You might be surprised to learn that more than 10% of babies have birthmarks. While these are often innocuous and hardly visible, some people develop self-esteem issues due to their presence. This is especially true if someone has a birthmark on their face or easily visible part of the body.
It’s possible to get birthmark removal surgery to handle issues like these, but not everybody understands what they should know about the process. We’ve put together a brief guide with the key information to consider. Let’s explore what you need to know before your procedure in Lexington, KY.
Don’t Wear Makeup on Treatment Day
As you might expect, it’s essential not to wear makeup over the area the surgery will target. This will cause unnecessary delays and could interfere with how the surgeon preps this part of your body. It’s best to remain completely natural after showering on the day of your surgery.
Avoid Tanning for Four Weeks
Tanning can lead to complications if done too close to your surgery date. Don’t neglect this obligation, as it’s one of the easiest to manage. While resisting the temptation to lay out in the sun can be difficult during the warmer months, do your best to avoid doing so.
Avoid Skin Treatments
Certain skin treatments can lead to inflammation or irritation and make your surgery more complicated. For instance, you should avoid chemical peels before your surgery. These will leave your skin raw and vulnerable.
Tell Your Doctor About Medications You Take
Certain medications could interfere with your procedure, so it’s essential to tell your doctor what you’re taking. Be transparent about this topic even if you aren’t comfortable divulging this information.
Medication-related complications can sometimes be severe and difficult to overcome. It’s best to prevent them altogether.
Types of Birthmarks
Many people are unaware that there are many different types of possible birthmarks. Understanding which ones you have will help you mentally prepare for the required removal procedure. Let’s explore them so you know what to keep in mind.
Salmon Patches
These are some of the most common that people experience. Salmon patches appear as flat pink marks.
They generally fade as children age, but some people have them throughout adulthood. This type of birthmark doesn’t require treatment, but it’s not uncommon for people to be displeased with their cosmetic appearance.
Port Wine Stains
People with port wine stains are often insecure about their appearance due to these appearing as large spots that can be dark red or purple. Compared to other birthmarks, these are more likely to occur on the face. Without treatment, they tend to enlarge.
Cafe-au-Lait Spots
This term is French for “coffee with milk,” which is used to describe their light to medium brown appearance. These birthmarks are innocuous and won’t result in complications, and they tend to be located on the torso and legs. Having several of these spots larger than a quarter could be the sign of a medical condition called McCune-Albright syndrome, though.
Strawberry Hemangiomas
These are collections of tightly packed blood vessels that are red or purple. They can appear on the chest, back, scalp, and face. They’re fairly rare compared to other types of birthmarks on this list.
Best Practices for Aftercare
To ensure your recovery goes smoothly, there are certain practices you should implement to avoid complications. With a bit of foresight, you can get through the recovery process quickly and effectively. Listed below are the steps to keep in mind.
Stay out of the Sun
You should minimize UV exposure for at least two weeks after your surgery. If the area is significantly lighter than the surrounding skin, be sure to use sunscreen with a high SPF. Otherwise, you could experience skin damage.
Keep an Eye Out for Infection
The last thing you want after surgery is to let an unchecked infection progress into something more serious. Redness and pain around the surgery site are the most common.
In some cases, you might notice pus or bleeding. If you discover these issues, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
Every situation is different, and your surgeon will give you instructions based on your specific needs. Even if these seem confusing or unnecessary, listen to their recommendations. The advice they give is meant to help you as easily as possible.
Finding a Surgeon for Birthmark Removal Surgery
Not all surgeons are created equal, and it’s imperative to do your due diligence when looking for one. Check their online reputation to see what others have to say about their services.
There should be no shortage of positive feedback. When looking through this information, though, keep an eye out for fake reviews. These are often posted in batches and contain many of the same keywords.
They can be negative or positive, but you should ignore them when making your assessment. How enthusiastic are they about your project?
If your surgeon doesn’t seem passionate about helping you reach your goals, don’t be afraid to look elsewhere. You can assess their enthusiasm by paying attention to the questions they ask about your situation.
Reputable surgeons will want to know as much as possible. Do they prioritize continuing education (CE)? While surgeons must satisfy CE requirements each year, some don’t take this obligation as seriously as they should.
These individuals are less likely to use contemporary tools and techniques. The level of experience they have plays a role in the results you get, as well. Ideally, you’ll find someone who’s been practicing on patients like you for at least a decade.
What is their pricing structure like? You should avoid the cheapest surgeons you encounter, as these are unlikely to meet your goals. You don’t need to pay the highest possible amount, though.
Handle This Process Appropriately
The information in this guide will help you adequately prepare for your birthmark removal surgery. From here, you should have no issues quickly recovering and enjoying your new appearance. Just be sure to work with the right professional.
Central KY Dermatology offers premier cosmetic services in Lexington, KY, and has over 15 years of experience providing stellar results. We prioritize transparency so our clients can be as comfortable as possible. You’ll learn more about what we have to offer when you get in touch with us today.