthmark its very noticeable bec. it covers all over my hand thats why i do want to wear a short sleeve clothes bec. peoples asking did hurt myself thats annoying and embarassing is syrgery only is the option to remove my birthmark.
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Sarah | Mar 14, 2009 | Reply
I have a port wine stain on the left hand side of my face, I have suffered so much abuse about it over the years, i am 20yrs old and am due to get married next june. I am a beauty therapist therfor do know how to cover it with make up but this really brings me down as I now have 2 wear make up at all times, I would really like it gone for my wedding, does anyone know how long the laser treatment lasts and if i could rid of it in time for my wedding
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baqir hassan | Mar 20, 2009 | Reply
I have pigmentation bmark right below my neck and it’s not as bad as some of the others but is kind of annoying becuz I have to hide it
I am looking to have of removed
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alex | Apr 10, 2009 | Reply
I have a sphere shaped coffee birthmark around 3 cm width and 1 cm height on my stomach next to my belly button. I hate it and want to get it removed as soon as possible. It makes me so self concious and when people ask me weather to come swimming with them I always have to make up an excuse for not going.
How do you first discuss it to your doctor
How long will it take to get it removed ( not during surgery) — Like waiting list
Does it hurt?
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ashley | Apr 13, 2009 | Reply
im 13 and i have a portwine birthmark on my whole left leg. i always feel embarresed of it so i never wear shorts or capris. i hate hiding it i justwant it gone so i can just live my life as someone normal and acuatly feel pretty for once. :[
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tilly | Apr 18, 2009 | Reply
Hey i have one in the same place and i hate hoe self concious i makes me, mines a little bigger than yours and its so dark that i dread anyone seeing it an will never go swimming either.
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Ann | Apr 28, 2009 | Reply
Can you tell me details of wonderful US doctor, please?
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Ann | Apr 28, 2009 | Reply
Can you give me the details of the wonderful US surgeon, please?
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rasheed | May 24, 2009 | Reply
i have a birthmark in an intimate area. Its bad because women think am infected…help plz
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Stephen | May 28, 2009 | Reply
Hi, I have a birthmark on my eyebrow which has prevented the colour of my eyebrow and eyelashes from colouring, has any1 ever heard of this before?Can it be treated?Feedback would be much appreciated : )
Stephen
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RJ | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
Hey, I have a port wine stain birthmark on the back of my left leg. i’m so self concious of it, and during the summer i never wear shorts skirts or dresses because of it. i just want it to be removed and gone forever, so i can live my life without feeling so alone because i’m the only person i know that has a birthmark like mine. :’(
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Rebecca | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
Hi, my name is Becky and I am 13. I have a port wine stain birthmark almost exactly between my two eyes, although it has considerably faded as I have got older I desperately want it removed. It is only recently (within the past year) that I have felt conscious of it and felt it is holding me back. My family are reluctant to let me pursue surgery, even though I have the money in a savings account, in case I regret it. Can anyone offer me advice as I feel like a freak…….no offfence to others with birthmarks! Thanks in advance.
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Chris | Jun 12, 2009 | Reply
hi, my name is chris. Im 17. im african american and i have a bmark on the right side of my face. its light brown. i want mine removed as well. in middle school i go teased a lot. I dont get teased as often in high school. Especially when your a senior. A lot of ppl thinks its cool. I have A LOT of friends and they say nothing about it. Some ppl ask me about it and i tell them what it is. Some girls think im attractive and some dont, but thats life right. Anyway, i would like to get mine removed but to some of u with bmarks not on ur face i dont think its a really big deal. you may have it on ur leg or arm but imagine having it on your face. Once you compare yours to mine its not that bad.
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Myra | Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
Hi everyone. I have read all your stories and to be honest, I too can relate to the humiliation and the low self-esteem one simple
birthmark can cause. I’m here to say that on Wednesday June 17,2009 I will be getting laser surgery to remove my birthmark. I will be happy to post how it went and if the procedure is well worth it.
- Myra
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Sarah | Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
@Myra
I’m sure we’d all love to hear how your birthmark removal surgery goes. Good luck with it – hope it goes well!
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ted barker | Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
Are macular birthmarks easy to remove?
When I apply pressure it dissapears for a few moments
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Becky | Jun 17, 2009 | Reply
reading all these stories is so wierd, because i thought i had a problem with the way i felt,
:)
i honestly feel i cannot cope with having to wear all this makeup, i just want to be able to have them days where i can go out looking a mess, but i cant. im always worried my makeup will come off, i cant do normal things like go swimming.
my birthmark is located above my lip on the right hand side and is a dark red.
im hoping to go to australia at christmas to visit my boyfriend who recently moved there, but he does not know about my birthmark, and i would really like to get it removed so im able to not have to wear makeup and worry about it day in day out, can anyone help with makeup thats good, or even a place for surgery?
