Birthmark Removal: What kinds of birthmarks can be removed

There are many kinds of birthmarks, some of which are appropraite for cosmetic removal surgery, while others are not. Here is a list of birthmarks and information about whether a cosmetic surgery procedure might be appropriate:

Moles *: Can often be removed with minimal or no scarring

Café-au-lait spots * : Can also often be removed surgically, but depending on where they are and how big they are, there might be a scar left behind

Salmon patches: These are usually temporary, disappearing in early childhood. Most cosmetic surgeons recommend leabving these spots alone due to the risk of scarring with removal.

Port wine stains: Do not go away, tend to be on the face and are very obvious discoloations. These are the types of birthmarks that lend themselves to birthmark removal procedures such as laser therapy. These treatments can lighten the port wine stains significantly.

This is very general information of four of the most common kinds of birthmark. As you can see, only the port wine stain birthmark is an excellent candidate for removal. That said, nothing on this page should take the place of consultation with a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon.


* Any spot on the skin that changes in shape, coloring, or texture should be immediately examined by a dermatologist