Removal of scars, tattoos, moles or birthmarks

Apr 15
07:24

2009

Sajid Latif

Sajid Latif

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Why are scars, tattoos, moles or birthmarks removed? Scars, moles and birth marks can often be improved or removed by plastic surgery techniques. Scar...

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Why are scars,Removal of scars, tattoos, moles or birthmarks Articles tattoos, moles or birthmarks removed?

Scars, moles and birth marks can often be improved or removed by plastic surgery techniques. Scars left from teenage acne or chickenpox or those that result from accidents or injury can be disfiguring and unsightly. Similarly, moles and birthmarks can be unattractive, and tattoos can lose their appeal.

What happens during the removal?

Targeted laser techniques can be used to remove port-wine stain birth marks, haemangiomas (birthmarks caused by the abnormal distribution of veins) and spider veins. The underlying problem with these conditions involves small, dilated blood vessels just below the skin that are not essential for the blood supply to the skin. If the laser is directed at a vein, it can destroy it and hence remove the blemish.

Tattoos that have pigment injected into the skin near its surface can be removed by a similar laser technique. However, if the pigment has been inserted deep into the skin, it may be necessary to remove the piece of skin completely. Depending on the size of the tattoo, a skin graft may be needed.

What happens before the removal?

It is advisable to stop smoking for several weeks before the date of the operation to help the skin to heal well afterwards. If you take aspirin-containing medicines or anti-coagulants, they may need to be stopped or reduced in dose before the procedure, especially if an operation is likely.

What should I expect in the hospital?

The doctor discusses carefully with you what you want from the procedure and advises you of the range of techniques available and the possible improvements that can be achieved. You will be reminded that any operation performed will leave a scar, although this can be hidden or minimised to some degree, and that laser procedures may not remove the blemish completely. As scars tend to settle and fade with time, the doctor may recommend waiting for at least a year after the injury or surgery before further work on the scar. Problems such as itching or discomfort can be helped in the meantime with steroid injections into the area of the scar.

What are the possible common complications of removal?

Complications from laser resurfacing are uncommon. The most common problems are redness and occasionally blistering of the skin, infection, bleeding, a reaction to the anaesthetic and loss or gain of skin pigment.

If the blemish requires an operation, there are risks associated with a general anaesthetic. Chest infections and thrombosis (blood clots in the legs) are possible complications of any general anaesthetic but they are more common if you smoke or are very overweight.

How long will I have to stay in hospital?

If laser resurfacing or minor surgery with local anaesthetic is performed, this can be carried out as a day case, when you arrive in the morning, have the procedure performed and then go home afterwards. It is advisable to have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after the procedure.

If a skin graft is considered necessary, you will need to stay in hospital overnight.

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