thankyou
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Kim | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
Hi my name is kim, im 20 years old and hate myself because of my birth mark which is from the top of my back all the way round and down to the top of my knee, its making me even more dispressed by the day. any advise!!! please
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Sally | Jul 29, 2009 | Reply
hi,
i have had a birth mark since i was young on my forehead. it didnt bother me that much when i was little because i didnt know what it was. but now im a teenager, and all my friends where funky headbands and cool hairstyles and have there hair back for swimming and other events. i have never worn one because of my birthmark. i have a full on fringe and all apart from my family have seen it, my mums a hairdresser so she cuts my hair, i see her do other peoples hair so nice with no fringe and she puts lovely clips in but i have always had a fringe, it doesnt suite me at all, and i really want to be normal. i also never go swimming with my friends cos my hair gets wet and my fringe ususually goes back and everyone would see it, what age can i have it removed and do you have any advise ? sally x
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sarah | Aug 6, 2009 | Reply
Hello All,
I found this site whilst once again searching for treatment for my vast birthmarks. I have port wine marks across my back, down my legs, my right arm and even my right breast. I am 36 and have been looking all of my adult life for treatment.
I have had laser surgery it faded them slightly, took years and was painful at times. I don’t want to put anyone off looking for treatment at all but i do wont to say something about letting these marks hold you back.
I am a bit older than most of the posts but i do remember how it felt as a child and young adult living with the misery of birthmarks. However it never stopped me doing anything i wanted to do, i studied, i have a great job, i’m married to an airline pilot and we have a 2 year old daughter.
Life will always present problems along the way, your family and friends will always love and support you. Those that taunt, call names etc ( and we have all had this) are ignorant and often lack self esteem themselves.
By all means look for treatment, which gets better all the time but don’t stop living and achieving your goals just because you feel as though you don’t look the same as everyone else. We are unique, each of us.
Good luck everyone.
sarah
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Nassar | Aug 10, 2009 | Reply
Hi, i have a birthmark stain on the right side of my face which is the size of 2 pound coin. I very much hate the sight of it when i look in the mirror and i think how can i get it removed. But there is no chance of that happening in the UK unless someone knows a particular surgeon. I try to hide this by wearing collar shirts and when people talk to me i look away. Its really affecting me when im going for interviews or even talking to people. This is one thing in my life that i really want and if any of guys can help me, i would really, really appreciate it. I wouldn’t mind going abroad either so we should go as a group?
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alexa Nini | Aug 11, 2009 | Reply
i am 20 yrs old and i know exactly how you feel. i have the whole back side of my left like with a port wine stain. It is extremely stressful always knowing it’s there and comparing yourself to other girls. But I know this isn’t the advice you want but you need to be confident. I where bathing suits and shorts and I just act like I don’t care. I know that even that is extremely hard, but being ok with it helps your friends and people you meet be ok with it to. So do your thing!!!! oh and if you ever find a permanent cure let me know too
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Nassar | Aug 14, 2009 | Reply
how did it go myra?
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camy | Aug 16, 2009 | Reply
hello!I ve got similar problem.have you been to USA did you rezolve your problem?please let me know…thank you1
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neil | Aug 20, 2009 | Reply
All,
I have a large PWS covering my scalp, temples, left side of my neck, left pectorial, and all down my left arm…..Pretty extensive I’m sure you’ll agree.
Anyway, I have been receiving treatment at Nottingham Queens Medical Centre and it has dramatically toned the dark purple colour.
I would like to add that prior to visiting Nottingham Queens Medical Centre I went to Bedford Hospital for treatment. All in all I have bee receiving treatment for 10 years. Treatments have been 3-4 months apart, and they have been painful but wholly worth it.
I am lucky to be receiving my treatment on the NHS. I advise everyone out there to speak to their GP and ask to be in touch with their local SKIN Clinic.
I will help anyone who asks me any questions.
Good luck to you all.
P.S Anyone who takes that extra second when they look at you in the street just think; what a wanker.
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riya | Sep 5, 2009 | Reply
i have a red coloured birth mark on my right cheek…could u plz suggest me d treatment….is it risky?
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lee | Oct 25, 2009 | Reply
hi im 24 and have a birth mark on my left side of my face, even though im happy with my girlfriend, id love 2 tavel 2 america 2 get it removed b4 i get married and have children.
please help with information on geting it fully removed
thanks
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mj | Nov 2, 2009 | Reply
hey sweety im going trough the same thing as u im 25 and every one always say im so beautiful but i never felt beautiful cos of my birthmark in my neck and i alwys have to hide it if im out and my friends or boyfriend dont know i have a birtmark so i know what ur going through love mj
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Rachel | Nov 10, 2009 | Reply
Hiya im 14 and have a birthmark on my eyebrow its dark brown and ive lost most of my condidence because of it. people always ask what it is and sometimes they make fun, i have a fringe to cover it but i dont really want a fringe as it doesnt suit me much , i want it removed but im not sure how to ask my mum and im scared of the pain, please help me someone:( x
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misty | Nov 12, 2009 | Reply
wow….boooo hoooo…brown stains or port wine marks or whatever BIG DEAL! i would love to have that instead of what i have! just a piece of skin a different color from the rest of your skin. I have a big hockey puck sized red birthmark, and it stick out almost as far as a puck would. It is on the very top of my arm. I HATE IT! i have never been able to wear bathing suits or short sleeves. and i hated shopping for my grad dress because they are ALL SLEEVLESS! so on my grad day when im supposed to feel beautiful i felt ugly and selfconcious. and this summer i will have to be in a wedding and all those ugly feelings are going to start back up.and being 23 and all my freinds wear tanks and sleevless shirts in the summer its so depressing cause i cant wear stuff like that without a bunch of stares and questions. so please dont bitch about your little stains.
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Cei | Dec 8, 2009 | Reply
im a girl im 13 years old And i have a big birthmark coving my hole cheek, people say u have lipstick on your face and stuff it makes me upset if your child is born with a birthmark put ur child out off all this noncence (:
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Laureb | Jan 22, 2010 | Reply
Hi my name is lauren and i have a red birthmark on the back on my shoulder (it is quiet big), i can definatley say that i havnt been able to do the things that i have wanted through my life so far, im 15. especially in the summer, ill feel so self concious, so ill have to wear a cardigan to cover it up or a short-sleeved top, also i can never go out to clubs etc. without searching foever to find a dress that it suitable, i amd desperate to get surgery, i dont care how much it hurts, i just NEED it removed so i can enjoy the rest of my life, please can somenodody tell me roughly how much it would be to get a birthmark removed??
thank-you
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Laureb | Jan 22, 2010 | Reply
i know exactley how you feel, mine is bright red on my back on by shoulder, and im in the EXACT situation. its horrible, i also have prom soon and im dreading looking for a dress.
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Lauren | Jan 22, 2010 | Reply
IM IN THE EXACT SAME SITUATION….and its horrible, seriously this is like reading my mind!
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Cazz | Jan 28, 2010 | Reply
hi, i have a birthmark on my face and for many years have been receiving treatment. tbh though, it doesnt bother me, the majority of people at my school have come to accept it.
but for those who are struggling to cope, i have been receiving treatment at St Johns Hospital in Livingston, Scotland. There is a doctor who specializes in plastic surgery & birthmark removal.
hope this helps(:
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debbiecolesell | Jan 29, 2010 | Reply
I am debbie i also have a birthmark over my right eye. I have been bullied all my life but on a positive note it has not held me back
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dorothy | Feb 8, 2010 | Reply
Hi,i have a 1yr old daughter who was born with a birthmark on her forehead(leftside),it even affected her left eye though the doctor says she has no problem with her vision.people always ask me what happened to her eye and it makes me feel bad.am worried about her get’g teased when she starts school.
pliz if anyone knows any good doctor who can help,pliz let me know.
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kayleigh | Feb 11, 2010 | Reply
hi my names kayleigh and i am 23 years old and suffer with alot of depression. i have a birth mark on the side of my face and i hate it so much i am so unhaapy with it. its stops me doing daily routine things. If the wind blows and throws my hair of the side of my face i will hold my hair over my birthmark. i dont like it when people stare at it. i asked the doctor what he would recomend and he sed if i had laser treatment it would stretch my face. so ive opted out of that. ive tryed camoflauge make up and it doesent work is ther anything eles i can do to cover it
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Claire | Feb 27, 2010 | Reply
hi i’m claire.
i am 15 and have a brown birthmark on my forehead. It really get’s me down, so i have a fringe to cover it up. i play alot of sport and have to scrape my hair back and i feel so self concious when people see it. how cheap is lazer surgery?
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Michelle | Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
ISABELLE!I am 16 and have a PWS on my right cheek down to my chin and a little spotting on mu neck. I also have had about 10 treatments and know how you feel. I gone through so much grief and i use makeup at all. At sleepovers and trips i tell my friends in advance i have a PWS and they are totally ok with it. There are so mean people out there that will put you down but don’t worry be strong. I play volleyball and constantly check on my makeup cause i feel like people can see through me and it makes me self conscience. I am planning to get more laser to lighten it and for once have a normal face! i am tired of makeup and hiding under this mask!!! I wish you luck with yours.
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Katrine | Mar 10, 2010 | Reply
Hi, I’m 21 and I have a dark red birthmark under my right eye.. It’s a pain cos I try to cover it with make-up but it is still noticeable, so I get uncomfortable when people look me in the eye cos I feel like they are staring at it. I had loads of laser treatments when I was younger but nothing worked. A year and a half ago, after having 2 guys comment on how awful it was that I had been punched in the face, I went to SKIN and the guy told me that seeing as the treatments haven’t worked before there is a chance it’s a birthmark that can’t be removed. Tried one treatment and no difference.. I don’t know what to do now, don’t want to give up but don’t want to waste my money either.
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